Discussion: b or c

i would pick either b or c, and it's nice of you to ask. i would get nervous, any time of day, w someone matching my pace behind me.

however, the person in front also has a choice to do either of those options. if it was me in front, i would probably stop and stretch just to see what's going on.

This is a dilemma. Recently, for longer runs, I would usually attempt c, even if I don't want to be going faster. My pace doesn't usually change much so unless the other runner chooses to pick it up, we probably will only cross paths once. I also make as wide a pass as I can so I am a visible as possible.

I hate stopping, so I would probably choose C, or if opportunity presented, do a short loop or out-and-back on any side trail or grassy area. If I knew there was such an opportunity coming soon, I might choose an option D of reducing speed to let the other person gradually pull away, until I could reach the turn-off and add enough extra distance.

forest park, i prob would not bother w anything, as populated as it generally is. isolated area, as commented above, but need to remember to say on your left from a good distance away. I have scared the wits out of many a runner or hiker forgetting to do that.

Thanks for the input.

Same situation came up again yesterday on Grants trail. Woman passed me right at my turn around and was going same pace. Legs felt ok so I sped up a bit and went on by.

For the original situation, if my legs had been feeling better i would have done the same thing.

Route modification is a good thought. At that location there weren't any good alternates except the other direction, which would be ok. Path is between road and golf course for about a mile. Although, at 645am there weren't any golfers out. Could have done a short little loop around some tee boxes.

Another advantage of running the powerlines, I guess. I never find myself running behind someone ;) Grants Trail and FP are two very dangerous trails for lone female runners; I would definitely give them some room.

It would make me uncomfortable if I was running alone and someone stayed my pace running relatively closely behind me. I think b or c are ok answers, but it would probably make me happier if they were in front of me than further behind me.

Hey, I'll jump in here. Just trying to keep your log noisy! :) I think it is very kind of you to be sensitive to this situation. B would be my top choice, but C is a decent 2nd choice if you give a friendly sounding audible and a wide berth.

With that said, I would never, ever let anyone run behind me like that for more than 15 seconds tops. I always strive to remain uber-aware of surroundings and if I had been that gal, I would have changed my route immediately or faked a shoe issue of some sort (stepping well off the trail) depending on the exact location. I have done both of those things before.

I am definitely much more comfortable seeing people in front of me rather than having them behind me. I would have appreciated it if you had sped up and passed me.