Used to be a runner.

Protocol for runners is to run against traffic when running on the street. They could be in the street for a multitude of reasons, some people like the feel of asphalt, others (like when I used to run) don't like having to dodge telephone poles, crappy paving and other peds.

Would much rather have them coming at me then to somehow make it around them with high speed auto traffic on one side where they are unlikely to hear me and more likely to randomly swerve for whatever reason.