How we can use the power and benefits of running to impact the people in our life.
The average runner is no more selfless than a swimmer, bicyclist, hiker, or pickleball player — I couldn’t resist, that sport is all the rage these days. (Personally, I’m more of a tennis guy, but someday I’ll pick up a paddle again. Blame my high school gym class experience for my hesitancy to step foot on the court again.)
Actually, all the time spent each week running, or on any form of solo exercise, could be regarded by some as “self-centered” — it’s only benefiting the individual involved. Except that, running is the best form of self-care, and the health benefits we enjoy change us — we become better versions of ourselves, enhancing our relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. There are, however, many opportunities to make a positive impact on others while running.
“Running is the best form of self-care, and the health benefits we enjoy change us — we become better versions of ourselves, enhancing our relationships.”
Art imitates life
Remember the Seinfeld finale? Regardless of whether you watched the show, you may be familiar with the final episode. The two-part installment of the long-running, 10-time Emmy Award-winning series is one of the most controversial (and hated) series finales in television history. The characters watch a man get carjacked at gunpoint and don’t take any action to help. The victim later alerts the police about the characters’ unwillingness to assist, and they are arrested under a fictionalized version of a Good Samaritan law for witnessing the crime but not coming to the victim’s aid. Undoubtedly silly, yes, but the episode’s events make me consider this: what responsibilities do we have to others?
While I’m not advocating for anyone to interfere in a potentially dangerous situation, such as a carjacking, I do believe there are small ways runners can lend a helping hand to benefit our neighbors and communities.
Doggone it!
Dogs are runners’ best friends for a reason. When dogs are cooped up indoors all day, they’re itching to get outside and run around — sometimes before their owners are ready to take them. On my runs I’ve encountered several dogs who got loose and, each time, I’ve never hesitated to intervene to return the dog to its owner. The most important lesson I’ve learned: never underestimate the bystander effect. That is, don’t wait for another person to assist, because it’s very likely they won’t. In fact, research shows a “negative impact of pluralistic ignorance and diffusion of responsibility on helping others” (Fisher et al., 2011).
After all, you’re a runner, not a bystander. Of course, be cautious and use your best judgment. If the dog displays signs of aggression, take a photo, instead, and post it on your online neighborhood community (Nextdoor, Facebook group, Reddit, etc.). Your safety takes precedence.
That’s the last straw
Ever notice how much trash hideously adorns roadsides or sidewalks? (Yes, your empty gels count as trash, too.) Of course you do! It’s hard to miss. Despite its negative effects on the environment (and the ugly aesthetics), and although litter severely bothers me, I never bothered to do anything about it. Until recently. Every so often, I bring a grocery bag on my run to pick up trash I encounter along the route. Sure, it’s not convenient to stop throughout the run, but the positives outweigh the minor hassle. It’s actually quite therapeutic. Just don’t make “trash day” the day you’re doing a long run or speed workout.
The golden rule
At the risk of sounding saccharine, I think most of us would agree the world would be a better place if we looked out for each other and, in short, treated other people as we would like to be treated. Throughout the countless miles I’ve run on city streets, country roads, and trails, it’s safe to say I’ve witnessed a lot. Naturally, it’s the negative experiences that stick with me the most.
Like the time I saw a guy spit on a woman’s face as she was waiting at a bus stop minding her own business. Or the occasion when the skater fell off his skateboard and came crashing to the ground while traversing down a steep hill. Or the intense fight between a couple in a public setting with one party as the clear aggressor. The aggrieved party was so visibly upset they got out of the car (stopped at a stop sign), slammed the door, and started walking away. Witnessing this made me feel compelled to intervene, albeit from a safe distance and with my phone in hand.
Despite feeling uncomfortable in each scenario, I knew I needed to help — even if it meant getting yelled at by the aggressor. I would want someone to do the same for me in a similar situation. Of course, in the existing polarized climate, there are potential dangers in situations like this. Use your best judgment and keep your distance. It may be safer to enlist the help of law enforcement rather than intervene directly. The point is: do something.
“I’m not encouraging vigilante actions to thwart criminals. That’s clearly not safe, and you’re clearly not Batman.”
Don’t run for the hills
Runners are in a unique position to assist others: we cover a lot of ground on foot, we’re traveling at a faster pace than walkers, and we’re not encumbered by a bike, car, or other impediment. We can easily stop what we’re doing to help.
Again, I’m not encouraging vigilante actions to thwart criminals. That’s clearly not safe, and you’re clearly not Batman. All I’m saying is to keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings along your running route. Even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way toward improving someone’s day or enhancing your community.
While runners don’t have superhuman powers, we do experience the empowering effect of running each time we pound the pavement. And you know what they say about having great power…. How will you use yours responsibly?
Some great ideas–and important reminders — that we’re all in this life together, and it behooves us to watch out for one another. Thank you for another thoughtful post.