Since I finally took my running to the streets for real this time I thought it would be wise to know the rules of the road, as a runner that is. I am a very dedicated fan of Runner's World, both online and their monthly magazines (which I usually get in bulk considering they are delivered to my house in NJ...) and in their December 2009 publication there was an article on knowing the rules of the road which I would like to share and elaborate on.
It never was a question for me where to run, if I had the right of way when crossing the street, whether I should wear headphones or sunglasses or if I should acknowledge fellow runners I pass on my route. I always believed I had the right of way, it must be from growing up in the tri-state area and never worrying about getting ticketed for j-walking. I also didn't really care about annoying drivers when I cut them off as I ran across the street. I then came to the realization that I like my limbs whole and working and would rather slow down and wait for my turn than get hit by a car, especially in Israel... This article called "mile mannered" came in handy in knowing how to be friendly and safe when I am out on my runs. The first issue to focus on is where to run, on the sidewalk, street, trails or tracks. If you are running on the road, always run on the side facing the traffic so that both you and the traffic closest to you can see each other. Apparently there are places where there are rules against running on the sidewalk. If you aren't aware of any, the sidewalk is a great way to stay safe from 4+ wheeled traffic. I cannot guarentee safety from bicycles and other pedestrians, I personally cannot stand pedestrians who slow me down when I am on a misson so running in the street, for me, probably keeps others safe.
Always use the crosswalks to cross the street. Aside from being ticketed for not crossing the street on a green light or within the lines of the crosswalk, drivers in Israel are not particulary patient and will be more inclined to hit you then slow down while you jet across the street. I know it can be extremely annoying, but its better off slowing down than being plowed down.
How do you pass other runners? The time and place for that topic will come at a later date and in a different blog titled "Hey, wanna arm wrestle?", but there are manners in which to pass fellow runners depending on where you encounter them. On running paths you should keep traffic towards the right and pass on the left. If you are on a trail and there isn't any passing room, wait 30 seconds and then politely ask to slip passed. If you are on a track, pass on the right. When racing, pass on either side of the runner ahead of you.
How to keep hold of your company? If you are running with your dog, keep him close on a tight leash and move to the side so that other runners can pass without interruption. If you are running with another person, try and be sensitive to other runners around who might be trying to get passed, but then they should also be asking you to allow them to pass... When passing someone else, make a single file to make it a more friendly pass then a mob overtaking the slow guy.
How much acknowledgement should be given when you see fellow runners during your run? There are some people who prefer to zone out when running but others do feel energized when they wave and like the sense of camaraderie it provides. So the consensus is wave if you want but don't be insulted if you don't get an answer. I usually smile or give a nod/chin thrust when I see someone else out running, depending on my mood or how far into the run I am and how hard the hill is.
I have been trying to keep to these rules of the road as much as I can and I think this past run went rather smoothly, besides for the 1st car that we had to move over onto the dirt trail for and the slide I took into 1st base. Its nothing I'm not used to, I think I even might have menti0ned that I am prone to falling whenever possible and have many a scar to show for it. As Danielle put it, I now have battle wounds to show for the bitch of a run that the forest is. We ended up running close to 14km in 90 minutes which is extremely impressive considering the hills we conquered. The forest is a beautiful run and sometimes very much worth the torture. So I'm a bit scratched up, but nothing too serious that I couldn't just brush off and continue on with the run. I think I might even be extending the run in the forest this Sunday and try to make it to Mivaseret. I will keep up to date on that one, its pretty crazy, even for me, yet there is something so appealing about it...
Regarding other workouts for this week. Sunday was the 14km with Danielle outside on a big part of the race's route. Monday was my full body strength training workout and an easy 3.5 km run on the treadmill. Today was an hour of cross training on the elliptical and core workout with the Kinesis at work. Tomorrow, Wednesday will be speed work with hill repeats as the recovery time to help with the turnover from the hill to the flat/downhill surface and the ability to pick up the pace and not be so totally beat from the uphill segment. I will let you know how it goes.
My hip is still bothering me, which totally sucks, but I am still sticking my leg with acupuncture needles and it is helping. Tomorrow is my 6 hrs of massage class so hopefully we can work on all my ailments then.
Peace out and stay safe!
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