Spitting whilst running/racing

[sharktoothcushion]

So I did my first ever competitive run today (not a stealth boast but I am proud!).

It's a mixed ability group (park run) and free.

Any how, one of the more advanced runners spat whilst running. (Probably more than just the one!) A lady (who he was over taking at the time, as in lapping) ran into the spit.

Now I agree, spitting is a VILE VILE habit, and would be more than appalled at someone just randomly hacking up and spitting in the street. But I must admit feeling the need to spit when running, and would imagine if your a serious competitor that it would be normal.

The lady continued to run, but kept screaming out that she was going to "punch the bastard" on more than about 5 occasions and causing a massive scene.

This was in front of children and regular park visitors.

AIBU to think the women was in the wrong here, her language was appalling and spitting when racing is a common thing?

Like I said I am new to running, but know their are certain rules, like positioning yourself so faster people can over take etc, and from what I witnessed she wasn't in the correct place either.

She also shaved about 3 minutes off my time too, as I lost my pace trying to lose her and hold back from her ranting... So might be a bit biased here!

[Sparklingbrook]

Why do runners have to spit?

[hmcAsWas]

There is often a need to spit when running but HE was very much in the wrong for not ensuring that he spat away from another runner

[EmpressOfTheSpartacusOceans]

Coincidentally, I did my first Parkrun today & noticed people spitting.

You mean it's a thing? I've done a few 10Ks & not felt the need to spit so why do runners do it on 5ks?

[sharktoothcushion]

I have been googling, and its to do with being dehydrated.

I did contemplate doing it on my run today, but I am not that serious about running, (just tying to get a bit fitter) so just put up with the horrible gummy texture and gross taste in my mouth!

It's mixed ability run, there was people who had finished before I had done a lap and a half...

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Runners do not have to spit, it is a choice. And if they are going to be vile mingers and spit they should at least make sure they are not going to spit on someone. He's lucky he didn't get decked.

[AnotheBloodyChinHair]

She didn't shave off 3 minutes of your time, you did that
and spitting is disgusting

[hmcAsWas]

spitting runners

[sharktoothcushion]

Empress a third of our course is up a rather steep hill...

I thought I was going to be sick at one point..

No idea how the person who came in first did it in under 17 minutes...

[Areyoufree]

I fucking hate it when people spit at the parkrun.

[FeckinCrutches]

I sometimes spit when I'm in longer runs, I try not to do it when people are around though. And certainly not at parkrun!

[EmpressOfTheSpartacusOceans]

My course is flat, there's another local one that's hilly but I'm not that brave!

[sharktoothcushion]

What's the general rule when running, I thought if you where at a slower pace you would stay on the inside and let the other runners pass you on the outside. He spat to his right onto the grass and at the very same she decided to try and run to his right.

I just saw it as unfortunate accident, not worth ranting and raving for 3km...

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

That Livestrong article is vile! There is no need to spit - just swallow FFS!

[MidniteScribbler]

Filthy. Running a marathon is not some sort of free pass to act like a dirty pig. If you absolutely must spit, then carry a bottle or cup.

[Gwenci]

They were both BU.

Spitting is vile and disgusting.

As is screaming, swearing and threatening to punch someone.

[John4703]

Spitting is disgusting, I hate seeing footballers spitting on the pitch. Last century, or was it the century before last, spittoons were common; but we have moved forward.
I think there should be a total ban on spitting in every sport.

[TheCutOfYourJib]

I've been running for 20 years. Never spat in my life and never felt the urge to!
It's a disgusting and vile habit.
Hate it when footballers do ittoo, I presumed it was to look hard or cool but really you just look like a knob.

[AHedgehogCanNeverBeBuggered]

I too have been running for many years and have NEVER spat. Why would you? You can just swallow it!

Vile, disgusting habit, I can't believe anyone thinks it's acceptable!

[Thistledew]

I wish I didn't have to spit when I am exercising, but my asthmatic lungs produce excess mucus when I exercise hard, and if I don't spit it out I would be sick everywhere instead. I do make sure I spit into a drain or somewhere like the base of a hedge where people won't be stepping.

I take it that your race was happening outside? If the woman had stopped to think about all of the things she was running through she would still be there now.

[sharktoothcushion]

Ok so I won't be spitting myself at park run!

I don't think I am going to be too peeved if I saw someone do it though, if they tried and be discreet about it (snot rockets are a big no no!)

It was all a bit surreal at first, her responce was "who is the bastard on the blue top, yes you better keep fucking running"

Coincidently I was wearing a blue top too..

Then followed by lots of "you fucking bastard" "man in blue top, you are a fucking bastard"

This then was shouted at any man in a blue top that happened to come near her...

[AHedgehogCanNeverBeBuggered]

Thistle it's still rank - carry a bloody hankie, no need to spit on the floor.

[olderthanyouthink]

When I run I feel the need to do it (must drink more!) but I very rarely do it. If I do it, it must go unseen under a hedge or similar but 99.999% I just deal with it.

I really hate seeing people spitting and spit on the pavement.

[SomewhatIdiosyncratic]

Now it's hayfever season, I struggle with mucus building up on long runs and get past the stage where I can cope with swallowing. That's normally after the 30 or so minutes that I would take to do parkrun in. Usually 45 mins onwards.

It is gross, so at least I take the precaution of moving away from the pathway towards bushes/ drains where other people should be unlikely to come into contact with it. Normally I run solo, often in rural areas. If I'm in a race, the field is normally well spaced by this point. With tissues, there is the risk of accidentally littering as it is easy to drop them or have them blow off.

It sounds like there was carelessness involved in this incident. Whilst it was undoubtedly unpleasant for the woman affected, her reaction was excessive and not within the ethos promoted by the parkrun movement.

I recommend that she doesn't go to China where public spitting is rife. I can still remember the giant glob of spit trickling around in the middle of the aisle of the bus on a long journey

[MarsInScorpio]

I think that she was unreasonable to react the way he did and he should have perhaps been more careful but he did spit into the grass.

I can run 10k without spitting. When I run half or full marathons or bike (especially mtb), I need to spit a lot. Swallowing it would give me a real stomach ache.

I often can't swallow water either so I'll put it in my mouth and then spit some out.