ikilledit

I don’t think that I have a particularly disagreeable face/appearance but I routinely receive dirty looks from people when I run in the evening, usually from drivers. Maybe this stems from ignorance on their part with respect to pedestrian rules/social codes. Or maybe they just hate me. Either way….some things to remember drivers/sentient vehicles:

• Cyclists have to go WITH traffic and obey the regular rules of the road. 
• Runners/pedestrians go AGAINST traffic. There’s a reason for this: you can see me, I can see you. I don’t have to worry about a car running me over from behind and you as a driver do not have to worry about not being able to call attention to a pedestrian who has his back facing you as you approach.
• I always move aside when a vehicle approaches. I would appreciate the same courtesy. I recognize that sometimes you do not have the space to do so with oncoming traffic, but if you do have the space… please give me some room to breathe. 
• Also: remember that I’m someone’s son/brother/partner in the same way that you are. You wouldn’t treat a family/friend who you knew was on the road with such aggression. 

Micah True, a well known ultrarunner was found dead this past weekend. True had gone missing days earlier when he went out for a morning run. The circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be verified. He was found with his legs submerged in a cold stream with his water bottle next to him. There were no obvious signs of trauma. I’m sure an autopsy will be performed and further information provided in the coming weeks. 

I’m not sure if True had told anyone of his specific whereabouts concerning his run, but the running community should use this as a reminder, albeit grim. 

When you head out for a run— always remember the following:

• WHERE - Let someone know exactly where you plan on running and then stick with that plan. 
• WHEN - Let someone know when you expect to be back, a rough estimate of how long your run should take you. Factor a bad run into this time-limit. 
• IDENTITY - Carry ID on you, or label some part of your gear with your name and an emergency contact. Also, if you have any specific health issues that an emergency care worker should be aware of. No one likes to think this way, but stuff happens: heart-attack, a run-in with a vehicle, a stumble that results in a broken leg or twisted ankle, etc. 
• HOW - Run the right way. If you’re on the road, run AGAINST traffic. This is so that you can be aware of what’s in front of you. Also, so that the cars coming toward you can see you clearly. If the option to run on a closed and path/trail is available then do so. 
• HEADPHONES - If you must wear headphones - keep the volume set at a level that allows you to be aware of what is happening around you. You should be able to hear someone say something to you and/or listen to a car horn. 
• GEAR - Wear the right clothing. If you’re running at night: head-lamp, lights, reflective material, etc. 

Common sense advice that unfortunately is not always so common. Run smart and run safe. We love this sport with a passion and we want to be able to enjoy it for as long as physically/mentally possible. A little foresight and planning will go a long way in ensuring that we come home safely to our family and loved ones. 

I don’t normally ask for reblogs but I think this is worth spreading. So share with as many people as possible.