To think you don't ask a runner for directions

[Nocabbageinmyeye]

I find this so annoying, out running this morning and a car stops to ask me directions, it's not the first time it's happened, I'm not the only one around, why would you stop the person clearly out for a run instead of someone clearly out for a leisurely stroll or go into the local shop. I stopped this morning as I was only into the second km but last time I was almost home after a 10km and the colour of a tomato so just said "ah come off it"as I kept running. Why would you do that, aibu to think it's rude? It's annoying anyway I know I'm not unreasonable in saying that

I'm a runner and I think YANBU.

When I'm in 'the zone' I'm concentrating and focusing and I find it hard to get back into this once I'm distracted. Even things like crossing the road and stopping for traffic I find difficult!

I also find it really hard to start running again once you are stopped for any length of time; that's why you see people running on the spot at junctions etc.

I a built up area with other people to ask YANBU, if you are the first person they will have seen in miles YABU.

Unless you're Mo Farah, YABU and self-important. It's more effective exercise to pause and re-start than to run at a constant pace anyway. Just knock a minute off your run time to allow for the stop - or will that affect your chances of making the Tokyo olympics?

I run, to a half decent level and YABU.

It's not the end of the world to spend 20 seconds saying "next left" or whatever. And I think runners tend to be a safer bet re knowing the area

Have to confess that I've got recent experience of this which is perhaps clouding my responses. Out with the dc recently on our way to somewhere we hadn't b before, on a baking hot day, we were on this road that seemed to be going on forever, I was wondering if we were going the right way at all, getting all flustered and stressed etc, no-one around then I see this woman running so say "Excuse me, can I just. .." and she interrupts with "can't I'm running". Rude bastard. I hope she sprained her fucking neck.

I also am a firm believer in that despite being a decent runner, I'm not going to the Olympics, I might win an average 5k but not beyond that, it's not my job it's a hobby, I can stop to help people and I'm not a complete cunt

I was once running for a train I was about to miss - very visibly running towards station, in work clothes - when someone dived into my path and said 'Excuse me, I can see you're in a rush...' I said 'Then please don't hold me up' and got a mouthful of abuse in response. THAT'S rude. Asking someone running for exercise rather than to get somewhere is different.

It wouldn't occur to me that just because someone was running rather than walking, they shouldn't be spoken to.

What an educational place mumsnet is!

Unless you're Mo Farah, YABU and self-important.

Good point. I'd let you run uninterrupted if you were Mo Farah, OP.

And if you were Michael Phelps, I'd allow you to coast past me in the local baths without asking how far it was to the other end.

I'm not a speedy runner but I do run and I ignore requests for directions. Cant stand it. Use your phone/satnav/A-Z.

This is why I like auto pause.

I too find it irritating but I understand that's not entirely reasonable. I stop and explain (through heavy breathing) if I can help them. I'm still annoyed, not at them just at the situation that means I lost my stride or my time/pace.

I think you can find it annoying but still be helpful.

I don't think running is more important than going to the shops or walking to work.

A runner is usually local and clearly doing a leisure activity, so I might ask a runner.

I find it so annoying when people go out into the world, around people, and then object to occasionally being approached by some of those people, for of all things, help. Some people are horribly self-absorbed.

Well I'm not a cunt either as I helped this morning it's because I'm not Mo Farah that is annoys me, because I'm generally panting and sweating. Mixed bag, as I said if I was the only one around I would understand but as I'm clearly not I just would have a thought an odd choice, next time I'll definitely stop though since not stopping means people wish you sprain your neck

I'm with you OP.
I run and I'm training for a half marathon.
If if stop and talk it's really hard to get back in my stride again.
I've had cars slow down for directions and I do ignore them.

If I'm walking I do stop and give directions.
I am not self absorbed, I am just very focused on my running and improving my times.

YANBU. I'm often in "the zone" when running and hate to be taken out of it. Ask someone else for directions! Oh and normally I am always happy to help, just not when i'm running!!

I agree with you, I find running very difficult and need to keep my momentum up and not waste any breath!

I agree.

I once got asked for directions when I was on the street reading a map though. People are dumb.

I would generally ask someone who wasn't running for directions because I know runners get absorbed in what they are doing.
A section of road near where I live is single track with a few spots for pedestrians to "pull in" to let cars past. I often have to stop to let runners past as they are clearly not going to move over enough that I can squeeze past. Also had them see me driving before the single track section and carry on running regardless. I have had to crawl up the road behind them (at a respectable distance because I'm not a twat) all the way up the road until it widens. It's ONLY runners that do this.......and they don't say thank you either for me not forcing them into the nettles.

I'm doing couch to 5k at the moment and am very reliant on the nice 'honk' noises to tell me what to do. If I get stopped in the middle of a run bit do I repeat? Start again? Run a bit more? Wouldn't have a clue. I would help but it would be annoying.

Surely dog walkers know the area and aren't red faced, sweaty and running...

How slow were you running that a non runner could ask you for directions?

Maybe you don't actually look like a runner.

I'm a runner.

I'm actually glad if someone asks me for directions as it is an excuse to stop, even if it is for only approximately 30 seconds.

It doesn't happen that often so just be a nice human being.

I don't run but I wouldn't ask a runner for directions, it would mean they had to slow down and stop what they're actively doing. Someone walking slowly is a better choice.

I'm surprised at these replies
I wouldn't ask someone rushing or running
I was having a pootle in the high street today, surely pootle person is the one to ask?

In fact I was almost running through Euston station once when someone asked me for directions and I think I just yelled "are you freaking kidding me" over my shoulder!

By contrast I was pottering from the bus stop to work one day, I was running early, and got asked by some tourists about a place that is near my office so I happily took them along to the place and chatted, as they seemed to fancy a chat. Not rocket science.