You’ve likely heard the saying, “Dance like nobody’s watching.” If you’re like me, you had no idea where the cheesy sentiment, that urges us to embrace life and live authentically, originated. After a Google search, I still didn’t know. Instead, I came across Iggy Azalea and Tinashe’s uninspiring 2020 song named after the quote. Then, I came across Swae Lee’s lackluster 2020 track by the same name with one crucial word difference: “Dance Like No One’s Watching.” Yes, I know what you’re wondering: who was the first to dance like no human is watching them? So glad you asked; the female pop stars released their ballad a whole month before Lee. The near coinciding release of the two songs doesn’t seem coincidental. So, where am I going with this? It’s about running etiquette.
As a running nerd, I recently thought about the idea of running like nobody (or no one) is watching. What would that look like? Do I run like no one (or nobody) is watching? Is it even possible to run, dance, or do anything without either consciously or subconsciously altering your behavior in the presence of others? To quote Shakespeare (how original), “All the world’s a stage.” And, as sociologist and author Erving Goffman posited, all human interactions are “performances,” shaped by environment and audience. I’m no researcher, but I thought I’d explore this running etiquette idea based on my own experiences.
Well aware
I consider myself to be fairly self-aware, which is both a blessing and a curse. The benefit is that I spend time and energy determining how I can better accommodate others. And, the downside is that I spend time and energy determining how I can better accommodate others.
Yet, when I’m running, I simply don’t care how I present myself. Hold on, I’m not an animal. On the run, I’m respectful to pedestrians, drivers, and, umm, animals. But, as far as my behavior, I couldn’t care less how I appear to others. Crap, don’t look now, but I hear another runner on my tail. I can’t let them pass me; I’ll look weak. I’ll speed up and make an unplanned left turn up here so we can go our separate ways never to be seen again. Damnit! Why did he turn with me?! Is he following me? Ok, I guess I’ll be doing some speed work today.
Oh no, there’s a run group approaching on the opposite side of the street. I must ensure I have proper running form. Head up, look straight ahead, swing the arms by my sides, not too slow nor too fast, and make sure they get a good look at these colorful new running shoes. Now, get ready to wave and smile, but do it casually. Don’t go overboard and show them how excited you are to see fellow runners sharing the road. Ok, here it goes! [waves and smiles] Wait, what was that? Not only did they not wave or smile, but they didn’t even offer a glance! It’s like I don’t even exist. Hmm, maybe I should join their run group.
You disgust me
There sure are a lot of bodily fluids expelled during a run: Snot rockets, profusive sweat, saliva, and some blood if you’re unlucky. It’s gross! Runners are disgusting! That’s why I make sure to never spit, eject mucus, bleed, or even sweat in front of other runners, walkers, bicyclists, drivers, and, yes, animals. Yet, despite living the golden rule of treating others how I’d like to be treated, this simple courtesy is never reciprocated. Chalk it up to human nature, I guess. It’s clear others are running, biking, walking, driving, and animal-ing(?) like nobody (or no one) is watching.
But, I’m watching—and judging—when they hock a loogie, sweat like a pig, spit out whatever’s causing their surely nasty breath (it’s probably just halitosis), and bleed in my presence. Look, I know it’s a very busy road, but can’t it wait until there’s no one in sight? Sure, it might take several miles, but runners have held far worse things for far longer. Just ask that marathon runner with poop running down her leg as she passed the finish line. She’s my hero.
I’ll be the judge of that
Ugh, I can’t stop thinking about that runner who was following me. Why did he have to make me pick up the pace on a recovery day? And can you believe the gall of that run group who failed to acknowledge me? Do they not think I’m running group material? I bet they wouldn’t let me join theirs; not that I even want to. Besides, running is an individual sport, anyway. They’re not elites, but they’re clearly elitists—the worst kind of people.
Oh, would you just look at this bro?! He’s running on the wrong side of the road! Now I have to move over a few inches to accommodate this inconsiderate prick. You’re supposed to run against traffic, not with it, knucklehead! Well, maybe he’ll compliment me on my outfit. Or, maybe my new shoes. Or, perhaps my pace. That little shit! He just snubbed me! He’s sure running like nobody’s watching—and like no one else exists!
Run free
Truthfully, I didn’t ask myself if I even wanted to run like nobody (or no one) is watching. The answer is no! Basically, I’m way too self-conscious, anxious, and paranoid about everything and everyone to ignore my surroundings. And that’s ok.
By the way, noted author, professor, and researcher William Watson Purkey is the originator of the quote:
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.”
The co-founder of the International Alliance for Invitational Education didn’t mention running etiquette, but I think he’d say: Run however you damn well please. Now, that’s something I can dance to.
