I believe in saying “hello” while on the run.  This simple, extra effort goes a long way.

Over the years, I have embraced running as a hobby.  Whether it be through the park near my house or around the Penn State campus, there are always other people on the run.  As I see each and every runner approaching from the opposite direction, I wonder what the interaction will be as we pass.  As we get closer and closer, I try to catch the vibe to ensure that the interaction is mutual as we pass.  Some people give me the smile or the head nod; others give me the extra loud breath that translates to “hello” while running; and others try their hardest to nonchalantly ignore me.

As people pursue the latter, they try extra hard to look straight ahead and make it seem as if they do not see me approaching or see me in the instant that we pass.  As I run past these types of neglected interaction, I feel a sense of tension, a sense of standoffishness, and a sense of hostility.  I continue running and think, “Why did they try so hard to act like they did not see me?”

However, when I pass a fellow runner and they give me some form of gesture, it is a refreshing moment.  While I may be winded and gasping for air, a simple nod or that extra loud breath from a fellow runner gives me a breath of fresh air.  I continue running and feel a sense of kindness and a sense of connectedness to the fellow runner.

There is a man that I frequently pass around the lake near my house.  Every time we pass, we always acknowledge each other.  His unwavering simple kindness has left an impact on me.  I have never spoken to this man, and I only know him as the man who always wears the Pittsburgh Spikes Baseball t-shirt.  However, the Pittsburgh Spikes Baseball t-shirt man is somebody who always says hello, and I feel as if we have developed an unspoken friendship through this one word: hello.

Having experienced both ends of running interactions, I always strive to look my fellow runners in the eye and acknowledge them in some way.  This simple acknowledgment carries so much meaning.  Not only does it show kindness, it conveys a sense of connection to the ongoing hard work and sometimes struggle of the run.  On days when the run is harder, a mere extra loud exhale from a fellow runner encourages me to keep going, and in return, I hope to give the same to others.

This concept of sharing a simple “hello” translates to the bigger picture as well.  In other aspects of life, the struggle is not pushing through a run; rather, people might be struggling with school, work, family life, confidence, and more.  I do not know the story of everybody that I cross paths with, but simply acknowledging them could give them the brightness they need to make it through their day.  The feeling of human connection can be revived with a “hello” and subtly remind people that humankind thrives with kindness.

From running interactions to the bigger picture, I believe in acknowledging the people that we cross paths with.  I believe in giving the extra effort, or the extra loud breath, to always say hello.