Changing the world one person at a time.

When I go out for a run I smile and say good morning to every runner I meet (truth be told I also say hi to non-runners if i’m off road). Why?

Let’s face it, there are a lot of pretty miserable looking runners out there. Sorry, but it’s true. Running is hard, and can be a lonely pursuit, so I say ‘Hi’ to make an ever so brief connection with someone to share their pain, to acknowledge their effort in lacing up and stepping out to hit the tarmac or trail.

I do get the odd grumpy look that says ‘Who are you, and why are you talking to me?’ but my favourite replies are those surprised ‘Morning!’ smiles that shows they appreciate being noticed. I want people to know that it’s great they’re out running. I want people to know they’re fitter and faster than those sitting at home on the sofa. It’s impossible to say all that as you pass someone coming the other way but I hope that my friendly greeting somehow communicates that. If I can pass on some of my enjoyment of running then I feel good and more energised myself — I feed off them, it keeps me going, it makes me feel more connected to other runners, less solitary in my pursuit.

S0me people I see probably think I’m a crazy, overly happy person but do I care? No. I’ll probably never see them again. Hopefully if they didn’t reply to me then maybe they’ll reply to the next person that greets them. We all have it in us to lift someone through acknowledement, to make someone feel good about themselves. I’m hoping to change the world one person at a time. Come and join me by smiling and saying ‘Good morning’ to the next fellow runner you see.