Last week I talked about lakefront etiquette for bikers.  Today I ran about 5 miles down at the lake, and almost got hit by two cars.  As a driver, if you are at an intersection with a stop sign, but cross traffic does not stop... don't simply look left before right turning.  There could very well be a runner coming from your right.  As a runner, the biggest tip I can give you is to make eye contact with the driver.  If you never make eye contact, then don't assume they saw you... and in fact they probably didn't and will likely hit you if you run in front of them.

Next are the dog walkers... the scourge of running trails are those stupid extending leashes that act like clothes lines.  My favorite today was the guy talking on his cell phone on one side of the walk, while his kick me dog was on the other side with the leash stretched across.  I hate those leashes.  Keep your dog on the same side of the sidewalk as you are.

And finally... smile and say hello to your fellow runners on the road.  It may seem corny, but most people's reaction to being smiled at is to smile back.  And something so simple can give you a little perk that maybe carries you an extra couple of blocks.  So why not do something simple, and help out your fellow runner.