On behalf of all runners, I’d like to offer a little public service announcement for all drivers.
1. Please do not park your car so it blocks the sidewalk. Little makes me more angry than nearing the end of my run, hoofing it up the hill and using the last of my energy, only to have to go out of my way to run around a car that is COMPLETELY BLOCKING THE SIDEWALK. If I were a violent person, I may consider slashing tires over this. Or at least leaving a strongly worded Post-It. Car doesn’t fit in the driveway? PARK ON THE STREET!
2. We’ve all been there. You’re stopped at an intersection and you see a runner coming your way. You have two options. You could hit the gas and pull out just in time before the runner gets to you. Or you could wait for the runner to run past you, and then continue on your way. In my experience most drivers go for that first option, hungry to be on their way as soon as possible. To their credit, most of these drivers do pull out before breaking my pace, or heaven forbid blocking my path (see PSA #1). But here’s the thing–as you’re hitting the gas and doing your James Bond maneuver into heavy traffic, I’m left BREATHING IN YOUR EXHAUST FUMES AND GASPING FOR FRESH AIR. Would it KILL you to wait that extra FIVE SECONDS while I run past? No. But you know what? If you don’t, it just might kill me.
While this may seem like more of a rant than a PSA, I hope you can all see beyond my bitching need to use the Caps Lock key and keep these things in mind the next time you’re behind the wheel. A little thoughtfulness all around will keep everyone’s feel-good endorphins running high, which in turn just makes this world a better place. Yes, that’s right–not blocking the sidewalk with your car just might lead to world peace. Pass it on.
Got a PSA of your own? Sound off!
That is great. I used to run long ago…hated every step, but always felt better afterwards, so I hear what you are saying. Very inspirational that you are still running during your pregnancy. When I was pregnant I used every excuse not to MOVE.
You will get back to shape so much easier than those that don’t exercise. I still have baby fat six years later. 
That is great! I just recently started to run on our local high school track because i seriously was starting to feel like frogger each morning!
My PSA: I love handbags. Really, I do. And, having a child, I understand the tendency to buy a huge bag and stuff it to capacity. But when you’re in the checkout line at the grocery store, and you whack me in the arm with your huge, heavy bag, APOLOGIZE!!!! Don’t just glance over your shoulder to confirm that you did indeed smack me (while I was holding my baby!), and then stare straight ahead until you can leave with your groceries. I thought this would be common sense, therefore not necessitating a PSA, but a recent trip to Whole Foods proved otherwise.
Whew. I feel better now. Thanks.
Lol. I had a near car-hitting-me experience last fall while some mom was whipping around the streets driving morning carpool. Literally threw my hand against the car to push away from it. It was terrifying and I steer clear of that half of the neighborhood now. Love your rules.
Here’s a PSA: Should you be one of those terrible people that walk your dog and DON’T carry doggie poo baggies with you, could you at least make sure that when your little Buttercup takes the world’s largest doggie doo that he hits grass and not the sidewalk that I’m busting my butt on sprinting to the finish line!
Wow, that really does make you feel better!
Dear Drivers, a crosswalk sign does actually mean STOP.
I’m more of a biker but the same rules apply. Also never ever honk your horn at a biker!
I was guilty of having my car parked in the driveway and it partially blocked the side walk. In my defense, we only parked it there 1 day a month, because it is our second car, so we rarely drive it, and we parked it there on street cleaning day. However, someone did still feel the need to egg the car.
Love it!
I have just one little PSA for anyone who ever eats at a restaurant… wait, that’s almost everyone. Please remember that your server only gets paid $2.13 an hour. Their livelihood depends on your tips. Imagine how much it would suck for you to have a job where you stood on your feet all day, work hard for your money, only to get $5 at the end of the week in a paycheck because of the taxes that were taken out. Nevermind the fact that most of the servers out their are also college students and have full-class loads and rents to pay (because not every parent pays for their child’s expenses!)
I know that people usually give 15%, but would it kill you to pay it forward and leave the server a bigger tip? Just because your lunch order was $11, doesn’t mean that your server only deserves 15% of it… which is $1.65.
Also, to that man four years ago who paid with a credit card and left me a penny for a tip… be glad that I didn’t look up your name in the phone book and send it back to you.
Wow, thanks D, I really needed to get that out.
Amen!!!
I’d also like to add that people walking dogs should move out of the way. I move my dog out of the way when I see someone running. At least take a hold of your dog and don’t let your pup jump on tired runners.
Love it! I run here in Chicago by the lake and I’d like to announce to all the bikers that there is NO NEED to pass by me so closely that I almost fall over. You’re not better then me so stop it.
this is great. and so so true. :)rant away!
I hear ya on both of these points!! I wish drivers were a bit more respectful of all of the runners/bikers that they share the road with!
Hilarious and so true!
For the bad parkers you should print out some of these and bring them on your run…
http://www.youparklikeanasshole.com/notices/notice_1.pdf
Lol.
Well said! Or how about the driver who pretends they will wait as you go on but then decide they will go and nearly hit you? Those drivers deserve a good slap on the hood!
Love this – I guess I need to throw my two cents in too.
PSA – I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL DOORHOLDER. If I am holding open the door for you in a public place such as but not limited to an eating establishment, store, school, public facility, or bank – and you walk through it, common curtesy dictates that you tip me or say thanks, thank you, ‘preciate it, or at least give me a little head nod. Afterall, I had to burn at least 7 calories yanking the heavy thing open and holding it 3 minutes and 47 seconds while you walk .000002 miles per hour toward said open door was the last thing on my to-do list. I reserve the right to loudly announce “SHAME ON YOU” if you are a male who fails to recognize my sacrifice! ARRGGGGH.
Thanks for the place to rant Dusty.
I no longer run, but I used to be a rabid runner and so can **totally relate** to the car on the sidewalk scenario. I was always amazed at the amount of extra energy (that I usually didn’t have) it took to avoid an obstacle like that!!
Just found your blog and I’ve been having a great time viewing all the pictures of your decorating, your house is beautiful!
In my neck of the woods there is a running/biking/walking trail that runs through town and crosses roads. The TRAIL has the stop sign, not the througoughfare, BIKERS!!! They NEVER stop. It’s sooooo frustrating.
jbhat
Hey lady! Good psa.
I have one suggestion and one prayer in regards to running. My suggestion is please leave your porch light on until like ten or so. It is so much better to be running at night knowing that your path is a little lit while running. I know it’s not your job to light my path, but it is awesome when you do! My prayer is for the for the frogs and grasshoppers to please leave the sidewalk and get back on the grass. I feel like I’m dancing instead of running these days thanks to all the critters in my neighborhood! I miss the city!
A to the MEN! 1000%. And I’ll throw in-if you are opting for an indoor run on the treadmill, there is NO NEED for perfume, truly, when you are already huffing and puffing, who wants to huff and puff Chanel No. 9. No ONE.
GUILTY.
I am that person that blocks the sidewalk, however… my car has been side swiped THREE TIMES by parking on the street. I care more about my car then I do about the runners and walkers that have to go around it.
Besides, they’re trying to get exercise, and I’m making them walk/run further by blocking the sidewalk, so I feel I’m doing them a service.
These PSAs are great–thanks for sharing!
I have it from both sides. It drives me crazy when cars don’t stop for runners running across the crosswalk, some people obviously think their life is more important time-wise and that they don’t have to follows laws. On the other hand when I am driving and I stop for a runner, for the love of the world, run! Don’t stand there debating if my stop will continue. If I’m stopped, take the opportunity.