Can we talk track etiquette? (Vent-y)

[panicked]

For the second time I less than a month, I had a problem at the track. I am trying to figure out how best to handle this because I'm a new runner and simply don't know how to deal. Im on a military post, so I'm going up against two main factors: military mindsets and male privilege. For background, I tend to stay in the middle lanes. I'm not fast, but I'm not walking either.

Incident 1- I was running at a good pace and came out of the curve to see four guys just standing on the track talking. They were not in any posture that indicated they were going to start running anytime soon. They made eye contact with me and didn't move, even though they were clearly in my lane. I ended up running around them, and when I turned my head to see if anyone was in my original lane, I saw all of them staring at me. It was gross and made me really want to leave. (I didn't.)

Incident 2- all lanes were occupied, but we were all well spaced on the track. I was doing sprints on the straightaways and jogging on the curve in lane 3. Some guy ahead of me walks onto the track from the grass, looks around, and then LAYS DOWN ON THE TRACK and starts doing sit-ups, taking up three lanes. Wtf. There is a whole football field of AstroTurf a foot away. I did a quick run around him but I was pissed.

I really want to get up the courage to say something, but I'm concerned that maybe I'm just being hyper-annoyed. How would you handle this, h&f?

[wawa]

Probably by having yelled "EXCUSE ME!!!!" as I ran by for both...

Im not good at biting my tongue in the moment. I don't think those situations call for a measured response though. Short, sweet and loud...

[gt7301b]

I would have said something both times. I might have also ran really close to the guys standing on the track if they didn't move.

[hannahb]

I would have screamed excuse me as well. And also given an evil glare. Both situations are uncalled for.

[sadlebred]

I would have hurdled the guy doing sit ups cyclocross style as I shouted "Excuse me!"

[mrs.jacinthe]

Jun 1, 2017 20:25:11 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I would have hurdled the guy doing sit ups cyclocross style as I shouted "Excuse me!"

LOL, this is my first thought, as well.  But with my luck he'd sit up at the wrong moment and I'd wind up with a face where I didn't want it, IYKWIM.

That said, I'd have probably woven through the guys standing around instead of going around.  I'm kind of passive aggressive like that.

[sadlebred]

Jun 1, 2017 20:33:21 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Jun 1, 2017 20:25:11 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I would have hurdled the guy doing sit ups cyclocross style as I shouted "Excuse me!"

LOL, this is my first thought, as well.  But with my luck he'd sit up at the wrong moment and I'd wind up with a face where I didn't want it, IYKWIM.

That said, I'd have probably woven through the guys standing around instead of going around.  I'm kind of passive aggressive like that.

I can jump higher without a bike....but you are right about him sitting up at the wrong second.

[fuckyourcouch]

I would have dropped a loud, sarcastic "excuse you" while I threw an elbow.

But I'm kind of an ass lol. I would definitely say something.

[shauni27]

Hmmm, I am not sure. I am really quiet and conservative when it comes to these things because in an instance like this I would feel like the outsider--knew to the track, not sure of track protocol, etc. it SOUNDS like they are being total douches, but for some dumb reason I cannot think of, perhaps they are in the right?? (I am not saying this is the case at all, I am saying this is how my brain would work and why I wouldn't say anything.)

I would be really annoyed and maybe go with friends next time to see if a pack of runners would make a difference to this A-holes.

Again, to clarify, in no way are you wrong. I am just a chicken shit and second guess everything.

[osulori]

I'm not sure what I'd do, honestly. I know I hope I'd say something like "EXCUSE YOU!", "the track's not for socializing/stretching gentlemen, that's what the field is for!" or some other smartass comment but in reality I'd probably end up giving them a whole lot of dirty looks.

[shauni27]

Jun 2, 2017 8:12:26 GMT -5 osulori said:

I'm not sure what I'd do, honestly. I know I hope I'd say something like "EXCUSE YOU!", "the track's not for socializing/stretching gentlemen, that's what the field is for!" or some other smartass comment but in reality I'd probably end up giving them a whole lot of dirty looks.

This is what I should have said, basically. While I would WANT to say "kindly fuck off and get out of the way" I think I would just give dirty looks because I am a chicken shit.

[wambam]

I have literally never used a track, so I don't get an opinion on etiquette, but HOT DAMN, laying on a track for situps just sounds uncomfortable.

[wawa]

Jun 2, 2017 9:35:21 GMT -5 wambam said:

I have literally never used a track, so I don't get an opinion on etiquette, but HOT DAMN, laying on a track for situps just sounds uncomfortable.

some of them are kinda squishy?  Like that semi-bouncy rubbery kind of surface.  My high school track was really bouncy.  The one at the highschool near my house is way less so.

