I've been running the back roads where I live for years now, and never have I seen so many people using them as today. I've run 20 miles before and only seen half a dozen people, today I saw at least 50 and ended up going off road, because many of these people either don't know or don't care about the written and unwritten rules of using these roads. In future I'm going to go out early to try and avoid these people, but thought I'd share a few simple pointers for those of you who are using these types of road (single lane/windy roads), the rules that most people who run them regular follow anyway.
For those of you not used to running/walking on single lane country roads a few pointers (some law, some common sense, some simply good manners)
- Walk/run on the right hand side of the road, unless coming up to a blind bend (and then go on the outside of the bend)
- If possible go single file and definitely be prepared to go single file if anyone (walker/cyclist/car) approaches.
- Keep your wits about you, if you need music only have one earphone in. Regularly scan both ahead and behind you.
- Be prepared for idiot drivers, I have had to jump into ditches and hedges when drivers have refused to give me room
- Manners cost nothing, acknowledge those that have been considerate, whether that's a car slowing as they pass you or someone waiting for you to pass at a particularly narrow spot. I also always smile or say hello to everyone I pass (depending how out of breath I am)