... to me why some runners choose to run in the street when there is a perfectly good sidewalk 3 ft away up the curb? I don't see it everyday but I see it often enough to ask myself 'WTF?' I get that some drivers exercise similar indignance when they see me or other cyclists pedaling our happy asses down the roadway. However, their ignorance of cyclists' rights to the road fuels that ire. Rather, my argument is based on the irrefutable ignorance of these joggers I've seen. Sidewalks are after all for foot traffic. Roads are not the smartest place to go for a run, especially a busy road as was the case this morning.
Well, is it ignorance? Any runners in the blogosphere want to enlighten me as to why one would choose to briskly perambulate in the vehicle lane as opposed to the adjacent ped walk? Is asphalt softer than concrete? Is there a radical pedestrian rights movement of which I'm unaware?
What does it say about my life that this is one of the most perplexing mysteries I've encountered in my 35 years? Maybe I need some new hobbies.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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6 comments:
I'm not a runner (does it show?), but I've heard that concrete is harder and ultimately more damaging to knees.
The real question is why would anybody run in this day and age when they could ride a bike?
From my previous life as a runner:
I can't speak for larger cities, but here I chose to run on the streets because, much like cyclists, if you are running at a decent pace and come to a crosswalk, most cars will not stop before the crosswalk causing you to have to jump out of the way or run around the car. If you are training hard, that sucks.
If I lived in a larger city, I think I'd try to find a bike path though. Oh wait, I don't run anymore. I'm a born again cyclist!
yes, asphalt is softer and more forgiving on the joints. They should be running on the side facing traffic.
Side walks are for walking not running!
I too am nonplussed when it comes to this subject. I was big cross country runner at one point in life, and I preferred running on the grass next to the sidewalk, fewer shin splints.
The only thing I can come up with is that some people have a really shallow stride(kinda shuffly)that might catch on the peaks and valleys of sidewalks. You know, the rise and fall of the pavement blocks from weather changes and such. Maybe they're afraid of tripping. The should be more afraid of cars.
Yes John, the asphalt is actually better for your knees than the concrete (it is a lot harder packed or something like that). I use to avoid sidewalks like the plague back when I was a runner. Your house and family look awesome! See ya!
Rach
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