For a brief time every winter, we runners are forced out on the road with the rest of the world. Can’t we all just get along and share the road?
Dear Driver,
You honk your horn, pump your fist in frustration, scream at me, even veer over to my side — all to make your point. And what is your point? It is that I am in your way and you are annoyed? Guess what? I am annoyed, too. I don’t want to be out here running anywhere near your car. But in this situation, and this case we’re talking about winter in New England, I don’t always have a better option. So, please, hold off on the angry rants. It’s 7 degrees outside and I’m trying not to slip on the ice. I don’t need another challenge. I’m good.
Can I at least explain it from my point of view? My name is Rebecca. And I am a runner. I train year-round. Whenever possible, I run outside. When it’s available to me, I run on the sidewalk. You may not believe this, but I prefer it. It’s safer for me when I’m running, and it’s safer for you when you’re driving.
During the winter, for obvious reasons, the sidewalks in and around Boston are not always available to us. When they are covered in ice or packed snow they are border-line death traps. (Think slipping, and falling, sprained ankles and broken wrists!) After a big storm, and we get our fair share here in the New England area, some of them get buried completely (see below photo) and, much to our dismay, many will not likely be dug out for weeks — or even months?! Who knows?
Thus, for this relatively brief-ish window of the year, we runners are forced out on the road with the rest of the world. Can’t we all just get along and respectfully share the road?
Now, some of you are probably thinking to yourself, why don’t they just go inside during the winter? And it’s a fair question. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a treadmill. But those of us who can get to a gym along with the lucky ducks who have their own machine, are, in fact, probably running inside when it’s necessary.
Personally, I loathe the treadmill. One of the big reasons I run is to be outside, so being stuck on a hamster wheel for multiple days in a row is physical and mental torture. That said, I’ll do it. Last week alone I was inside for four out of my six runs.
As a marathoner, though, I have at least one day a week, sometimes more, when I am running for over 2 hours straight and that is where I have to draw the line. I just can’t run on a treadmill for 20 miles. Well, I should rephrase; I can but I won’t. So, for one day a week, I really need to share the road with you.
Keep in mind, I am a driver, too. I do understand both sides of this situation. Is it a pain? Yes. Is it annoying? It can be. Ultimately, it sucks for both drivers and runners alike. That said, I still have to ask, both for those of us who run year-round and especially for the winter warriors who want … or even need … to be outside in the winter, that you throw us a bone once in a while as we’re all in this together.
It’s not like I’m asking to run with you while you’re going 70 mph down I-95. I live in the suburbs where the average speed is 30 mph. I don’t think it’s that big a deal to you to either move over a half a foot or even to slow down if there is a car on the other side of the road as I am running by. Just share the road! At most, it will delay your trip 10 seconds tops.
In return for this courtesy, I promise to give you this:
~ I will wear reflective gear and bright clothing so you can easily see me as I am running toward you.
~ Much to her dismay, I will not run with my dog when the conditions are bad in order to further minimize my surface area.
~ I will share the road by staying as close to the my side of the road as possible and pull into driveways when there is space. If there is a bike lane, I will be inside the lines.
~ I will hop up and run on the sidewalk if and when it’s ever available to me. I encourage you to ask your neighbors to shovel their sidewalks. Not everyone does.
~ I will avoid the main roads as much as I can and seek out the routes in smaller neighborhoods where the traffic is lighter.
~ I will run inside once in a while; especially when the conditions are particularly dangerous for cars and thus runners, too.
If I do all this, dear driver, will you consider letting me run on the road without fearing for my life or making me feel like I am an idiot and have completely ruined your day? Please?
It’s just until the weather gets better. Two months tops. Yes, that’s wishful thinking. But, let me dream. For those of you who see me out there and voluntarily move over or slow down without giving me a dirty look or yelling an expletive or two at me. It never goes unnoticed and it is greatly appreciated.
Some of you (fellow runners or just really nice people in general) even smile and wave to let me know that all is well. You guys are the best.
For those of you who just can’t deal and won’t change your tune despite this plea, well, I’m sorry. This is the way it’s going to be for a little while. If it makes you feel better to honk or give me the finger, fire away. Just know that I hate having to share the road as much as you do. But come spring, perhaps we can be friends again?
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Boston-area editor-at-large Rebecca Trachsel is a mom, a competitive age-group marathoner, a high school cross country and track coach, and music lover with a coffee problem. She’s still chasing big goals and having a blast along the way.
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