Runner's Etiquette

I run quite often to stay in shape and keep healthy. Running outdoors in streets, sidewalks, parks you undoubtedly run pass other exercise enthusiast. Unknown to the outside, idle world but there is a runner’s code of etiquette that is amusing and intriguing. The most notable and widely practiced rule is the nod (male 2 male) or the smile &/or wave combo (male 2 female).

Imagine yourself running down a long side walk. The sidewalk is moderately hilly but you can see a fair amount of distance in front of you. Cars roar past you but they don’t affect your running that much since you have your iPod snuggly fastened in your ears. All of sudden on the horizon pops up another runner. It clicks in your head that you’re both on the same sidewalk running and will eventually pass by each other. As you move closer to the opposing runner you realize that is a girl. Seconds later you go by and almost too conscientiously do the smile & wave. If you saw this person any other place in the world you would pass them by like anyone else but because you both happen to have gone running at that exact same time you smile & wave. This is not isolated to the United States either. This happens as well in London & Antwerp, yet why do we feel compelled to acknowledge our fellow person at this junction? It is great that this simple communication happens among us but is the bond between 2 passing by runners really that strong to warrant this? Experience says yes but logic says no. It reminds me as if the world stops for a second while you and the other runner pass by and the fate of humanity rests upon each other’s acknowledgment of one another.