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<< Carrying water while running ibuprofen and running? >>
 pet peeves
Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157
pet peeves Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:05 pm 
Time to air your gripes.

1. People chatting up a storm during a race, when I'm about to puke and die.
2. Oblivious drivers who are shocked, SHOCKED to see someone in the crosswalk.
3. Unleashed dogs that are just a little too friendly to passing runners.
4. "I don't even like to drive that far!"
OldManRunner
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Rochester, NY
Joined: 28 Nov 2004
Posts: 262
Re: pet peeves Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 5:43 am 
1. Unfenced dogs who are just a little too hungry and try to take a bite out of my thigh.
2. Drivers turning right on red who don't look to their right before going and nearly running me down.
3. People who yell "run Forest run" and laugh like they were the first person ever to utter such a clever phrase.
4. Walkers who insist on walking on the inside lane of the track.
5. People (usually women) working out on the treadmills at the Y wearing 'designer' sweat suits with long pants and long sleeves with still more clothes on underneath who cover 1 mile in 20 minutes and then call it a workout. Why not wear a hat and gloves too, in case they get chilly during all that exertion?
6. Pick-up truck drivers who think it's funny to swerve as close as possible to runners.
7. And, of course, people who line up at races closer to the front than their abilities would suggest.
Bricks
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Chicago
Joined: 09 Dec 2004
Posts: 222
Re: pet peeves Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:08 am 
1. Bandits
2. Roller Bladers
3. Walkers that "have every right to be here as you do"
4. Being told repeatedly by the same people "you're insane" or "running that much is bad for you"...
5. The guy in my office that BQ'd in his first marathon.
6. OldManRunner's #2!!!
7 Excuse mongers "I would run, but I CAN'T because...insert excuse here..."
8. People that ask "How many miles a day do you run?" then not understand the answer "anywhere from 3-20"
9. The people that have their boyfriend or best friend run the last 6.2 miles with them.
10. My training group resume recitors on a long run. "I've run thirty-seven marathons and four ultras... " Yeah, I remember from the last 9 times you've told me...
ginger

Cambridge, MA
Joined: 08 Dec 2004
Posts: 46
Re: pet peeves Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 1:50 pm 
1 Men in trucks/cars who yell out or catcall at female runners
2 Walkers who walk 4 abreast and take up the whole sidewalk/path
3 Walkers who start up at the front line of a race
4 Runners who speed up when you try to pass them during a training run
5 Long lines for pre-race porta-potties
6 Non-working water fountains
Rustyboy

LA, CA
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 225
Re: pet peeves Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:18 pm 
Wow, so many of mine have been covered already...

1. Seeing a green light up ahead and knowing it will be red by the time you get there.

2. "Use the sidewalk!"

3. "Why do you run? You're already skinny."

4. I hate to say it, but there are 2 schools on my running loop and I inevitably get caught during drop-off time in the mornings at least 2x/week, and man, kids just do *not* pay attention.

5. being 2 miles into a long run and realizing you have to pee.
Pretender
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Kansas, OK
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 100
Re: pet peeves Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:27 pm 
OK, sorry for the delayed reaction, but I finally have a couple for the list:

1. People who don't dim their brights. I run out in the country on dirt roads where there are not even streetlights. When a car or truck drives by and doesn't dim their brights, I can't see a thing. I can tilt my head down to shine the light on my head straight down in front of me and I still can't see the road!. I either stop and wait for them to pass or run blindly. I know they want to keep their eye on me (I guess in case I jump right in front of them at the last minute?!), but it sure would be nice if they would do me a favor and dim their stupid brights.

Can you tell this bugs me?

