Try going for a jog around the Lunsford Walking Trail on a weeknight.

Instead of your anticipated workout, you’ll find yourself dodging walkers, talkers and stragglers who think it’s OK to take up the entire sidewalk walking side by side.

Freshmen are the worst when it comes to Lunsford Trail etiquette, but at least they have an excuse.

They are still in the “honeymoon” stage and not paying much attention to their surroundings. Stress hasn’t set in, the college experience is still new and exciting and they still know the name, major and two truths and a lie about everyone in their U100 group.

It’s great to see them using the trail to walk together; however, “too many freshmen” is still a constant refrain on the Lunsford Trail.

After some brainstorming, I came up with a few solutions to this unfortunate problem.

Obviously, freshmen are not the only ones at fault. Seniors and freshman alike are guilty of breaking Lunsford Trail protocol. So, when using the trail, keep in mind the following guidelines:

n Two’s a crowd. Walking arm-in-arm may make conversation easier, but you need to take it to the grass.

It’s hard to run through walls of people.

n Avoid huddles. Gathering in groups on the trail complicates the flow of traffic and forces everyone else to dodge your posse.

n Clean up after your pets. This does not mean moving waste to the grass, since many runners are forced to run in the grass to avoid joint pain. Pick it up and put those trash cans to use.

n Be courteous. Remember the rules of the road. If you’re on a bike, signal your next turn. If you’re running, try not to zigzag and make it impossible for someone to pass you. If you’re walking, keep an eye out for people you may be blocking.

Simply stated, pay attention.

Most importantly, remember you are rarely the only one on the trail. Perhaps, if everyone makes a point to be attentive and considerate on the trail, daily workouts won’t be as hazardous to your health.