Is this rude? (Read 1336 times)

When a fast runner finishes the race and runs back to help a friend finish is this rude to the runners still trying to finish? Same question applies for a runner wants to get a few more miles in? IMO, it's a little depressing when you're trying to dig deep, you see someone that has finished, is running back for more, you feel like you need a lung transplant and they are running easily along.

I don't think it rude to continue running, nor do I think "effin hotdog." Well, maybe a little, but that usually gives way to inspiration or something where I try to reach into myself and step it up. Ans who knows: They may be cooling down, or trying to get prescribed miles in. I could see a problem if they ran against race traffic to get to a friend. Remember, we are all running our own race. Try not to think about it. I guarantee you, whatever the reason such runners continue, it's not to rub it in or anything to those of us with lesser performances.

I think it isnt rude at all. If they are going back to help a friend, it is about the friend...who probably appreciates it, I know I did, I know my friends do. If its just for cooldown, then it is about what they need to do for their own goals and body.

No, it's not rude.

Once, I finished a 5k and ran back to be with my wife, who was pushing our children as a walker.

I think that's sweet!

As a general policy, it's best not to assume that fast runners are "showing off," just because they are running fast and cheering their friends. If they are holding a sign that says "Because I'm faster than you I think I'm better than you," then it might be fair to jump to conclusions. Short of that, I think it's bad policy to try to get into other people's heads.

I'd never heard of this until coming across a similar thread last year on one of the old CoolRunning forums. I've been cooling down by running the course in reverse for years and it never crossed my mind that someone might be offended. Ninety perent of the time the course you just ran is the best place available to do your cooldown. You have mile markers to tell you how far you've gone, and if you are directionally challenged like me you have less chance of getting lost. Fwiw there have been many, many times when runners faster than me have been into their cooldowns while I'm still out there. I appreciate any words of enocuragement they care to give me, but if they are too busy talking with each other it doesn't bother me in the least. All I'm thinking about is dragging my tired butt across that finish line.

I wish someone would run back for me.