[wambam]

Jun 2, 2017 9:42:39 GMT -5 wawa said:

Jun 2, 2017 9:35:21 GMT -5 wambam said:

I have literally never used a track, so I don't get an opinion on etiquette, but HOT DAMN, laying on a track for situps just sounds uncomfortable.

some of them are kinda squishy?  Like that semi-bouncy rubbery kind of surface.  My high school track was really bouncy.  The one at the highschool near my house is way less so.

Oh I didn't know! I thought they were like blacktop.

[panicked]

Jun 2, 2017 9:42:39 GMT -5 wawa said:

Jun 2, 2017 9:35:21 GMT -5 wambam said:

I have literally never used a track, so I don't get an opinion on etiquette, but HOT DAMN, laying on a track for situps just sounds uncomfortable.

some of them are kinda squishy?  Like that semi-bouncy rubbery kind of surface.  My high school track was really bouncy.  The one at the highschool near my house is way less so.

That's what this is. It's a nice track, which is why I use it.

[moreace01]

Dude. Wtf... That's just weird/rude all the way around.

I would have run super close to the people in the middle of the track - like to the point where my sweat would hit them. Might not even have said excuse me. I might be really passive aggressive though.

I may have body checked a woman once on the sidewalk. NOT one of my finer moments...but she made zero effort to move and was taking up the whole sidewalk. I didn't move either...so yeah....I hit her shoulder. Hard.

[wambam]

Jun 2, 2017 11:21:43 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

I may have body checked a woman once on the sidewalk. NOT one of my finer moments...but she made zero effort to move and was taking up the whole sidewalk. I didn't move either...so yeah....I hit her shoulder. Hard.

This is so frustrating. I run by my work building and the building next door to us is a smoke-free zone so the employees have to cross the street and smoke on my side of the road. Anyways, there are some people who just stand there all tra la la and make no effort to move to the side. So I end up running in the grass (and sometimes mud) because they just give zero fucks.

[ilovecandy]

My post got eaten. But basically I would say something. If they are there as their company's pt time then I would maybe find the superior and talk to them asking I they could go.over track etiquette with their troops. You can also file an ice complaint to this extent asking for leaders to.go over track etiquette with their troops

My h also pointed out to me that there is usually a sign with rules.on it so point them in the direction just say hey I think maybe yu need to go reread the sign for the rules of track it is over there thanks.

Eta you have my sympathy I also run and live on a military base. Our track is usually crowded in the morning pt, sometimes at lunch depending on the time of year and 5 pm and after.

Eta2: I clearly have no problem going up the chain when a soldier pissed me off or dies something wrong. Example when the base captain vet said something completely wrong to me regarding the care of my dog who has an auto immune disease. Had I done what she wanted he would have died you can bet I reported her ass. Also with my job I have had to go to chain of command for non payment on accounts. It is within policy and our clients sign something to that effect so they know we can do this if they don't pay. We also had command walk throughs quarterly so I am used to speaking to command about problems. I know not everyone is as comfortable as me so definitly go the I've route if you arent.

[panicked]

Jun 2, 2017 13:40:06 GMT -5 ilovecandy said:

My post got eaten. But basically I would say something. If they are there as their company's pt time then I would maybe find the superior and talk to them asking I they could go.over track etiquette with their troops. You can also file an ice complaint to this extent asking for leaders to.go over track etiquette with their troops

My h also pointed out to me that there is usually a sign with rules.on it so point them in the direction just say hey I think maybe yu need to go reread the sign for the rules of track it is over there thanks.

Eta you have my sympathy I also run and live on a military base. Our track is usually crowded in the morning pt, sometimes at lunch depending on the time of year and 5 pm and after.

Eta2: I clearly have no problem going up the chain when a soldier pissed me off or dies something wrong. Example when the base captain vet said something completely wrong to me regarding the care of my dog who has an auto immune disease. Had I done what she wanted he would have died you can bet I reported her ass. Also with my job I have had to go to chain of command for non payment on accounts. It is within policy and our clients sign something to that effect so they know we can do this if they don't pay. We also had command walk throughs quarterly so I am used to speaking to command about problems. I know not everyone is as comfortable as me so definitly go the I've route if you arent.

This isn't during pt hours; I know better than to work out then! :-) I usually go after 9am, so they should be at work. I think they're just being assholes.

[ilovecandy]

Jun 2, 2017 14:01:20 GMT -5 panicked said:

Jun 2, 2017 13:40:06 GMT -5 ilovecandy said:

My post got eaten. But basically I would say something. If they are there as their company's pt time then I would maybe find the superior and talk to them asking I they could go.over track etiquette with their troops. You can also file an ice complaint to this extent asking for leaders to.go over track etiquette with their troops

My h also pointed out to me that there is usually a sign with rules.on it so point them in the direction just say hey I think maybe yu need to go reread the sign for the rules of track it is over there thanks.

