Runner culture is a concept that should be familiar to everyone who intends to start an adventure with running. Why? Because the running community values similar values and always follows the rules of fair play. So what should a cultured runner remember?
Runner's culture , which is a code of rules applicable during trainings and during organized mass competitions, until recently only applied to a small group of enthusiasts. Thanks to the popularization of running and the fashion for running in marathons, more and more people are covering kilometers while running, completely unaware of the existence of the unwritten code of runners.
People who have been running for years, for whom the main motivator to practice physical activity is the internal need for exercise, not fashion, treat running with a certain solemnity. Although the sport is practiced mainly in solitude, runners, as a social group, are closely related. This can be seen, for example, in situations of disinterested help for weaker competitors during mass runs. A real (cultured) runner, during mass starts, observes the principles of good manners, which are the basis of fair play - so important during the competition.
This will be useful to youRunners willingly engage in charity activities. The most popular runs for a noble cause include, among others: Count yourself with diabetes, Bieg Serca, Poland Business Run or Chase cancer. In addition, every year in many Polish cities, runs are organized to provide financial support to specific people or institutions in need.
How to run culturally?
The rules of cultural running apply to all runners, both professionals and recreational runners. One of them is saluting yourself by raising your hand during training. This gesture is meant to symbolize mutual support and the wish for success in achieving the set goals. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer runners, especially those who have recently trained, cultivate the tradition of greetings on the routes. And even if making the first move at the beginning may be embarrassing, responding to other people's greetings should be obligatory.
During training, you should also remember that you must not run on bicycle paths (it is not only uncultivated, but also dangerous) and make it easier for faster runners to overtake.
ProblemIs running with headphones cultural?
Running with or without headphones depends on the preferences of the runner. Some people prefer to focus on the rhythm of running, breathing, their own thoughts, others cannot imagine jogging without energetic music that makes training more pleasant. However, running with headphones can be a problem during mass events, when loud music disturbs the runners or drowns their requests for, for example, to leave the place, so when competing in mass events, it is better to leave the headphones at home.
Rules of cultural running during the competition
Taking part in a mass run requires much greater sensitivity to the needs other than solitary recreational running. This is to improve the course of the event, respect the achievements better than us and compete in the spirit of fair play. When participating in the competition, it is worth following a few rules:
Let's start according to our own abilities- during large running events the principle of starting with zones is determined according to the results of the runners. Unfortunately, some runners deliberately inflate their "personal cards" to start from a better position. The effect of this is to slow down fellow runners who have to overtake such people.
Let's give way- running in a group or stubbornly sticking to the left side of the route, despite the slow pace, also blocks faster runners. If you are not yet achieving the desired results, respect the work and results of others - let them calmly improve records.
Let's respect the order- refraining from contaminating the running route applies not only to used water cups but also … secretions from the throat or nose. Let us respect fellow runners - cups, but also snot or saliva on the edge of the route, so as not to hit anyone.
Let's be empathetic- when approaching volunteers with water or food, remember about the people around us and take only the portions we are en titled to. In addition, let's try to remember that there are many volunteers and we do not have to "attack" the first one by blocking the way for other runners.
Let's compete fairly- nothing offends a real runner more than cheating. When taking part in the competition, let's not shorten or cut corners on the sidewalks. A few extra seconds isn't worth losing the respect of other runners.
Let's run the dog only on a leash- some runners decide to participate in the mass run with a dog. If this happens to you too, don't forget about the short leash. You should also be aware that, after all, other runners will pass a dog, sometimes out of necessity within a dozen or socentimeters, may be a bit uncomfortable.
In spite of the finish line, let's go on- never stop immediately after crossing the finish line. This is neither good for the body, nor polite to fellow runners who find it difficult to finish.