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Post by gellin on Apr 13, 2008 2:23:26 GMT -5
Hello All,
What are your thoughts on passing slower runners on narrow trails? I did an event today where I had to yell "on your left" about 500 times. There were a number of runners in a different field going the same direction, but also many hikers, all going much slower. I felt extremely rude, especially when having to call out repeatedly to the same person. (Politeness was difficult on the downhill sections where some people in front may have been going less than 1/2 my speed.) In fact, one person with a Navy Seal t-shirt wanted to rip my head off, but of course he couldn't catch me. (I just said "thank you" when he reluctantly moved out of the way.)
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kim
New Member
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Post by kim on Apr 13, 2008 10:44:05 GMT -5
I think the most helpful thing is to know your own pace, and start at an appropriate place in the pack to avoid passing as much as possible. I think your approach "on your left" is totally fine, even on narrow trails most people don't mind getting over briefly to pass. There were some downhill areas, though, where it seemed a little dangerous to pass; it is probably best to do your passing before or after those places.
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fredx
Junior Member
Posts: 80
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Post by fredx on Apr 13, 2008 14:56:05 GMT -5
Unless you're a front-runner (in which case up front in the pack would be a good place to try starting), keep in mind that some slow time waiting for a safe place to pass someone can be good for a short rest and cool-down from your normal pace. Look around, notice the wildflowers, listen to the mockingbirds and frogs, and pass when it's comfortable and safe.
Sometimes we have reasons for not stepping completely aside. There were some gnarly sections, and also there were big sections were stepping off the trail at all was likely to result in a Poison Oak rash. We can all work together to have a wonderful day on the trails together.
- Fred
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Post by rustyboy on Apr 14, 2008 14:48:44 GMT -5
You're assuming I'm capable of passing *anyone* during an ultra.
Some people finish a hundred in less than 27 hours. I just figure I'm getting my money's worth : )
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Post by thr3ee on Apr 14, 2008 16:48:12 GMT -5
While I agree that sometimes you just have to wait to pass people on difficult or narrow trails, I don't think the idea of "stay in your pace group" necessarily works in a trail race. I am a mid-pack runner. However, I can run many downhills with folks much faster than myself only to be put back into my proper place once the hills head back up. The fact is that I will almost always yo-yo with certain runners throughout a race that contains lots of ups and downs. I simply let them know this when I pass. If someone gets annoyed that such a "slow" uphill runner keeps passing them on the downhills, I think I have just as much justification to turn that comment around  My rule is always to be courteous and never put anyone else at risk. I know I have scared a runner or two in past when I called "on your left" and then leaped to some precarious foot placement only to bound back on trail in front of them, but I am really careful to only put myself at risk when running hard down technical trail. Well, with the one exception if you decide you want to try and catch me (Fred). ;D |
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Post by rustyboy on Apr 14, 2008 19:34:59 GMT -5
Also, in all seriousness, a nice heads-up warning is always welcomed.
"Can I slide by you on the left when you get a chance?"
It works wonders.
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fredx
Junior Member
Posts: 80
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Post by fredx on Apr 15, 2008 17:47:18 GMT -5
I am really careful to only put myself at risk when running hard down technical trail. Well, with the one exception if you decide you want to try and catch me (Fred). ;D That was me putting my own self at risk, and it's too bad you didn't see me coming -- the flying bellyflop into the bushes was a sight to see! - Fred |
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