My DH thinks I wbu, do you agree? People interrupting me whilst out running...

[Livingtothefull]

I know I am being a bit precious but here goes…

I live in an area which has a fair few tourists, this morning I was out for a run. There is one spot in the middle of the route where I have to run up a hill, I choose it purposely as it is v challenging to do.

I was running up the hill, just looking straight ahead and trying to focus and get up there. Then a couple approached me from the side & tried to ask me the way to somewhere (I think) but I just blanked them as I didn't want to stop and couldn't talk while running, not even to say 'Sorry can't stop'.

I did feel rude but then I thought, why ask a runner for directions when there are plenty of other people to ask? It was not an isolated spot, there were literally dozens of other people walking up & down the street. They did not look distressed, if I had thought there was any kind of emergency I would have stopped & helped….but I heard them giggling in amazement at my rudeness after I blanked them & ran past.

This has happened once before & I did the same thing. I told DH about it and he said they probably asked me because they assumed I was local. He thought I was rude and should have stopped, I said they should have known better than to try to interrupt a runner for a non-emergency. We had a bit of an argument about it & I said that they would never have done it if I had been a man, as they would have then assumed I was a 'serious athlete'.

WIBU? This is a genuine question.

Thanks Running am seriously considering doing it. DS loves going to the marathon & watching the other runners so would be a great incentive for him!

How much training do you have to do? The longest I have run in one go was about 1 and a half hrs, was shattered afterwards!

Also I am (early) 50s, am I too old?

It wouldn't cross my mind to stop someone who was running (unless I was really desperate) as it's pretty obvious that some people will be running against a clock. It's not the same as stopping someone who is walking.

As for being "smug" about it... I'd be pretty pleased too if I could run or even walk a long distance. I really regret that it is something I will never be able to do and think that many able bodied people don't appreciate what they have got (i.e. the ability to run if only they made the effort).

@Livingtothefull

Definitely not too old, don't be daft!! From my observations participating in various marathons is that there seems to be a very sizable middle aged contingent competing, so you will not be alone!

Basically, if you can run without stopping for 40mins you are fit enough to start a marathon training programme. You will probably looking at around 14 16 week training schedule that involves 4/5 days training a week. It is a big commitment but if you are running regularly already you should not find it too hard to adapt to the new training regime. The most important run is your weekend or Sunday long run, do not skip this, you can just about get away with missing the odd midweek training run but the weekend long run is the most important.

PM and I can send you over a sample training schedule in an excel format.

Thanks Pan, RunningUPthathill and TheCowThatLaughs - some good ideas there. I'm currently in Mizuno Wave Riders, and I have tried their wide version, but unfortunately my wide feet took advantage and went through the side wall after 6 weeks, so I'm back to the standard version. Going to make a point of visiting the local running shop this weekend as I can't face another long run with aching feet!

The Chandler
Another vote for Brooks. I've been running in their Ghost range for a few years and they are lovely

Basically, what PanGalactic said with regard to marathon training. You'll be looking at two short, one mid and one long run a week in most programmes, though some training plans suggest you substitute one of the short runs for a cross-training session, such as spin.

You are NOT too old, and if you can run for almost two hours already then you're more than ready to start a plan.

My long run got up to 20 miles before the event, with two short runs of 5 miles and one of around 8 miles per week. As long as you get the long runs in and can spend around four hours on your feet before the big day (however slowly) you will be fine.

Go for it!

On that I happily went out and managed 26.2 on the day.

Valid points. I apologise.

It must have been annoying for you OP. But non-runners don't necessarily know that runners don't like interruptions - why would they? They probably think you can easily start up again and get the same amount of exercise even if you take a 1-minute break.

I'm not a runner but there's no way I could interrupt a runner. It's so obvious when someone is "in the zone". Every time I walk past a runner I can just tell that are completely in the zone and I would never think to stop them! Just the other day I was in the gym and a girl noticed her friend on the treadmill and went over the chat and I thought "what are you doing she's in the middle of her run!" and low and behold her friend did look a bit miffed that she had been interrupted.

I wouldn't do it without saying "sorry can't stop". It is rude to ignore people. Personally I wouldn't try and stop a runner but suggesting that no one can approach a runner comes across as a bit entitled.