7 Commandments of Meeting Runners on the Trails

When I wasn’t facing down a moose on Sunday, I got to thinking about the people I met/passed on my route that morning. I had time to think as I had 30k locked into my Garmin. Inspired by the 10 or so people I came across, I came up with these “rules” for those who may meet a runner on their morning stroll.

1. Thou shalt walk in the middle of the trail so other runners/walkers/trail users have to risk twisting an ankle to get around you

2. Thou shalt stop in the middle of the trail with your dog/entourage and ignore all others trying to use the shared path

3. Thou shalt look blankly or confused when a runner passes you and says, Good morning or waves hello

4. Thou shalt let your dog poop in the middle of trail and carry on smoking and drinking your Tim Hortons’ coffee oblivious to all others

5. Thou shalt toss your empty Tim Horton’s coffee cup and cigarette butt in the path of the runner

6. Thou shalt let your dog off his leash so he can chase after the runner while barking wildly the whole time

7. Thou shalt check the runner out like said runner is a piece of meat or someone from another planet

Did I miss any commandments?