Eta you have my sympathy I also run and live on a military base. Our track is usually crowded in the morning pt, sometimes at lunch depending on the time of year and 5 pm and after.

Eta2: I clearly have no problem going up the chain when a soldier pissed me off or dies something wrong. Example when the base captain vet said something completely wrong to me regarding the care of my dog who has an auto immune disease. Had I done what she wanted he would have died you can bet I reported her ass. Also with my job I have had to go to chain of command for non payment on accounts. It is within policy and our clients sign something to that effect so they know we can do this if they don't pay. We also had command walk throughs quarterly so I am used to speaking to command about problems. I know not everyone is as comfortable as me so definitly go the I've route if you arent.

This isn't during pt hours; I know better than to work out then! :-) I usually go after 9am, so they should be at work. I think they're just being assholes.

For sure are being assholes I would just call them out and baring that not working point out the rules or file an ice so that everyone is mandated to talk about track etiquette.

Is the track at the gym? I know we have tracks all over base but I think the one by the gym you can maybe ask the gym persobell and see what they say.

[panicked]

Jun 2, 2017 14:05:25 GMT -5 ilovecandy said:

Jun 2, 2017 14:01:20 GMT -5 panicked said:

This isn't during pt hours; I know better than to work out then! :-) I usually go after 9am, so they should be at work. I think they're just being assholes.

For sure are being assholes I would just call them out and baring that not working point out the rules or file an ice so that everyone is mandated to talk about track etiquette.

Is the track at the gym? I know we have tracks all over base but I think the one by the gym you can maybe ask the gym persobell and see what they say.

Nope, this is a standalone track. I think I just need to stop feeling intimidated and say something when it happens.

[foundmylazybum]

They are out of line and you are correct.

The etiquette says that you say "Track." You can start saying it as you see them hoarding the lane, and you are approaching to give enough leave time for them to move.

You start saying it louder and more insistently as you are approaching.

IMO I ALWAYS use the inside lane when working out. So if I am doing 400's I use the inside lane for those but lane 2/3 when doing the down time. I would use lane 2/3 for sprints. I would use 2/3 for "easy jogs"

I would use lane 1 for mile repeats or a ladder. EVEN if I was running say 12 min mile pace, during focused workout time I would use the inside lane with the expectation that if someone faster comes it is MY responsibility to move it if need be and the word "track" is uttered and also the expectation that "i" am also paying attention. (i'm not saying you weren't I'm just saying for future reference."

I am telling you about lane 1 b/c in incident 1--it "could" also be that in the outer lanes people often hang out. Yes, as soon as they see you they should move and if you say "track" they definitely should but honestly--NO ONE should be messing around in lane 1--the outer lanes--eh. We often stood around and talked in lane 3-8. I would be surprised if someone came blazing through, didn't say anything then acted affronted that I didn't move b/c you work out in lane 1. Working out in other lanes--even lane 2 is more distance. Why would people do that? I don't get it.

I think the guy in the second instance is a weirdo and you almost should have hurdled him and yelled track at the same time. He is so clearly wrong here.

You never run easy in lane 1. Have respect lol.

Edit. I also work at a large military post. I understand military mindsets and male privilege--I really do get where you are coming from--but another way to look at it is: military mindsets are also used to assertiveness...so be assertive. You don't have to be aggressive--just realize you are right. Speak with confidence "TRACK!" and hold your ground. If they don't move THEN get mad! But try assertive first--and PLAY to another part of the military mindset. Saying nothing is passive--and it only ruins YOUR workout.

[nomad]

Jun 2, 2017 17:43:26 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

They are out of line and you are correct.

The etiquette says that you say "Track." You can start saying it as you see them hoarding the lane, and you are approaching to give enough leave time for them to move.

You start saying it louder and more insistently as you are approaching.

IMO I ALWAYS use the inside lane when working out. So if I am doing 400's I use the inside lane for those but lane 2/3 when doing the down time. I would use lane 2/3 for sprints. I would use 2/3 for "easy jogs"

I would use lane 1 for mile repeats or a ladder. EVEN if I was running say 12 min mile pace, during focused workout time I would use the inside lane with the expectation that if someone faster comes it is MY responsibility to move it if need be and the word "track" is uttered and also the expectation that "i" am also paying attention. (i'm not saying you weren't I'm just saying for future reference."

I am telling you about lane 1 b/c in incident 1--it "could" also be that in the outer lanes people often hang out. Yes, as soon as they see you they should move and if you say "track" they definitely should but honestly--NO ONE should be messing around in lane 1--the outer lanes--eh. We often stood around and talked in lane 3-8. I would be surprised if someone came blazing through, didn't say anything then acted affronted that I didn't move b/c you work out in lane 1. Working out in other lanes--even lane 2 is more distance. Why would people do that? I don't get it.

