Unscientific Results

I've been doing a little unscientific research while running lately. I try to wave and maybe say "hi" to everyone I pass. If I'm on the trails I might even stop and talk about their cool 'niner, or pet their dog. I noticed that everytime I greeted someone running got a little easier. I started checking my pace on my Garmin just before I got to someone, and then again shortly after passing them. Turns out that I gained from five to ten seconds per mile. If I get a friendly response it goes to ten to fifteen seconds. Who would have thought being friendly would make you faster? (Your mileage may vary, results not typical, the same results may be obtained by just smiling and thinking "happy" thoughts.)