2. Dogs. I could say "unchained" or "unfenced" dogs, but since all dogs in the country fall into this category, I will not! Well, that's an exageration. My dog is a house dog. I have another dog on a chain. But I'm not a native to these parts. I cannot understand why people think it's OK to have 4-5 mutts milling around their property to harrass any and everyone who goes by. Of course, it's not like they are used to runners. I have lived here 4 years and I have NEVER seen anyone run on these road except yours truly. I run with my dog. He's a pain in the rear to run with, but I feel like I have to. I honestly don't know what some of these dogs would do to me. Though I take some ribbing from some, it is when I'm running with Buster that I am most happy with being a pit bull owner! "OK mongrols, if you want me, you have to go through my dog first!". :o)
mfox

South Orange, New Jersey
Joined: 19 Dec 2004
Posts: 367
Re: pet peeves Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:20 pm 
As for "pet" peeve #2; I think a dose or two of a good strong pepper spray may teach the loose dogs to stay put.

A long while back I used to ride my bike every morning through a very rural area of Ohio. I used to go on nice long 20 mile rides on Saturday mornings. One Saturday, I went down a particular road where I saw a deer way up ahead in the road. As I got closer, I watched the deer wandered into the yard of this old farm house. As I got even closer, the deer turned around and started coming back towards the edge of the road as though it was curious to see what was approachinig. As I got closer stll, I was finally able to make out that it wasn't a deer at all, but instead was a very large dog...a large loose dog. Since I had been thinking it was a deer it never occurred to me to increase my speed. In fact, I even slowed down a bit so I would be able to admire the deer as I passed. I immediately tried to speed up but quickly had to lift one of my legs off the pedal as the dog came lunging towards me with his gaping mouth. I had the presence of mind to grab my water bottle, pull off the top, and squeeze off a strong stream of water at the dog's face. He immediately stopped chasing me....and just in the knick of time as found myself starting an up hill climb. I was amazed at how quickly this dog backed down.

I pushed my luck the next couple of Saturdays and went down the same road with a bit more speed and my water bottle ready in my hand. Sure enough the dog was there and waiting as I approached. Each time the dog lunged at me I gave him a good spray in the face and he again stopped dead in his tracks. I sped away feeling a bit giddy...and looking forward to the next weekend ride.

On about the fourth weekend I again went down this road expecting to "dampen" this dog's pride. And there he was again just standing in his front yard. But this time he didn't come after me. It seems that perhaps he had learned to recognized me and the consequences of chasing me. I was a bit disappointed.

I continued to go down that road every Saturday and some days that dog just stayed put and other days he would run out to the road just far enough to recognize me and then stop and watch me go by. I've moved away from Ohio since then and so I don't ride down that road any more (or do much bike ridiing at all anymore). I have to admit I miss that dog a little bit.

I'm not sure if water is always enough to fend of all dogs or it just worked in that once case (I've never had this happen since). So instead carry a small can of good (strong) pepper spray clipped to your waistband and be ready to use it. In fact, buy an extra can just to practice with so you know what to expect and how to use it. Then be ready to pull it out with a moments notice if need be.
Pretender
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Kansas, OK
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 100
Re: pet peeves Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:52 am 
I think pepper spray is a great idea. I think the practice can is also great. What you don't want is something that shoots out a weak solid stream. It's very hard to get a good hit. On the other end of the spectrum is the bear repellent that is strong pepper spray in basically a fire extinguisher. That makes a nice cone of spray with a very long range. Great stuff, but impractical for runners.

With that in mind, let the rest of us know if you are satisfied with your current pepper spray. If you are, pass along the brand and model if you have it. Then we won't waste money on something that is going to go into the trash can. Thanks!
Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157
Re: pet peeves Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:37 am 
Fortunately I've never been in a serious "bad dog" situation myself. While pepper spray would help stop the dog, I would worry about the repercussions. To cast a wide stereotype, the person who lives on a rural road and has several large mean dogs roaming the yard is likely also a person who wouldn't take kindly to someone pepper spraying his dog. I could easily see the owner jumping into his truck and chasing after you, trying to force you off the road, or worse. I've heard horror stories like this from other runners that make it sound like a bad situation only got worse.
OldManRunner
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Rochester, NY
Joined: 28 Nov 2004
Posts: 262
Re: pet peeves Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:48 am 
Yeah, I think I'd have the same concern as you, Rickshaw. The dog's owner might be even scarier than the dog. "I've had enough of you girlie-men prancing down my road in tights!" Dueling banjo music begins playing in the background...
mfox

South Orange, New Jersey
Joined: 19 Dec 2004
Posts: 367
Re: pet peeves Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:03 am 
Good point!

