By: Therese Iknoian

Once when I went to a college track for a fast interval workout, I encountered an elderly man sauntering along in the first lane. OK, I can go around him, I thought. But -- here's the kicker -- he was swinging a golf club randomly around him and wildly side to side. When I told him politely that his actions were dangerous, he sneered in response: "No, not for me it's not," and didn't miss a step.

This example is not one to follow in endearing yourself to fellow trail and track users. Know how to share venues for outdoor recreation and sport to keep everyone happy and injury-free:

Inside lanes are for speed work only. The first two lanes on a track are reserved for walkers or runners of any speed doing timed interval workouts. If you are warming up, cooling down, or just walking without regard to your time per lap, stick to lanes 6, 7 or 8.

Avoid walking side-by-side with another walker in the first lane of a track because it makes it more difficult for faster exercisers to pass. If you want to walk or run 2 or more abreast to chat, move outward.

Step off the track as soon as your interval is finished. As soon as you finish your interval in the first lane, step quickly off the track or out of the way. Someone might be coming behind you. Smashing into a fellow exerciser won't endear you.

Treat tracks and trails like roads: Look both ways before entering to avoid accidents.

On recreational trails, walk to the right, and avoid walking in packs so there is room to your left for others on foot or on wheels to pass.

If you're passing someone on a trail, call out "On your left" as a warning so you don't startle the person. But don't wait til your next to them to scream it in their ear. Not a great warning.

Don't weave when working out on a track. On a track, if you are doing a timed interval, don't weave. That way someone faster will be able to judge where you will be and can pass safely.

Know what the call "track" means. If you forget to stay clear of the first two lanes of the track on casual walks or warming up and someone yells "track please" or "lane please," move immediately out of the way.

Trails are for moving, so do any socializing, stretching or resting on the side, not in the middle.

Spit with care. If you spit during workouts, look before you let it go.

No aftershave, perfume or cologne! Leave perfume, after-shave or cologne at home. Sweat intensifies the odors to annoying or even asthma-inducing levels.

Absolutely no smoking. Smoking anything, anywhere near a track or trail where people are trying to be healthy is ignorant.