During my "long" run this
weekend, I was reminded of one of the most annoying things about
running...the Horn Honkers. It has been quite a while since the two
of us crossed paths during my runs; maybe the holiday weekend brought
out all the wackos. Whatever the cause, I realized it's still
obnoxious. The interaction is so quick how am I supposed to have any
clue what you're trying to say: “You're hot,” “Get out of the
street,” or “I just wanted to scare you.”
The only time it is acceptable to honk
your horn at me while I'm running, is to alert me to impending
danger. For example, it is okay to honk your horn if a velociraptor
is on the other side of the road, eying me as a mid-day snack;
however, honking your horn at me to alert me to your presence on the
road is not acceptable. I already know you are there. I'm fully aware
that most drivers have no idea what they are doing and that my next
step in the street could be my last.
I'll admit I'm slightly flattered when an
attractive young woman honks her horn at me while I'm running past. I
like to think she is honking because she finds me attractive, but I'm
sure anyone who has seen me while running will dismiss this idea as
absurd, knowing that is not one of my most attractive moments.
Assuming for the moment this was the case, what good does it
accomplish. Did honking your horn somehow place your phone number in
my cell phone? Did it get you a date? No! Maybe you should try
talking to me the next time you see me out in public.
I'm not even going to comment on the
idiots who just honk their horn to scare runners. In fact, due to
people's compulsive need to honk, I've actually gotten pretty good at
not reacting to it. In fact, if you see me running down the street
and you honk, I probably wouldn't even know it was you until you
mention it the next time I see you, so don't interpret it as me
ignoring you. If you want me to acknowledge you, call out my name
while you drive past. You're more likely to get a response.
