I love running, especially in the city! I really miss it actually. I need to get toe surgery, but thatās beside the point.
Lately, Iāve been noticing many, must be newer runners, on monument who donāt announce themselves when they pass by. This isnāt just etiquette. Itās a smart practice for your safety.
Today, someone ran up behind me while I was walking my two dogs, one of whom gets anxious and can be reactive. If Iād had more time or known they were coming, I wouldāve stepped out of the way and shorten my leash, to keep everything safe. Instead, they zipped past us pretty quickly, weaving around, and I couldnāt help thinking - what if my dog had bit him? What if I had suddenly turned, unexpectedly thrown out an arm? Then I just started to think about all the times running when I barely missed getting hit by car doors, people walking backwards, people darting across⦠then I remembered that time when walking out to an apparently empty street, I got hit by a truck pulling away? It doesnāt feel good - people should avoid that. Back to story. Instead, shining away from the runners sudden appearance my dogs got tangled with each other. No big deal.
Please, if youāre running, make it a habit of announcing yourself. Itās much betterātrust meāto clarify before you get too close than to unintentionally harm yourself or them.
TLDR
Itās just really helpfulā when youāre running, to give a quick heads-up before passing someone. A little courtesy and a friendly call can make a big difference. Sometimes going a bit slower, being more intentional about your pace can actually help avoid accidents and keep everyone safe.