I think the guy in the second instance is a weirdo and you almost should have hurdled him and yelled track at the same time. He is so clearly wrong here.

You never run easy in lane 1. Have respect lol.

I almost never come over here but I'm hurt and  looking for cross training inspiration so I peaked over and noticed this. When healthy I run on a track weekly and I want to say ditto to everything here. 

Yell track when approaching people walking or standing, generally in an inside lane. People are in their own worlds and as obvious as it seems sometimes just don't think about moving.

If doing a workout please run in lane 1. Do not worry about your pace, everyone deserves lane one 12 minute mile or 6 minute mile.  That is the lane you expect people to be running in and people hopefully avoid standing in. For me I run hard in lane 1 and move over to the middle lanes for recovery. Since I'm just recovering when in those lanes I dont care if I have to run around people that are standing in those lanes. 

[goldengirlz]

Jun 2, 2017 11:21:43 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

Dude. Wtf... That's just weird/rude all the way around.

I would have run super close to the people in the middle of the track - like to the point where my sweat would hit them. Might not even have said excuse me. I might be really passive aggressive though.

I may have body checked a woman once on the sidewalk. NOT one of my finer moments...but she made zero effort to move and was taking up the whole sidewalk. I didn't move either...so yeah....I hit her shoulder. Hard.

I think the track is different from the sidewalk, especially if we're talking about a residential street.

You slammed into her ... on purpose?? I know this board is supposed to be a supportive place so let me say in the gentlest way possible, don't do this. It's not cool.

Maybe I'm a little sensitive because I got punched by a homeless lady recently because she thought I was coming too close to her. I was just minding my own business on a city street (walking, not running). She was walking in the opposite direction. Bottom line: making contact with someone in your way is what crazy people do. 😉

[moreace01]

Jun 3, 2017 18:41:31 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Jun 2, 2017 11:21:43 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

I think the track is different from the sidewalk, especially if we're talking about a residential street.

You slammed into her ... on purpose?? I know this board is supposed to be a supportive place so let me say in the gentlest way possible, don't do this. It's not cool.

Maybe I'm a little sensitive because I got punched by a homeless lady recently because she thought I was coming too close to her. I was just minding my own business on a city street (walking, not running). She was walking in the opposite direction. Bottom line: making contact with someone in your way is what crazy people do. 😉

No, I did not aim for her or hit her on purpose nor do I normally go around taking people out on the sidewalk. She was coming towards me on the sidewalk, I maneuvered slightly to get out of her way assuming she would do the same to avoid us colliding. She didn't budge from her course and our shoulders hit pretty hard cause we were both moving. I felt bad because I could have moved a little farther - like I already said, not my best moment. But conversely, she made zero effort to move over. If she had, the incident could have been avoided.

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 2, 2017 11:21:43 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

Dude. Wtf... That's just weird/rude all the way around.

I would have run super close to the people in the middle of the track - like to the point where my sweat would hit them. Might not even have said excuse me. I might be really passive aggressive though.

I may have body checked a woman once on the sidewalk. NOT one of my finer moments...but she made zero effort to move and was taking up the whole sidewalk. I didn't move either...so yeah....I hit her shoulder. Hard.

Your solution and your previous actions are aggressive behavior 😒

People make mistakes on the track, on trails, on sidewalks...in life all. The. Time. You dont just zoom by them and body check them lol.

[schrodinger]

Jun 2, 2017 17:43:26 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

The etiquette says that you say "Track." You can start saying it as you see them hoarding the lane, and you are approaching to give enough leave time for them to move.

Proboards ate my post, so hopefully this only posts once!

I did not know this, but my track is not usually very crowded and I've never had to deal with lane sharing.  If you are the slower runner and have "track" yelled at you is the proper response to yield and shift right?  I assume this is the running equivalent of biking's "on your left" and you are only expected to make enough room to let someone pass, but I don't want to be the asshole at the track!

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 5, 2017 12:15:24 GMT -5 schrodinger said:

Jun 2, 2017 17:43:26 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

The etiquette says that you say "Track." You can start saying it as you see them hoarding the lane, and you are approaching to give enough leave time for them to move.

Proboards ate my post, so hopefully this only posts once!

I did not know this, but my track is not usually very crowded and I've never had to deal with lane sharing.  If you are the slower runner and have "track" yelled at you is the proper response to yield and shift right?  I assume this is the running equivalent of biking's "on your left" and you are only expected to make enough room to let someone pass, but I don't want to be the asshole at the track!

Yes. Just shift to lane 2 or 3 😊