The Wave
You’re running trails in the middle of nowhere. You see a runner approaching in the distance. They are coming your way. You are now a few feet away. You look at them, you get ready to give a smile and some brief greeting in passing, but they keep their gaze straight ahead, not even acknowledging you. “Nice talking to you,” I mumble as they whiz on by.
Now is this me, or is this scenario becoming more frequent? Is this just a sign of the times? In the past, seeing another runner, especially miles from civilization, would be cause to greet them with at least a hi, a wave, or perhaps some pleasantry in passing.
I do notice that runners under 30 are most often the culprits. Not all, but most. This, as you can tell, is hard for me to understand. We all share common traits, experiences, highs and lows.
Of course on the most popular trails, paths, you can’t say hi to everyone you see, but when you’re out in the hills, on the trails, deep in the forest, miles away from civilization, and you see a fellow runner coming towards you, give them a wave. Even a “way to go,” would be pleasant.
On your next long run, far away from the crowds, and you come upon a runner and you pass them without some kind of acknowledgement, don’t be surprised to hear a sarcastic, “nice talking to you.”