Long runs on the weekends with your running buddies should be relaxed, easy and fun. These are not races! This is no time to show off your ability to run faster than everyone else, but really more of a social time. Of course, pace groups often naturally happen even in a small group like Happy Feet. Some of you are runners, others are walkers, while others are doing a modified "Galloway Method". You might switch running buddies from time to time depending on how you feel that morning and which pace you're needing to run. Whatever group you're with, there are a few understood rules of etiquette for long runs with your running buddies. Please read through this small list (a mix of Miss Road Manners and Chicago Area Runners):

RULES FOR GROUP RUNS
1. Leave keys, loose change and other jiggling matter home. Tinkling sound effects do not enhance running.

2. Be runner friendly. If your running group gets spread out during a workout, agree where to re-group. This takes the pressure off the faster runner to run too slowly and pressure off the slower runner to run too fast. Regroup a few times during the run for the ultimate in safety and courtesy.

3. Running with a slower runner is not an invitation to coach them. When running with a faster runner, don't make excuses about your talent. It degrades you and makes both runners uncomfortable.

4. It's good to be a step ahead in business, in housework and holiday shopping. It's even good to be one step ahead of your competition, but not your running buddy. Run side by side.

5. Don't assume because someone is slower they want your coaching advice. Speed is not an indicator of knowledge. Slower does not mean dumber.

6. If you are injured, it's okay to whine a little. After that shut up. Everyone has their own problems.

7. Look before you spit, snot rocket, or otherwise expel bodily fluids. It's rude to catch another runner in your splatter.

8. Groaning, grunting, wheezing and otherwise broadcasting your discomfort are not considered in good taste. Slow down if you must, but don't make the rest of us miserable listening to you.

9. Learn to dress and undress on the run. Don't ask the group to wait while you tie your shoe, take off your jacket or otherwise adjust your attire for comfort.

10. If you are running along in a tight pack and see a hazard on the course, call out or raise your hand so those following will know something is up before they have to leap.

11. If you run with a leashed dog, make sure the dog is also controlled. Dog slobber is really yucky. Your dog's jumping, jerking and darting are as dangerous to another runner as your dog's teeth.

12. Don't run through puddles and splash other runners unless you want to be chased and dunked.

13. Don't feel obligated to tell a pregnant runner she should/should not be working out. In fact, about the only appropriate comment on someone else's appearance/weight/clothing is "Looking good!". Otherwise, keep quiet and keep moving.

14. Don't try to race cars, bikes and trains across intersections. This can get very messy and endangers everyone involved.

15. Don't run through wet cement; it makes your shoes heavy. Fresh tar likewise messes up shoes, sidewalks and driveway.

16. In a group run, don't take over the road/sidewalk/trail. On sidewalks, especially, single-file it. Leave room for someone to pass or otherwise get by without being swarmed.

17. Let a body know you are coming up from behind. "On your left" is most commonly used on the trails, but say it in plenty of time for them to move over, especially if they're walking their dog who might get scared.

18. Don't litter. In all likelihood, the scraps of your PowerBar or Gu wrapper are going to end up on the bottom of someone's shoe or in the belly of rat before they have a chance to decompose.

RACE ETIQUETTE
1. Line up according to the pace you plan to run. If you are a slower runner, that's OK, just don’t stand right in the front of the pack.

2. Follow the instructions of course marshals.

3. Don’t wear headphones. You reduce your awareness of your surroundings, which is particularly dangerous in a high-traffic race environment. It may also prevent you from hearing instructions from course marshals. Many races ban them and will ask you to remove them prior to entering the race course. You might even be disqualified and removed from the course.

4. Do not stop suddenly at water tables or if you drop something or if your shoe comes untied. Move to the side slowly and make sure you do not cut off another runner. It's OK to walk while you drink your water. Just stay to the side and carefully merge back with the other runners when you are ready.

5. It's preferable to leave your cups or other items you may need to discard at a water station. Never throw trash on someone’s front yard or on more remote areas of the course.

6. Use caution and control approaching the finish line. Don’t cut off other runners and don’t stop suddenly right after crossing the finish line.

7. Do not bring dogs, strollers, inline skates, bicycles, or other similar items to a race if the race instructions forbid them. They pose safety hazards to other participants and may violate insurance coverage. Also, it’s not a great idea to try to use your cell phone during a race so ask your friends and family to come out and watch you or call them when you’re done.