Sure, there are variations to this rule, but the biggest issue with running on roads with cars is making sure the cars know you’re there. Makes sense, right?
A couple weeks ago I took a trip to Arkansas and did some running while I was there. Arkansas is one of the most beautiful states (in my humble opinion). The landscape is hilly and steep, complete with winding roads. It’s really a treat to run on.
However, the problem with hilly and steep roads is that oftentimes your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed. In fact, often there were times running where neither side of the road was safe to run on. So if you can’t see the cars coming in front of you, you’re in trouble.
Now, I could continue the story and tell you how I almost killed myself, ran off a steep ditch and twisted an ankle (all true), but I’ll save you the gory details. The fact of the matter is I was dumb and trying to adhere to running norms in a landscape that was anything but normal. But as I hobbled the last half mile home, I came upon this (painful) revelation: rules aren’t really all that great.
The Dangerous Rules
Each hill, each bend in the road is different, and you’ll need unique and specific solutions to get around them. Not a generic, outdated rulebook. There is no right or wrong way to do most things; professional or otherwise. And you should be wary of people who tell you there are.
My partner in crime Brian has had to bend software in weird ways on our latest project because we’re using the software in unconventional ways. That’s the beauty (and scary part) of being an entrepreneur: often we’re forging into uncharted territory.
Sometimes with running–as with life–there is no “Golden Rule”. Sometimes there are no rules at all, and you have to make them up as you go along. There are no guidebooks, best practices, or anything that can be Googled.
Don’t try to apply conventional wisdom. You have to improvise and act quickly on your feet, otherwise you’ll get run over (literally or figuratively).
What about you? What situations have you found yourself in where conventional wisdom or rules didn’t work? I’d love to hear them.
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Photo by MRHSfan
