Spring typically gets the everyday athlete outside training. With this comes the opportunity to pass others while training. For the past 6 years I have probably passed thousands of athletes either on my bike or while running. In almost every case, I attempt to make eye contact and say hello (or…Hey, what’s up, how ya’ doing, hey there, hi, good morning, good afternoon, hi there, what’s going on, hey man, and howdy). I do this because I feel it is the polite thing to do, and also because I enjoy being friendly. Disappointingly, what I have received in return has left me wondering…How has society let this happen? Where people seem afraid to say “hello” or say “hello” in return. Are people today afraid? Or maybe they don’t have or know proper manners? Either way, it’s time for you to do your part.

I was raised to be polite and greet people accordingly, regardless of whether I knew them personally or not. Today we call everyone we don’t know strangers. This word “stranger” I believe is shaping the way we “look” at people. We feel that since we don’t personally know them we shouldn’t say hello. In turn this has created a fearful and uncomfortable society, especially in our “arena” of triathlons. However, I feel we have a responsibility to help mold our society into a different direction – of polite & friendly.

It is my hope that articles like these pop up more, conversations about this take place in athletic club meetings, or even at dinner tables. We must stress that it is “ok” to say “Hi there” to others we pass in our training. Remember, you do this because you enjoy it…isn’t it more fun to do when you enjoy the people around you???

If you carry the same feelings as me, please pass this on to others to read. But more importantly, you need to either continue saying “Hi there” to the people you pass or start to. Believe me, you will start to feel better about yourself, you will feel more comfortable in the surroundings in which you train…and who knows, maybe more opportunities will arise simply because you said “Hi there.” Let’s start to spread the love…at least the love of exercising in friendly surroundings…Let’s start the “Hi there” Movement!!!

I have compiled a list of Characters you probably have met in your training. Please laugh, nod, and smile as you read, because I’m sure you can remember some of these from your training experiences.

THE BAD:

• The Avoider – complete avoidance of acknowledging you as a person. Will intentionally look to the ground or stare directly ahead. (I stare right at these people until the last moment in hopes they will budge, but if not I still say “Hi there” just as I pass)
• The Mummy – mumbles something in response, but you haven’t a clue what they said The Ventriloquists – similar to a mummy, but you never see their lips move (they must practice this often)
• The Nodder – often times too good to verbally say anything, but sometimes legit and is their way of acknowledging you
• The Waver (no look) – the non-verbal “Hi there”… they just wave but no eye contact (must have a fear of losing control of their physical abilities…fall off their bike, trip in a pothole)
• The Lip-Syncer’s – Their lips actual move, but no words come out (your first impression must have left them speechless)
• The HDYers (How Dare You’s) – These people seem to be frustrated with the fact you said “hello” to them while they attempt to get a work out. Often times you receive a response, but it comes back at you with anger.

THE GOOD:

• The Waver (w/a smile) – This is non-verbal, yet acceptable & good, especially when on the bike at high
  speeds
• The OverZealous – The one who is always excited to say “Hi there”, but continues to talk beyond that, to the point you never get a chance to respond because you’re 100 yds past them when they finish. A good example – “Wellllll, hello there. Wonderful day outside with this breeze blowing, isn’t it?” By this point you have to make a choice to either slow down or yell back (or unfortunately you never get to say anything – not because of lack of effort)
• The Mr/Mrs. Simple – they always acknowledge you, but at a bare minimum. Typically response – “hi”. No smile, no emotion in their voice… but at least they said something along with the lines which we are looking for in this movement.
• The KISS – the ones that Keep It Simple Sweet, and just respond with a “Hi there” and a smile.

Disclaimer:
I will admit there are times when saying “Hi there” might not be possible. I have acknowledged a few of these below. Each case is situational, but we know when it is acceptable or not to pass on the friendly gesture.

Factors that may be of influence, but not necessarily excusable:

• Someone with a dog - some people truly are scared of them
• Time of Day (Darker times of day elicit more nervous feelings)
• Numbers of People - more than one, the less likely one is to say “Hi there”
• Location of passing - obviously the streets of NYC would be a prime example
• The demands of ones workout - It's harder to say hello when sprinting