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I find running up behind people you can't do the right thing. I make people jump all the time by accident when I feel like I have been quite loud as I approach and often cough or clear my throat as the initial noise to make someone notice me. Then it's a cheery hello or excuse me in a raised voice. Then I often stop running and repeat louder, sometimes several times before anyone notices you're there. If people are chatting and they are facing away from you it can be really hard to hear what's coming from behind.
I really pissed off a chap once who admitted he was deaf in one ear but also said I had snuck up on him when I'd made an attempt to make myself known several times already, getting louder as I approached. When he finally looked around I was closer than he was expecting which gave him a shock. I wasn't right on his shoulder or anything and felt like I'd acted reasonably but he was really angry even after I apologized for making him jump and explained that I had called out several times. It bothered me that I'd caused him distress and I thought about it a lot but not really sure what else I could do apart from hang right back and shout really loud but that feels pretty rude too.
Sorry, not a direct answer to your question but relevant I think... I always smile and wave at runners and cyclists I see when out running, hopefully it comes across as friendly and not creepy.
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I think the crossing the road one or making a lot of space is the best. Did it on tonight’s run and it was so easy.
I’ve messaged a few people at Strava today to encourage them to make the beacon feature free for all users rather than only a paid feature.
I think if we all just think about our privilege as men and actively try to be considerate then that’s a great step.
Thought it was worth raising the subject of running at night and what men can do to be more considerate runners. Been discussing this with friends today as I had never really thought about it but a tweet from Caitlin Moran yesterday caused me to think more deeply about it.