Almost inevitably there will be a thread posted tonight on issues caused by common run club. This will probably solve nothing, but contains my own thoughts and ramblings after being a runner for decades. First off, disclaimer: I'm not a fan of common run club nor would I ever run with them, but I am glad that people are able to get together and run. However, I think there are some changes that need made and have decided to list them out in attempts that people from common run club will start implementing them.

1. Share the Sidewalk - As you go running down the sidewalk remember, you are a group of people. You have a right to the sidewalk just as much as the lady with three dogs and two children has a right to the sidewalk. When you take over both sides of the street, you aren't giving her space to enjoy her walk and she will inevitably get frustrated at you for having her dogs pull while trying to cart around children. My recommendation for you is pick a side of the street so that people who don't want to push through your run club can choose to cross the street. Additionally for those that decide to say on the same side of the street as you make sure that you are giving them space. You may have to run single file at points and that's okay. The city has plenty of narrow points with trees, trash cans etc. It takes all of a second to get around and then you can resume your conversation.
2. Be Kind - If someone steps off the sidewalk for your group to pass, say thank you. The person didn't have to do that, but they made a kind gesture. It takes two seconds and if you can't breathe to say thank you you are running too fast for your fitness level. Plus it may score some points with the community if you are kind to people.
   
3. Dark Nights & Bright Clothes - As it gets darker you think people can see you, but some of them can't. I don't mean to call out older people but some of them have their eyes going and honestly shouldn't be driving anymore (but that's another topic for a different thread). That being said, make sure you have bright colored clothes, use headlamps, bring reflective vests. Whatever you need to be seen. Most people even walking don't want to run into you, so do what you can to make sure you are protected.
4. Skip the Headphones, Call Out Obstacles - Nothing ruins a run faster than having people dodge a fire hydrant at the last second only to have the person behind them trip over it because the person in front was blocking it from the view. This is the same issue where people get run into. Call out which direction you are passing them on and make sure that others in the group can hear you. Plus, if you are there to socialize headphones just get in the way. Use open ear headphones when you run by yourself. Music is still a distraction, but at least the distraction risk can be mitigated.
5. Icy Sidewalks and Roads - As the weather gets colder we will get some snow and ice. City residents do what they can to clear the sidewalks but sometimes you get residents that don't clear the sidewalk, don't clear it well or you just get a big patch of black ice. In these cases running on the road seems safer so that you don't get injured. If you do run on the road, go against traffic. Go single file. You don't have to run in the ditch or super close to the edge of the road, but you also can't be in the middle of the street. Call out things like if there is a car that is a little to close to your group or behind you, if there is a dead animal, whatever. Remember you are on a road. Most cars won't want to run you over (although I have had some that have wanted to for fun). Pay attention, follow traffic signals and it should be okay.
6. Small Groups, New Loops - When 200 people come stampeding down the road you really need a permit. It's not safe for the people on the side walk, the cars, dogs, really anyone. It's great that you have a big group, but maybe split into small groups. Group yourselves by pace, distance, music preference, I honestly don't care how you group up just as long as you don't have hundreds of people running the same route. This also gives you the opportunity to try different running loops. You can still all meet back up at the same place to socialize afterwards but it will be safer for you and others if you have smaller groups.
7. Don't Bring Your Kid(s) to Common - I've seen people bringing their kid to run with common and I'm glad you have the experience to run with them, but common isn't a place for kids. For starters it has very "cultish" vibes (I'm not one to talk people out of joining a cult unless it's a murder cult, so you do you and that's fine). Common is a highly social, young adult dating environment where people happen to walk/jog/run for a few miles. Additionally, I've heard issues with the megaphone and cursing and that's just not good for kids to be around. Being a responsible parent, keep in mind that common runs on a school night (Thursday), it gets dark early now and its aimed towards young adult dating. I'm sure there are plenty of other activities for your kid to be involved in. If you want to run with your kid (which I encourage). Do it outside of common run club.
8. Be a Leader - When you run with a group, you are then also associated with the group. So if a member of your group does something like flicking someone off, trampling over someone, whatever it maybe your group now looks bad. Even if you didn't do it, it still comes back on common run club. Call out inappropriate behavior early, follow the guidance to make sure your group is safe by doing what was listed above (headlamps/bright clothing, sharing sidewalk/street, being polite, etc.). This will help your group be accountable and allow you to do more things with less complaints from the community.

In no means is this the complete 100% list of what to do but it's some basic running etiquette that will help.

If changes aren't made then I predict in the coming weeks we will see people starting to get mean/physically violent with common runners, a potential car accident and police intervention that only occurs after a major issue. So common, be proactive and take some steps before issues occur.

P.S. Several years ago this book seemed like a dumb joke gift book and 99% of it is, but if you need a book to tell you what I listed above here it is: https://www.amazon.com/Runners-Rule-Book-Everything-Runner/dp/B00JEOIQZE

What is your favorite coffee shop in Lancaster? What do you think is the best?

Hello!

Im 31F starting my life back over from square one after kinda a messy divorce. Im just curious what life is like in Lancaster, I haven't been back in a really long time and I am from the area originally. Before here I was in NYC for over a decade, and a short stint in LA.

I know Lancaster isn't NYC or Philly, but I really need good rest and healing and have landed on coming back here. On top of that would just like to know of any job leads here. I have my bs from FIT in Textile Development and marking with a minor in sustainability. I also have over 10 years of bartending and serving experience in the city. But would love to hear if anyone has any leads.

Anything helps :)

Decent breakdown of some of the claims made in the non-stop mailers we’ve been getting.

Thursday, October 15th

This is our weekly board game night, graciously hosted at Six Feet Under Games in Gap every Thursday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

Bring an old favorite to share with others or take the opportunity to learn something new. Got something new and shiny that you want to play? Bring it along! Between the store's lending library and the games people bring, there is always something fun to play.

Bringing a game is -not- required or even expected. Just bring yourself and maybe a friend. The more, the merrier!

Don't worry about arriving right at 5:00 PM, it's a casual thing and we usually play several games over the course of the evening. Come on in and find us at the free-play tables on the right side of the store.

Please note that there are often families with young kids at the store, so we keep our language kid-friendly.

Hope to see you!

Maybe 15 years ago we visited Lancaster, driving from Central NJ and we stopped in a shop (it was actually a large 2 story barn, possibly red?) that had a huge selection of concerts bird baths and statues out front. Coming from NJ it was on the right hand side of the road. I think it was on a main road coming into Lancaster. We happened to be driving through on our way home from Ohio last week and could not find this shop. Does anyone know what I am talking about and if it still there?

Hi everyone! I am a carpenter for a general contractor looking for side work. Preferably Lancaster County, hit me up if you want me to check something out for you & give you a quote. Thanks!

Pretty much the title. I haven't been to a dentist in decades because of some really bad dental care experiences in my youth. But, now it seems that I've got a cavity forming and would really prefer to not have to experience much of that procedure.

Thanks!

Looking for month to month rentals 2 or three bedrooms i looked on furnished finder but couldn't find anything. Im here for work for a few months if anyone could point me in the right direction id appreciate it!