People on the Footpath

People on the footpath frustrate me often. Is it their first day out in public? They don’t know which side of the footpath to walk on, walk three or four abreast, zig-zag like they’re trying to evade something, or they pretend not to notice the way their dog’s leash cordons the way for everyone else. Don’t even get me started on slow walkers.

One time, towards the end of a 40-ish minute run, I was approaching a group of people taking up the footpath, ambling towards the car park (I assume). Looked to be two families that were friends or perhaps related. As I got close, I noticed a narrow gap on the right hand side of the path, so I took my chance to overtake the crowd. In that moment one of the adults stepped blindly backwards into the last sliver of free space their group had taken up. I think they were finding a better angle for a group photo. Obviously I am a lunatic, and it was too late to change direction, so in that moment I charged through, shoving their bag in the process. I heard them exclaim in surprise. Mission accomplished. I continued on my run without looking back.

When I see someone on the wrong side of the footpath, I run directly at them, holding eye contact. Nobody’s been brave enough to beat me at playing chicken yet. And if it’s a group with their backs turned, taking up the whole path, I’ll pass really, really close. Like “enjoy the aroma of 30 minutes of running” close. I’m convinced it’s the only way these people will learn.