I too have thought about cheering people on. I really want to do it! I think I will! You have to keep in mind, I was one of those kids who waved to people in the other cars. To this day I still get truckers to honk (DH gets embarrassed! HA!-just part of the fun, little does he realize!)

I personally think that we don't have enough interaction with people. Maybe that's why people would get startled. These days the only reason someone honks at you is because you're taking to long to GET out of their way! No one waves, or smiles or says hi.
When I'm outside exercising, I make it a point to smile and say hi to people along the way. It's amazing how many people don't even make eye contact.

Sad state we are!

I totally have the inner cheer when i see people running... unless it is like midday here in the texas summer, 98+ and humid, in which case i think wtf are you doing, go inside before you suffer from heat stroke lol

One time while on vacation, I decided to do some exploring and tried to drive up this mountain. The dirt, rocky road was so steep, I didn't know if my car was going to make it up. As I came around a turn, I came across a man on a mountain bike. Passing him in slow-motion, I yelled out to him, "You are my hero!"

To this day, remembering his strength and endurance floors me. That was one steep road.

I can't speak for every runner but sometimes I have to admit that I don't make eye contact because I run alone. I don't wear ear buds and run against traffic on the pavement b/c my hubby's always telling me to be 'aware of my surroundings'. I also run with a fanny pack which contains my drivers' license, house key and cell phone. Yet I do live in a pretty nice neighborhood and I run mostly around the 5 - 6 a.m. hour but still I have to be cautious. I will say that I make eye contact and say hi to women and older men. Younger guys make me a little more cautious. But that's just me.

fitmom- I know what you mean and I agree. I meant in general I really think people don't make much eye contact these days. and there are some people I just ignore on purpose like you do for the same reasons.

I think its pretty hilarious that I fell on this thread, my mom was telling me the other day that when she walks or she's outside watering her plants, she always sees this same girl, tall slim, model looking (her words, not mine) running like crazy, even when we have humid hot weather, she's running with 2 bottles of water attached at her back...

and ...she cheers!! loudly too! GOOOO GET THEM GIRL!!!!

I think its funny because my mom is usually very reserved but she has severe knee problems and cant run anymore, so she's living it through this random model looking girl I guess! haha :)