January of 2014, in an effort to shake a slump I made a bucket list. On that list were the goals to run both a half and a full marathon. As a cyclist my opinion on running had always been "only when chased" and I could not understand why anyone would put themselves through the torture, so these goals were in part a lark.
Fast forward to March of 2015 and I have a half marathin under my belt and am more likely to head out for a run these days than a ride. Often times I run with a group of women out of a local running store and this is particularly true on Thursdays when they host a women only social run. We're a pretty chatty group and on a nice day can number close to twenty. There is something about running or riding with someone that forges a stronger bond then almost anything else.
Running on the Santa Fe during a good weather day.
On a recent good weather day we were strung out along the local pedestrian path in groups, chattering as women will when a cyclist came along wanting to pass. The back of the group was able to hear his "on the left" and moved out of the way as he continued to shout about "share the trail". The tone of the shouting was a bit rude but it was what happened next that really shocked me.
Although the back of the group heard him, the middle part did not and he did not continue to announce his presence until he was right on top of them. At this point he angrily yelled "on your left" again. It took a minute for the women to process that there was someone behind them, but the did and moved out of the way. It is worth noting that this group included a sixth grader running with us while on spring break. She was the one in the way, and obviously a kid.
As he got through the group (perhaps thirty seconds later, there really was no significant delay), the man turned around, looked her dead in the eye and snarls "what the hell".
Shocked would be putting it mildly.
As a group we had done our best to move as soon as we heard him and although we weren't as fast as he wanted, there was no excuse for the language he used. I realize he is likely grumpy to begin with but I think it also stems from the conflict I have often witness between recreational cyclists and runners. In open space meetings mountain bikers and trail runners are routinely commenting on the other's behavior, on paved trails like the Santa Fe everyone seems to think they own the trail and the number of disparaging comments I have heard from both sides about the other over the years is discouraging.
A not so good weather day, but everyone is still happy!
Even more so because of how much we have in commen. As endurance athletes we understand the long hours of sufferng and dedication it takes to do well. As pedestrians we understand the dangers of reckless cars, unleashed dogs and dreaded piotholes. And finally, as open-space users we have a deep appreciation for local parks and the outdooes. We have so much in common and yet cyclists continue to look down on runners and runners continue to view cyclists as, well, entitled pricks.
When it comes down to it, we're all just trying to enjoy the outdoors, be healthy and get our training in. Yes, let's continue to "share the trail" but let's do so in a supportive and uplifting mannner. If we can't do that, then why should we expect any other user groups to do so?
No comments:
Post a Comment