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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think you don't ask a runner for directions

456 replies

Nocabbageinmyeye · 03/09/2016 17:52

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

OP posts:
Cherryskypie · 03/09/2016 18:43

I don't respond to anyone when I'm out running. I'm not breaking my stride to have someone comment on my tits, call me a fat fuck or tell me how they'd like to shag me. The headphones are there to discourage interaction. I'm not listening to music.

EmpressKnowsWhereHerTowelIs · 03/09/2016 18:43

I tend to think that if you're running then you've got a bit more time on your hands than someone who is for eg going to work.

My route to work is the South Bank, which is also my (and a lot of other people's) morning run. So there's not necessarily a difference.

I do help if asked. I spent half an hour or so one morning going back the way I'd just come to take a confused young bloke to his work experience placement. But I'm very new to running & I would feel a bit narked to get stopped (and not necessarily be able to talk that coherently anyway).

JudyCoolibar · 03/09/2016 18:43

Wow - you are precious. So you'd rather people stay lost?

Come off it, no-one is going to "stay lost" just because they ask directions from someone other than a runner. I do think people need to be aware that runners may be doing timed runs and that it is simple consideration not to interrupt them.

BoneyBackJefferson · 03/09/2016 18:44

I wonder if those saying YANBU are the same people that believe everyone should move out of their way because they are running.

lljkk · 03/09/2016 18:45

go running in more isolated places if you find other people pesky.

TikTakTok · 03/09/2016 18:48

I wouldn't ask a runner and I'm suprised that so many people would. Confused. It would bug me too.

As OP has said if a runner was the only person about then i guess it's ok but if there was a choice I'd ask someone else. I also wouldnt stop a cyclist.

I'm a bit suprised that OP has been asked twice. I didn't think people asked for directions anymore ......

RitchyBestingFace · 03/09/2016 18:51

Exactly - Google maps exists and is free

squiggleirl · 03/09/2016 18:52

And if one of those focused runners should slip and fall one day (as I saw happen a poor girl one day), would they expect all those people they currently don't deem worthy enough of their attention right now to completely ignore them too, or would they suddenly appreciate the help of someone nearby when they were in need?

MrsTerryPratchett · 03/09/2016 18:55

I imagine the runners would help someone in pain squiggle, hardly the same thing.

somekindofmother · 03/09/2016 18:59

as someone who thinks running should be reserved purely for being chased, I can honestly say it never occurred to that runners would be doing a stop/start or that stopping would interrupt their rhythm etc... maybe people just think u look nice and approachable, and the running bit hasn't crossed their mind!

53rdAndBird · 03/09/2016 18:59

I've been stopped several times by chuggers when running with headphones in, which is bloody irritating. So now I do tend to say "no, sorry, busy" without stopping if someone interrupts me on busier streets.

EvansOvalPies · 03/09/2016 18:59

go running in more isolated places if you find other people pesky
I wonder if those saying YANBU are the same people that believe everyone should move out of their way because they are running

^ and all other comments in the same vein.
Just because someone is walking about or moving slowly, doesn't mean they don't have somewhere urgent to get to. They're not necessarily ambling along, with all the time in the world. They may be hobbling their way to a doctor's appointment, for instance. So their time is less precious than yours because you are timing yourself for a personal best?

Okay - you did stop and help , I get that. Well done! Have a medal. This is no more than any normal person would do. Go somewhere else to do your running, precious little person.

squiggleirl · 03/09/2016 19:00

No I mean it was a runner who fell. These things happen. She fell, got a shock, hurt herself. A lot of people (drivers and pedestrians) around came to her help. I just wonder if a runner who is too focused to help a person who needed directions, would expect others to help them if they themselves were in need.

EvansOvalPies · 03/09/2016 19:01

My post was meant to agree with the comments at the top - don't know what happened there, went a bit weird.

alicemalice · 03/09/2016 19:01

I remember this last time and the consensus was definitely 'YOU NEVER STOP A RUNNER!'.

Was quite perplexed by it and didn't know it was a thing - but there you go. I won't ask a runner anything again (not that I did, I think).

JudyCoolibar · 03/09/2016 19:01

I wonder if those saying YANBU are the same people that believe everyone should move out of their way because they are running.

I think OP INBU and I don't even run!

DamnSkippy · 03/09/2016 19:03

I'm a runner and can honestly say it wouldn't bother me to be stopped for directions - I'd could just pause the tracker if I cared to.

If I was actually wearing a race number then that would be a different matter... Grin

EvansOvalPies · 03/09/2016 19:03

You can normally tell a chugger from a member of society in need of assistance, surely? I walk around the place and tell chuggers to fuck off. I wouldn't do the same with anyone else.

JockMonsieur · 03/09/2016 19:04

i've been stopped before - to be fair it was raining, and there were no other pedestrians in sight.

Harvey246 · 03/09/2016 19:05

Couldn't agree more!! Infuriating. I have headphones in so I pretend I can't hear them.

MiaowTheCat · 03/09/2016 19:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Shallishanti · 03/09/2016 19:05

couldn't you stop and give directions while running on the spot? that's what I've done

EvansOvalPies · 03/09/2016 19:06

I understood what you meant, squiggle

Lorelei76 · 03/09/2016 19:07

I'm not a regular runner - jog outside in summer occasionally but I dint think op unreasonable.

I think runners need a button to press that blasts out the Matthew Wilder song!

I dislike runners who think everyone should get out of their way, esp those huge groups. I just think a bit of consideration goes both ways and of course if you are lost you use common sense when approaching anyone.

53rdAndBird · 03/09/2016 19:08

I couldn't then, Evans, clearly - I was focused on running and listening to a podcast, someone stepped in front of me waving and said "excuse me!", so I stopped because I presumed they needed something.

I've stopped to give directions a few times when running, usually on emptier roads to folk in cars. (Although ot every car that pulls over and tries to get your attention is a member of the public looking for help, either - sometimes they are just arses who want to laugh at the runner.)