Regardless, you have to protect yourself. But don't carry peper spray without first knowing what the law allows, or disallows,you to do with it. And take time to find out if the town or county where you run has an ordanance about dog's having to be on a leash or somehow restrained (i.e. fence) from leaving their property. If where you run is covered by such a ordanance then I believe you are within your rights to spray an unrestrained dog that poses any kind of threat.

If the owner chases after you then you should calmly inform the own of their responsibility, your right to protect yourself, and your right to report them to the authorities. I think most owners will back down once they're reminded of their responsibility. But you should also be prepared to use your pepper spray if you must defend yourself from assault by the owner.
Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157
mean dogs Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:36 am 
This may not be possible or realistic, but I think speaking with the owner first would go a long way toward diffusing any potential hostilities. Maybe if you saw the owner in the yard you could strike up a conversation, or go knock on the door (assuming you can avoid the dog). I bet if you politely explained that you often ran by their house and were afraid of their dog, without being angry about it, they might offer to help in some way, maybe keep the dog in the house during your normal run hour or something. At least the owner would know that you'd tried to resolve things peacefully first, and might be less angry if you later had to pepper spray the dog. Of course, this is kind of a lot to ask.

Personally, if there were an unleashed mean dog on a common route of mine, and I couldn't find the owner to discuss it with him, I'd probably just find a different route. I'm a wuss, and I'd rather just avoid that kind of risk.
Pretender
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Kansas, OK
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 100
Re: mean dogs Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:06 pm 
OK, back to the advantages of running with my dog. Rednecks respect a pitbull. :o)

BTW, pepper spray doesn't seem to work that great on bulldogs. I had to break up a fight between two of mine and I was by myself. I hit my female square in the face with a blast. She back up and snorted and then charged right back in!

I am very fortunate that there aren't any of those on the route. If there were, I would just take mine along a different route. I don't want trouble. Plus, they are my neighbors. My dog is the local equivalent of "peace through superior firepower".
Minnow


Joined: 20 Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Re: pet peeves Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:23 pm 
1. I have to agree with the chatty competitors being extremely annoying. I once had a guy run beside me for a half marathon and just didn't shut up for the whole way - despite me hardly saying a word in return. (Incidentally, the same guy almost beat me in a 5km run, doing so while holding the leash of his border collie - man that dog could run!).

2. Drivers pulling out of driveways in the suburbs without even looking to see if anyone is coming along the sidewalk.

3. Also to do with dogs, but more to do with what dogs leave behind...

4. I agree with Ginger on walkers walking 4 abreast - nearly got myself killed one day when i went to go around a group of about seven walkers who left me about a 30cm gap between them and a busy highway in peak hour.

5. Rain. Just can't stand it.

6. Pollution. I don't know how good the air quality is around your neighbourhood, but where i come from the air quality frequently transcends acceptable safe limits.
Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157
Re: pet peeves Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 11:11 am 
I think your #2 (drivers not paying attention) is on almost everyone's list, and it's really downright dangerous when you think about it. Around here, there's so much traffic on the busier roads that it's really scary for pedestrians or bicyclists, even if you're on a sidelwalk or crosswalk. Cars just aren't expecting to see non-cars on the street, so they look straight through you without seeing you.
Runner58


Joined: 07 Jan 2005
Posts: 30
Re: pet peeves Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:43 am 
Three peeves:
Grafetti , Grafetti and Grafetti.
It makes me think that the death penalty is not such a bad idea.
Not really sure why it makes me so mad, but it does.
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