I just got home from a 5 mile run, and it was great! Why was it great? Well two miles in to it I was feeling a bit “blah.” It was sprinkling on me and I was praying I didn’t get caught in a storm 4 miles away from home, and windy, and dreary, and my music just wasn’t doing it for me. But along came a group of bicycle enthusiasts and one reached his hand out to give me a high five. “ALRIGHT!,” I thought, “this is awesome.” I was totally pumped up for the rest of my run.
It got me thinking, “What is the proper etiquette for crossing paths with other runners?” I usually nod, or not even if I am exhausted. But around mile 3 I was thinking, “What if I started to say ‘good job’ or ‘good work’ to passing runners?” We’re all doing it for different reasons but the bottom line is we are out there running our behinds off because we want to take care of ourselves -and isn’t that something to cheer on? I know I would love to hear someone yell out the window of a car “YOU GO GIRL!” or “YOU GOT THIS.” Why does that only have to happen during races?
What etiquette rules do you follow when out exercising?
I’m sucking down a protein shake right now. Do you drink those? Mine consists of: 1 c. almond milk, 3 ice cubes, 4 frozen strawberries (NSA), handful of frozen blueberries (NSA), 1 packet of Truvia, 1 stalk of kale and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. It made about 2 cups for 170-200 calories. Not bad but not good.
I’d take a picture but it’s not pretty. Picture a purple malt with specs of green kale.
I am on to Stage 2 of the NROLFW. I’m looking forward to changing it up a bit! I can see progress in my tracking and how I have increased my weights. Here are a few examples from my first workout in early May until now:
Squats: I was using 30lb. hand weights but now I am using 105 lb (including the barbell).
Seated Row: I started at 40 lbs. and am now up to 70 lbs.
Dead lift: I started using a 27 lb. bar and am now using a 65 lb. bar
Wide grip pulldown: I started using 40 lbs. and am now using 60 lbs.
So that’s a few examples of where I can see progress. I am lifting much heavier now. I’m curious though, and if any of you know this – please chime in. Is that pretty good progress for a 120 lb. 5′ 3″ girl? I know I was pretty easy on myself at the beginning but the weights I am using now are very challenging – but doable?
Well, on to stage 2. It involves some new moves I’ve never done, but have seen others do at the gym. I’m SO SO SO looking forward to changing it up. I’ll let you know how things go. And here is a photo to make you smile!
Don’t miss another post! Follow my blog by entering your e-mail address at the bottom of the homepage. Yes, it’s that easy! Questions? Contact me, Brianna Ludwig. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and the Don’t Eat Crap Facebook Page.
I generally wave, smile, nod at other runners I pass. If it seems appropriate I might say something. So often though people have headphones in and you can’t be sure comments would be heard. I always have the urge, when I’m in my car and see women running to say something encouraging. Especially if they have just crested a ridiculous hill, or are at the point in their run where they have to walk a minute. I have never done it (said anything) but your post might inspire me to give it a try. I agree with you, encouragement should not only happen at races!
. Encouragement from other runners means a lot because you know they know how you are feeling. Good or bad! Great post!
Thanks! I am going to start saying good job to the folks I pass. It takes that extra UMPH of motivation to even get outside, and they should be praised for it. We all should!
My latest protein shake is banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp flax seed, vanilla protein powder, and 1% milk (I bet it’d be great with almond milk)… it’s tasty!
I’d def. say you’re making good progress lifting! I’m 130 5’6 and doing 70 lb on cable rows and 80 on the pull downs usually. Keep it up!!
Thanks, I have all that stuff in my house. I’ll give it a shot later this week. I am so glad that I am on the right track!!
Best picture of buster yet!
I love it when that happens at just the right time. I’ve seen a lot of bloggers post that runners in their area aren’t friendly. That’s nuts to me. Where I live, almost everyone waves, nods, smiles, says hello, even thumbs up. And I always try to do the same.
[...] hear from you all, so please click here. I’ve heard from a few of you that you are now being courteous runners! One reader even told me after she passed an elderly couple and said hello the man said “that [...]