I'm not sure if this topic has ever been discussed in the running blogosphere before, so if it has, I apologize in advance. But it seems we, o ye faithful bloggers of the running community, don't really care about discussing the same topic multiple times, even within the course of the same week. So here goes.
Spit.
Yes, spit.
I was thinking about this last night as I was running outside in *gasp!* 50 degree weather. I went for a quick 4.5 mile run and decided not to take my iPod. You heard me right. I decided to leave the iPod at home. I feel like this is a huge accomplishment in itself, and...oh, wait! I'm not talking about my iPod here. I'm talking about spit. Back to the topic, Christy!
Anyway, I think I realized it because I didn't have my music to distract me, but I was spitting a lot. Have I always done this?! I mean, I know I spit when I run, I just didn't realize I did it so much. I suppose there's nothing like getting all that backed up phlegm out of your mouth, right? Get rid of it, I say. We already look like zombies when we run, no need to add in the whole "rabid dog" look, too. You know what I'm talking about. Think Hooch, from Turner & Hooch (one of my fave Tom Hanks movies BTW). Yeah, nobody wants to run next to THAT! And I don't care if it's unladylike to spit. I'm a runner, dammit, and being "ladylike" while running doesn't even cross my mind.
So, I'm a spitter. But, no worries, ladies and gentleman, I follow proper spitting etiquette. At least I think I do. According to yours truly, these are the spitting rules I live and die by:
1. During a race, never spit in the middle of the road. Nobody wants to step in your spit. I always run on the right side of the road during races, so I'm always near the shoulder. Convenient for spitting, to say the least.
2. Always take a quick look behind you before spitting. Nobody wants to get hit in the face with your saliva. For reals, man. Dis. Gust. Ing.
3. Be aware of wind direction. Need I say more?
What do y'all think about running and spitting? Do you do it? What rules do you follow? I really am curious, for shiz. And as a last minute aside, this may be one of the reasons why running outside is better than running on the treadmill. There's nowhere to spit when you're in the gym!
And one more thing...
Morgan, over at Caution: Redhead Running is the winner of my very first giveaway. Congratulations, Morgan! Send me your address so that I know where to send the goods. Don't worry, I'm not a Creeper McCreeperson, I won't distribute yor address for money, yada yada yada.
I think you have perfectly good rules here! I'm not much of a spitter, but yesterday's run called for it and I'm quite pleased I didn't drool on myself! Win!
ReplyDeleteRunning in someone else's spit is nasty, agreed.
Okay, since you turned the doorknob, I'll open the door a little bit more...
ReplyDeleteWhat about the pinch-one-nostril-and-blow-out-the-other technique?? I say this because I, well, have, uh, seen it done before... Actually, during my race last weekend a girl in front of me stopped and did that. It was actually cool to see because it's like taking the bull by the horns and doing whatever's necessary to get through a race/run, you know. Much respect.
Sorry if that took your post to a whole 'nother level :)
Running in someone's spit is just wrong.
Dang!! Another giveaway I failed to win. Oh well. Congrats to Morgan.
Haha. Remember when we ran together here and you pointed out that you had already spit like 6 times and I hadn't yet? Good times. I spit when I need to, but apparently not as much as you. :)
ReplyDeleteDang, I was going to enter that giveaway and never did. I guess you never win when you don't play!
Though I am not a spitter, I like your rules of spitting. As long as you're practicing proper spit ettiquette, I'm ok with it. However, I absolutely hate running through other people's spit on the ground, so we're on the same page there! I'm glad you don't do that :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I never thought about the subject. I have made the mistake of spitting into the wind; good thing it only hit me!
ReplyDeleteI spit when I run too. Not tons, but it needs to get done. I even placed a garbage can beside the treadmill in the garage - just for convenience! I mentioned to my wife why the garbage can was right there, and she seemed mildly grossed out. Non-runners. They just don't understand.
ReplyDeleteGood rules! I've been in races where I've wanted to get around a runner because I thought I was going to be spit on, so I'm glad you're spreading the word about checking behind you!
ReplyDeleteI, personally, haven't mastered a spitting technique, so I only spit when absolutely necessary to avoid, well, nastiness. When I do and it works, I celebrate a little in my head - lol.
I spit like a damn pro. Good rules though. If you're going to do it, do it right!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE rule #3. For some reason I feel like I relearn that one every single windy day (e.g. last night when I spit on my shoulder)
ReplyDeleteAnd do you only spit when you run or also at home(when you cough or when you're sick)?
ReplyDelete