Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: What are your running pet peeves? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
When it comes to running, there are quite a few things that really get on my nerves! Here are a few of my running pet peeves.
When runners don’t acknowledge other runners
Seriously, how hard is it to be kind? Yes, while you can’t smile to acknowledge other runners (due to face coverings), you can still wave or do a head nod. Especially with everything going on and everyone being so disconnected, why not show a little kindness to your fellow runners?!
Snot rockets
This will forever be disgusting. I have allergies year-round but they are really bad in the Spring. Because of this, I always make sure that I run with a bunch of tissues because I often have to wipe my nose or my eyes. I’d rather run and be prepared for that instead of launching a snot rocket. Ugh – it grosses me out just thinking about it!
When runners debate over virtual races
With the uptick in virtual races, it seems like everyone has an opinion about them. Personally, if I got a PR during a virtual race, I wouldn’t count it, but that’s my decision. If someone wants to count it as a PR then that’s great! I don’t understand why some runners feel the need to force their unwarranted opinions on other runners – it’s annoying.
When races start late
This REALLY irritates me, especially if the race is supposed to start super early in the morning!
When runners listen to their music without headphones
I love music and I always run with music for training runs or races, but I always wear headphones. I think it’s disrespectful to listen to your music without headphones. If someone likes to run in silence, this can be very disruptive. Also, it’s just flat out rude!
Tell me: What are your running pet peeves?
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Ha! Sometimes I don’t mind the music. I don’t run with any so sometimes it’s a nice motivator. But then sometimes, not so much!
I hate when races are scheduled for “late” but yes, I also hate when they delay the start because people are still registering or parking or whatever. Sometimes it’s unforseeable (traffic accident or construction holding up arrivals), but it’s also poor planning. Do better!
I’ve done a few Rock n Roll races that have started late for numerous reasons, but mainly poor planning on their end. It’s so annoying, especially when the race starts at 6:30am.
Oooh, good ones! Add to that the runner who shoved me off the single track at my recent trail race. WTH? And groups of runners who won’t move over to let a single runner pass…
OMG that’s crazy! I don’t understand what goes through someone’s mind where they think it’s okay to push someone.
Oh God, listening to music without headphones! I mean, I get it, headphones are a pain. But I don’t want to hear your music (unless I do, LOL!).
Definitely other runners not acknowledging my greeting, too.
Exactly! I can understand the traditional wired headphones being annoying but there are so many options for wireless headphones now so there’s really no excuse.
Yeah, a big nod of agreement with all of these. Running is such a personal endeavor, and It’s annoying when some try to force their opinion on all the “others” who are not doing things their way…that’s probably my biggest annoyance. And the snot rockets LOL Why, oh why, do they think it’s acceptable to share their mucus with others? .
The “know it all” runners drive me crazy. I think a lot of them talk just to hear themselves speak.
Ha, snot rockets was one of my first ones too on my post 🙂
You are so right about music without headphones. It’s really weird to me! These are all so right on. I don’t care about virtual races and whether they are PR’s. PR’s are PERSONAL records, so whatever you want to use as a PR doesn’t matter to me!
Exactly! Everyone defines what their PR is to them and that’s all that matters.
I’ve given up on people who don’t acknowledge a wave, smile or a cheerful hello! One of my big ones though is when 2 – 3 people walk/run towards you in a line (side-by-side) and not ONE sees it fit to move behind the line so you have space to pass. It happens so much and I don’t get it. Sometimes I’ve had to go off the path because not one person moved. It really annoys me and I just find it so inconsiderate.
Ahh yes, that’s a huge pet peeve of mine too, especially during races!
I hate it when people run/walk or cycle with their music blaring. What make them think everyone wants to hear their music. I think it’s rude and inconsiderate. I love music too, which means I want to hear my music not theirs. Definitely a pet peeve of mine.
Yup! Also if the music is really loud I worry that they aren’t aware of their surroundings.
A great list, Kim!
Running with loud music in the era of headphones is so selfish.
Actually, I have only come across runners doing that maybe once or twice. More often, it’s the cyclists in the city who do that. So annoying!
Thanks Catrina! I didn’t even think of cyclists playing their music like that – that’s even worse!
Good list! I’m right there with you with runners who don’t acknowledge other runners…seriously what is that about?!
And thank you for raising the virtual race debate! I’ve seen some crazy commentary on social media over whether someone can claim a PR from a virtual and all I keep thinking is it’s not your place to say what someone else chooses to claim as their PR.
It’s just so rude, especially now! You would think people who be nice and happy to see other runners out in public. A personal record is just that – a personal record! We have no right to judge what someone counts as a PR.
The snot rockets and the spitting! Especially now totally not cool at all! And seriously, why can’t people say hi back when you pass by or wave? We are not in the Olympic trials here. Fun post
I still see people spitting outside while running, even now during the pandemic – so gross!!
one of my pet peeves about the NYRR borough races is they always start late. Trains are FUBAR on the weekend, this is a thing. Get an earlier one.
And yes on people running with speakers. It’s like cars blaring theirs – usually music no one wants to hear.
Yup! Absolute half of the races I’ve done with NYRR start late and there’s always a bottleneck right before crossing the start line. It’s crazy because I can always get to the race on time driving from CT but people that live in Manhattan are somehow always late, lol.
I’m with you on all of these! Once in a race I got stuck near someone broadcasting their music — that was serious motivation to pick up my pace.
Ugh – it’s just so inconsiderate!
Oh yes- races that start late really mess up everything! And the debate over virtual races is silly. It’s not like anyone is trying to claim prize money or anything- we’re all out here doing this for our own satisfaction. I would count it as a PR (I think) but let everyone decide for themselves.
Haha exactly! the things that people get so bent out of shape over always makes me laugh.
It definitely irks me too when runners don’t acknowledge other runners.
My biggest running pet peeves is cars that roll through a stop sign and don’t look for runners/pedestrians that might want to cross the street. I had so many “near”-collisions and am much more cautious when I approach intersections now.
Yes, that’s also a pet peeve of mine. I feel like some drivers are so distracted, especially by their cell phones.
I am guilty of sometimes not acknowledging other runners. Yep, I am in my zone. :-). I do agree with the other ones you posed too.
Being in the zone is okay, but I’ve encountered people looking at me and seeing me wave and still doing nothing back, lol.