Day 43: What’s Your Wave?

Now that I’ve been running for more than a month, I’ve passed my share of people out on the trail. I’ve noticed lots of littles things other joggers do, but the one I was thinking about today, is the wave. When I pass another runner, walker or biker, I usually attempt a Smile/Nod/Breathless “Hi” combo. Some people don’t acknowledge you at all and then you feel like a big dork. But I’d rather be dorky than rude.

Here are some of the different waves I’ve seen:

The Stop Sign: The runner holds his or her hand up like their wave has frozen, thus giving off a stop-sign effect.

The Broken Wrist: The runner flicks one hand up and down quickly, as if shooing a fly.

The Nod: The runner simply ducks their head down and then up again in a mini-bow.

The Smile: The runner flashes a toothy grin.

The Breathless “Hi”: Somehow, this runner manages to talk.

The Finger: No, not that finger. The runner points upward in acknowledgement with his or her index finger.

So, what’s your wave?

PS: Three miles today on the trail. It was nice to be back on the dirt path — it’s so much easier on my joints and it puts a spring in my step. Tomorrow, I’ have a 45-minute walk and then on Monday, I begin my new schedule: the 12-week half-marathon program. Yikes.