Why are some runners so ignorant ?

When I read the forums on here I find that generally runners are a friendly lot. So why is it that when I go out running most of the other runners I see dont acknowledge me ? I always nod, wave, smile say hello to those running in the opposite direction. On some occassions I have made eye contact a few yards away from someone but as they get clsoer to me I can see that they are trying hard not to catch my eye again. Do other people have this 'issue' or is it just me ??

just you...I always get a hello from runners and cyclists and dog walkers etc..

Is it really an issue though?

Just you.....and me as well. Just because running's an individual sport doesn't mean we runners shouldn't acknowledge each other, but I find a lot of people don't. Also, if I was to talk to them socially I reckon a lot of them would be keen to mention running. It's a bit of a mystery - maybe some people get really "in the zone" when they're out running, and only the minority of us like to look around & take in the surroundings?

In my experience it depends when and where I'm running. If i'm out on a Saturday afternoon in the good weather, there'll be loads of other runners out and I'll barely get a nod. If i'm in the middle of nowhere, or up at the crack of dawn in the cold and the rain, then the one other person I see will usually give me a nod or a smile. Perhaps there's a greater degree of camraderie when there's fewer of you and you're braving the elements.

I am with AgentGinger - I go out at around 5:35 am - don't see many people and no runners, but those I do see walking dogs, heading off to work etc nearly always smile or say hello - (it may be that they are just laughing at me thinking what an idiot but they are to polite to say!!!!)

What Grendel and AG said!

J1M wrote (see)

I find it disappointing how few runners exchange a nod while out training.

top runners can be among the most friendly.

i used to pass Paula Radcliffe when out running and she would nod to everyone.

i used to pass Paula Radcliffe when out running and she would nod to everyone.

Surely with her running style it appears that she nods to everyone she passes ??!!

WiB wrote (see)

Is it really an issue though?

No, issue is the wrong word. It can be frustrating. I dont want to stop acknowledgeing people because thats not in my nature. But if thats how some people want to be then so be it

just becuase I'm out running I don't see why I need to acknowledge every one else out running. I'm not the most sociable of people and some days I just don't want to acknowledge the rest of the world. some days I do, some days I dont. I don't understand why it's something to get upset about tbh, just becuase you share a hobby doesn't mean you need to say hello to everyone else you see

carterusm wrote (see)

When I read the forums on here I find that generally runners are a friendly lot. So why is it that when I go out running most of the other runners I see dont acknowledge me ? I always nod, wave, smile say hello to those running in the opposite direction. On some occassions I have made eye contact a few yards away from someone but as they get clsoer to me I can see that they are trying hard not to catch my eye again. Do other people have this 'issue' or is it just me ??

Do you nod or greet people you pass when walking down the street?  Why is it any different because your are running?

It's a freindly bunch around my way. All the runners, cyclists and dog walkers always give a nod, hello or wave as we pass.

Podifer wrote (see)

I think we must be a fairly friendly bunch down here in Torbay - generally see lots of other runners up and the seafront and around the bay, and it's rare not to have that mutual acknowledgement, I think the comaraderie is one of the nice things about running.

We are in Exeter too! I also run in the bay sometimes as I work there.

Loon. wrote (see)

just becuase I'm out running I don't see why I need to acknowledge every one else out running. I'm not the most sociable of people and some days I just don't want to acknowledge the rest of the world. some days I do, some days I dont. I don't understand why it's something to get upset about tbh, just becuase you share a hobby doesn't mean you need to say hello to everyone else you see

fine, you carry on being miserable then, thats entirely your choice of course.

Wilkie wrote (see

Do you nod or greet people you pass when walking down the street?  Why is it any different because your are running?

Because we have a shared interest with other runners ? As stated in a previous reply, dog walkers in the park tend to stop and have a chat with another dog walker or at least acknowledge them as well. I'm not saying that every HAS to acknowledge me, I'm just curious if it happens a lot to other people as well.

Clearly I need to learn not to be so sensitive about this.....

Maybe you look like a serial killer...

I think you are letting it bother you too much. Do your thing, if you get an acknowledgement then fine, otherwise why are you bothered?

I follow the same pattern when running as I do when walking.  If in out in the wilds smile and nod to just about everyone I pass.  If in central London London where I will smile if I notice someone smiling, but won't automatically smile at other runners.  It's nothing to do with being unfriendly there are just too many runners around and what with dodging other path users, crossing roads, avoiding uneven paving stones, dog shit etc. there are just too many other things to worry about than the possibility of accidentally hurting someone's feelings.

there's a whole world of difference between being miserable and not making a point of noticing and greeting every runner you see everytime you go out. I honestly don't understand the need to be acknowledged by everyone :S