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!

When you say "ran into the spit" do you mean on the floor or on her person?

I run and I spit. Unfortunate consequence of asthma I'm afraid but if I do it, I try to make sure that it's in drains or not in people's way.

If he spat at it hit her on her body then I'd be annoyed but I'd not react with such vile language especially when there are children around.

Funny old mumsnet
spitting when running/exercising - ok
Spitting by anyone else -dirty cunts

Grim

I really don't get that spitting is so terrible. There's worse substances/bacteria on the ground/grass etc than some human spit; if you don't like seeing it or thinking about it, then fine, but it doesn't really change the reality or effect of it.

For those exercising who, for whatever reason need to spit, carrying a cup etc, really isn't practical, yes, you should aim it carefully, but good grief as long as it doesn't hit anyone directly...

If that annoys people, just think of the 'close a nostril and blow the snot out' that some people (totally never me when cycling or running. obvs) do.

People will have dogs that urinate, cats that roam outside urinating and defecating, wildlife will be doing the same, people smoke, drive cars pumping out toxins, - life is full of crap that you're walking in, breathing in and generally existing with it, but you know, it's a part of life, and I'd hate it for the world to be even more sanitised than it already is.

Spitting is small potatoes in all of this, and yeah running in it isn't a joyful experience, but I'd bet the person had run through far worse during the course of the run.

So, no you're not AIBU to think she was wrong to kick off like she did.

Hang on, did she get it on her clothes or the soles of her trainers?
If her clothes then I don't fucking blame her. I would have stopped running to throw up personally! If her shoes though then she was being a drama queen and should get over it.

Spitting is not a big deal at all for me.

Spitting so inconsiderately that someone you're lapping - so have seen for at least a few seconds, know where they are etc. get hit in a parkrun, is hit. Is horrible, and deserves a rebuke - perhaps not minutes and minutes and threatening to punch.

Even if it was a serious race, you shouldn't do it if you suspect it's going to hit someone (unless it's the olympics and it's an actual tactic). This though was a parkrun, it's non-competitive encouraging outing where you look out for people. Yes you can be competitive with yourself, but that isn't an excuse for breaking that encouraging fun with others.