Hoosier Hospitality: Is the genuine friendliness associated with those from the Hoosier State. However I won't get into what a Hoosier is or how the word came to be.
Along the trails, both paved and dirt I've noticed a disturbing trend recently, and that is Hoosier Hospitality may be dying. On almost all of my runs I pass several other people, and I'm assuming that they are from the state of Indiana. I am a friendly runner, if I see you I'll give a wave, a head nod, or say "Hi" or "Good Morning." More times than not however I'm greeted with an empty response of nothingness. Many times the others that I'm passing will not even make eye contact with me, let alone say "hi" in response.
As a fellow runner we have a duty and obligation to look out for our fellow runners. Part of this responsibility is to acknowledge that we are each out on the "road" trying to improve our bodies and make them better by engaging in physical activity. Is it to much to ask of ourselves to respond in kind to a fellow runner. I can understand if someone is out for a hard tempo run to maybe only get a quick flick of the hand, or a nod of the head, but when it's obvious they are just out for an easy or normal run and I receive nothing it leaves an empty feeling in my gut, almost to the point of frustration.
All I'm asking of you as runners is to show a little respect and acknowledge your fellow runners out on the "road" and say "hi." It won't kill your time, it may even make your run better knowing you aren't alone out there trying to get your miles in. Smile, let the others know you are enjoying your time outdoors in nature getting your run in. Wave, head bob, say "hi," "hello," "good morning" make it a peaceful day where we all feel the joy that is running.
As a fellow runner we have a duty and obligation to look out for our fellow runners. Part of this responsibility is to acknowledge that we are each out on the "road" trying to improve our bodies and make them better by engaging in physical activity. Is it to much to ask of ourselves to respond in kind to a fellow runner. I can understand if someone is out for a hard tempo run to maybe only get a quick flick of the hand, or a nod of the head, but when it's obvious they are just out for an easy or normal run and I receive nothing it leaves an empty feeling in my gut, almost to the point of frustration.
All I'm asking of you as runners is to show a little respect and acknowledge your fellow runners out on the "road" and say "hi." It won't kill your time, it may even make your run better knowing you aren't alone out there trying to get your miles in. Smile, let the others know you are enjoying your time outdoors in nature getting your run in. Wave, head bob, say "hi," "hello," "good morning" make it a peaceful day where we all feel the joy that is running.
