For all those runners/joggers who frequent Greenwich Park and are completely shocked when runners say 'Hi' as they pass, or try to make some form of eye contact to say 'Hi', I'd just like to try and explain why we do it. Basically, we're not mad, short of friends, or trying to befriend you to try and get some of the money that your Uncle George left you, it's just polite, informal, and simply friendly runner's etiquette. And if there's any cyclists who cover the SE London, Kent area, it takes nothing to nod back as you pass.
Rant over !!
0 ·
Comments
I like the park - traffic isn't a problem, its got some good hills but also nice long, flat stretches, there are good on and off road routes and plenty of toiles and drinking stations.
Dave
Every thread has a rant about the antisocial behaviours of the ignorant runners. And us Southerners (London) seem to come in for the most stick.
Yet it is us forumites who seem to be pushing the boundaries of running etiqete so let us continue and evernutally the others will follow.
And for those forumites who are just to knackered to bleat a simple hello. THEN SLOW DOWN. You should know the rules, if your not able to hold a conversation your running too fast for your heart. So slow down, chill out, say hello or join another runner mid way AND ENJOY YOURSELF.
You'll enjoy your running all the more.
Good rant TAS
Greenwich park clockwise is for people who like to hurt themselves and talking is often not an option.
On a Sunday morning I am an obnoxious little b***ard and will run next to poor unsuspecting people saying " Morning " repetetively until they respond by either saying morning or slashing their wrists: If you meet me out running for your own safety say hello!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with you, Multi (why the change of name - did you get married ?!). It must have taken DH all evening to dig the initial posting up! DH, were that bored last night?!?!
jim, are you sure you got you sense of direction right ?! I'd say it is the other way round. Don't you have that killer of a hill on the right hand side (about 90 degrees, isn't it?) if you anti-clockwise? The one on the left is not so bad, albeit longer. In fact, that's where I do my hill sessions.
Talking of which, any of you does their running there first thing?
See you there some time. Probably.
Still a great place to run though.
Dave
Another Greenwich Park runner here. I am afraid I am a clockwise runner, and I have solved the problem of the hilly bit. Don't go that far, just stay to the circuit which is at the top of the hill.
I think one circuit is about a mile. At least I hope it is.
I have to agree Greenwich is a great place to be, despite having my toes ripped off by a couple of roller balders.
And had I been spoken to, I would have responded.
No, tibby, you should include the hill on the left - it's good for you! Plus, you'd then have a wider circuit.
As cns says, better do it early before it gets filled up, which it invariably does each day.
Aha, so that's what was occurring? I went through the Park, on my way for my long run, and I saw some people gathering there. I kind of guessed but wasn't sure. Now I know.
What was the course for the 10k then, MG? Is it just going round twice? I know exactly what you mean regarding that long hill! That's where I do my hill sessions, but I wouldn't like to have it (never mind twice) in a race!
Race starts in stretch of road/path by bandstand, along to water fountain, down to gates, mini lap back to park gates then anticlockwise round park edge and meanders down to botton of park then up main road to roundabout by water fountain again. Then another lap of big circuit. The second time up the hill is ok as near finish.
Given the ideal location, that you didn't know about it may back up my theory that it's not publicised quite as well as some other races.
Thanks SB, I think I just about followed you there!
So, how did you, yourself, hear about it SB? I didn't see many people as I went by, do I take then that the number of participants was fairly small?
Any idea where to find more info about it?
Cheers.
I even did my speedwork there on Monday afternoon - probably didn't say anything to anyone during my reps so I apologise if you saw me and I ignored you!
None of you is to be found there early in the morning though, are you?!
FANY, what kind of speedwork do you do there? I mainly use GP for hill work, or just go through on way to other far places (long runs).
I also miss sitting outside the COach And Horses with a pint of Old Speckled Hen...
Is that before or after your sessions, cns ?!?!
Also, you could always run to GP from CP for your medium long runs!
cns - not sure you'd recognise the Coach & Horses, mate - it's been given the 'paint everything white and bung in a few sofas' treatment
Thanks SB. I guess the reason I didn't know about it was because I am not looking for 10k races at this stage (preparing for marathon). Having said that, I would definitely like to run it at some point in the future (although as I mentioned before, I'd be dreading going up that hill TWICE in race conditions!).
Cheers.
I'm a beginning runner and Greenwich Park is where you'll find me early most mornings running (slowly). I've actually found people to be very friendly - and there is a core group of runners/walkers/dog owners I see almost every day. Most have been really encouraging of my progress and knowing they are watching helps keep me motivated.
The Greenwich 10k was my first race - and I'm happy to hear that REAL runners share my view on THAT hill appearing twice in the route!! (btw - the route is still posted in some of the notice boards in the park - it's a small photocopied map with blue highlighter marking the route)
Thanks for the tip about the map, SG. If you are there most mornings I am sure I'd seen you then! Next time I am in there, I'll go round shouting 'Susan' !!
If you keep training there, I am sure you'll be an elite (never mind a real one; you're already that) athlete in no time!
Keep going.