Dear lunch-hour joggers:

I think it's rather commendable that you all spend your hour strengthening your thigh muscles and tightening up your derrieres, while the bulk of us opt to stuff our faces, take leisurely walks, or hit a nearby bar to decompress, forget about, and berate colleagues in absentia.

I mean, anybody who runs on purpose is worthy of my respect and admiration, for I run with purpose: I run for the bus, I run to catch a store or coffeehouse before it closes, I run to beat last call, I've had to run from agitated dogs, etc. Exercise is crucial, and I try to stay active and keep my jelly, curds, and whey as solid as I can by staying in motion. That being said joggers; you all don't own the sidewalks. Some of you are 'right selfish and obnoxious in your quest to reach your hour-long goals.

I fancy myself a considerate pedestrian. I am not a sidewalk hog, and am always conscious of those people walking behind me. I stay to the right (or left) so as to give passers-by enough room to go by if they so desire.

I don't relish having to move any further (i.e. smack dab into a branch, fence, or a bush) because you all bully and stomp your way down the sidewalk as if it's yours and only yours, for that one hour. Some of you don't even say "excuse me" or "Thank you" when you need or are given room. Don't get me started on those who run in tandem. Selfish much? I think so.

I realize we are part of a busy culture, and that it may be impossible for you all to squeeze in an early morning or post-workday run. Hey, I understand that, but give those of us simply trying to make our way down the street to Au Bon Pain or wherever, a break and reciprocate the same respect given you!

This behavior would not fly in, say, Italy or France, where lunch-hour is taken seriously and teems of people congregate in the streets and wouldn't allow you all to commandeer the sidewalks and walkways. And while I'm on this topic, what do the lot of you do when you return to work?? Do you peel off your sweaty shorts and tees and put your work-clothes back on, or do you freshen up in the loo? Never mind. I don't want to know. Anyway, be courteous and stop being sidewalk hogs.

Thank you,

coffey