Can we normalize the "runner's wave" again?

[Anonymous]

This is really getting me down. It's like people are so afraid to even acknowledge another human being outside anymore.

Runners (or walkers), can you please respond to my cracked smile and wave? Let's at least acknowledge that we're out getting exercise and sometimes it's facking hard. And I get being reserved on a trail alone with men, but I'm a 5'2" profusely sweating lady wearing shorts when it's 52 degrees.

[Anonymous]

Aw, I had the same thought this morning in the blustery wind. I waved to the 3 people I saw and only got 1 wave back. I didn't think it was for the reason you listed, I just figured they suck.

[Anonymous]

You must not run in my neighborhood, we’re still waving. We must be slow to catch on to new trends out here in the suburbs.

[Anonymous]

A lot of newbie runners out there. They may not all be familiar with the "runner's wave."

It took me a few times before I realized the waves and head nods were meant for me. When I first started running, I was focusing so hard on just breathing and keeping my feet moving, and I barely registered the gestures. Just keep extending the good will. Eventually they will be reciprocated!

[Anonymous]

I am all for friendliness, but I’ve been a runner for 25 years, and I’ve never heard of the runners wave. Or knew that it was really a thing. Whether I’m walking, running, or standing in the street, I occasionally acknowledge people, usually only when they make an effort to make eye contact,but definitely don’t always make it a thing when I’m running. It’s nice to acknowledge people when you feel like it, but sometimes you just zone out, or you simply don’t feel like engaging with other people, and that’s OK too.

[Anonymous]

I do it with familiar strangers that I see repeatedly, but not every person.

[Anonymous]

Drive through my neighborhood; I will wave at you.

Been told this is a Midwest thing but I’m a FXCO native.

[Anonymous]

I always wave to fellow runners. I wave to walkers if they smile and wave first. I’ve learned on DCUM this year how much walkers hate runners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always wave to fellow runners. I wave to walkers if they smile and wave first. I’ve learned on DCUM this year how much walkers hate runners.

Walkers don't hate runners - it's the newbies who rarely ventured outside before the past year, who hate runners. Many are still grappling with basic trail/path etiquette (some new runners are as well).

[Anonymous]

I'd like to bring the wave back too! I used to wave at everyone and now it seems like people look the other way. I think it's so rude!

[Anonymous]

I'm not used to people being friendly around here. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

I smile and wave all the time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always wave to fellow runners. I wave to walkers if they smile and wave first. I’ve learned on DCUM this year how much walkers hate runners.

Walkers don't hate runners - it's the newbies who rarely ventured outside before the past year, who hate runners. Many are still grappling with basic trail/path etiquette (some new runners are as well).

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Runners and walkers are united in our (justified) hatred of cyclists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always wave to fellow runners. I wave to walkers if they smile and wave first. I’ve learned on DCUM this year how much walkers hate runners.

It’s not a real beef.

[Anonymous]

Op, if they can see your smile does that mean you’re not wearing a mask? How close are you to them? They may be anxious that you’re maskless and too close