Everyone who follows the rules step forward. Not so fast, YOU guys.

I really want to complain. So I will.

The NCR Trail, where I do most of my long runs, has rules. Pedestrians have right-of-way over bikes. Horses have right-of-way over both bikes and pedestrians. All are to stay to the right of the trail. Pass to the left. Things like that. Generally the people who use the Trail are the type who respect rules and it's all pretty copacetic.

And then you have that one group.

There is a local running store that uses the Trail for various training program runs. I see them up all there all the time. Because I don't want to make too many waves, I'll only provide a hint to identify who runs the groups by saying they're not from the running store on Falls Rd. that rhymes with "Smalls Smoad Smunning Smore." It's also not the running store in Columbia, which is kind of far away from the Trail anyway, that rhymes with "Smoadsmunner Smorts." If you know the local running shoe retailer topography you know what's left (extra hint: it rhymes with "Sleet Seat Snorts.")

I stopped patronizing that store because they put me in ill-fitting shoes that killed my toes when I was a first-time running shoe buyer and they harangued me for not buying shoes from them again the time or two I went to make small purchases of things like socks or SportShield/Body Glide (teaches me for signing up for their loyalty program). I also don't like the vibe they give off that makes you feel like they think you're a moron when it comes to running. Because they know what it's like to run on your feet better than you do, I guess.

Anyway, the groups they run out on the trail range in size from a couple people to maybe 10 or 12 or so depending on what they're training for. And the bigger groups always run in a sort of formation, not un-military like, with two (loose) rows and a "leader" on the outside of the formation.

This type of group running takes up virtually the entire trail. Especially when you get a little further out where the trail really narrows. Yet for some reason these people think they own the trail, never collapse their group to take up less space to let people coming from the other direction pass easily, and they glare at you like you're the idiot getting in their way when you run by. Yet to hear them talk about themselves they're the most mindful, friendly people out there. But God help you if you're wearing a shirt with another store's logo on it. You'll get the "Sleet Seat" stink eye for sure.

I'm tired of people telling me how great they are. Especially when it comes to someone wanting to separate me from my money. You can talk a big game, but, truly, actions speak louder than words. And the actions of this place's running groups (and the people who run the running groups, who happen to be the store owners) speak volumes.

Edited to add: I apparently don't know the local running shoe retailer topography as well as I thought, but the group runners I'm complaining about are also not from a store that rhymes with "Smarm Smitty Smun." Sorry for any confusion.