The runners wave?

[trixiee]

I typically raise a hand to runners and cyclists. I find that some runners will respond back, others don't. I find ALL the cyclists respond. They are always so friendly. Will say good morning etc. as well. Runners not as much.

Woo Hoo! Cyclists are the most friendly folks out there. However, there are those young 20 year old guys that always shoot me a look of disdain without exception. That's as they are passing me... I love turning on the afterburners and will draft them for a bit. That really freaks them out!

[scottch]

I always wave and say "good morning" to runners while I am running. I belong to that 30-40 male group and I used to be worried that I was bothering people when I waved (especially the women as they looked like they were in the zone), but I found that when I was debating in my head whether or not I should wave, they initiated the smile and wave first. It just seems to be the thing around here, everyone smiles and waves. I find the older folks out walking their dogs to always want to say hi.

I wonder if it is a regional thing. I lived out in Calgary for a couple of years and I found they would avoid eye contact up there. One day I was walking along and made eye contact with someone and said good morning. Well I think they thought they had died and gone to heaven. They were so excited that someone said hi to them. Like me, they were from the east coast and noticed the same eye avoidance.

[Avis]

I wonder if it is a regional thing. I lived out in Calgary for a couple of years and I found they would avoid eye contact up there. One day I was walking along and made eye contact with someone and said good morning. Well I think they thought they had died and gone to heaven. They were so excited that someone said hi to them. Like me, they were from the east coast and noticed the same eye avoidance.

There is definitely a regional factor at play. The level of street-friendliness is definitely different in each city/area I've lived in or visited. I find that, in general, people in Sherbrooke are eye-contact avoiders. That is true whether they are just out for a stroll, walking a dog, or running. I still greet people in some way (at least a nod and a smile), if I can catch their eye.

[DLS]

As Gnu said, I live in a small town and wave/say good morning to almost everyone. I've determined that I do so for the following groups:

a) those running
b) those walking
c) those cycling
d) those who are running or cycling while I am driving (they never wave back...sigh)
e) anyone who I either know, might know through family/friends, or might meet real soon.



As I said, I live in a small town, so there really aren't THAT many people to greet.
The funny thing is, because I greet everyone, I've found that people feel that they "know" me, and some will initiate conversation the next time I encounter them at the farmers market, school, grocery store, etc. Which is kinda cool!

[fingerboy]

I was thinking about this thread today on my run along the Beltline and some streets. Over 100 runners, walkers etc., almost as many waves. Only 1 cyclist on the street and one runner waved back.

Must be my scowl.

[Double Bellybuster]

Are any of you out there wavers or do you not wave back, why not?

I live in the country so it is somewhat rare to see someone. I always greet runners and cyclists with an enthusiastic "Good Morning" or "Good afternoon." 25% of the time they respond and I am happy. 75% of the time, they act as if I am not there and I mutter "A*#hole" after I pass them.

Just being honest.

[NewFinnLoper]

Are any of you out there wavers or do you not wave back, why not?

I live in the country so it is somewhat rare to see someone. I always greet runners and cyclists with an enthusiastic "Good Morning" or "Good afternoon." 25% of the time they respond and I am happy. 75% of the time, they act as if I am not there and I mutter "A*#hole" after I pass them.

Just being honest.

When my DH and I are running we say a cheery "Good morning/afternoon/evening!" to everyone we meet...if we pass someone who ignores us or says nothing DH says quietly to me..."..or not..." and we laugh...