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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Getting honked at whilst out running

58 replies

moutonfou · 14/05/2017 12:25

What exactly is the thought process behind men doing this? What is it meant to achieve? Hmm

OP posts:
underthestarrysky · 14/05/2017 13:30

Turn up the music, and pretend you can't hear them.

Sirzy · 14/05/2017 13:33

I have only ever been "honked" at when people I know drive past me when I am running.

As someone who always says hi to fellow runners when I run past them I do wish there was an easy, non offensive way to acknowledge them when driving past - but as there isn't I just get jealous they are running and I am not!

SafeToCross · 14/05/2017 13:38

This happened to me yesterday, on a fairly deserted stretch. The car was already past me and I had not got in its way. TBH it will probably mame me think twice about running that way again, and I am just getting back into it. So thanks for that 'mate'.

Wondermoomin · 14/05/2017 13:45

It's idiot men trying to reiterate their perceived ownership of public space, and making sure that us women don't feel too comfortable in "their" space and don't forget that they are in charge.

Decent men don't shout out or honk at women. Even if they wanted to encourage you, they know that the best way of making you feel safe and happy out running, walking, anything, is to leave you the hell alone.

Sorry Coolio but have you had a very sheltered life? I'm stunned that anyone could possibly believe that they are trying to be encouraging Shock

Mulledwine1 · 14/05/2017 13:47

I'm quite lucky that this has very rarely happened to me in 7 years of running.

It is a very good reason why parkrun is so important - female runners and joggers need a safe space to exercise.

Welldoneme · 14/05/2017 14:00

As an amateur runner, I love getting honked at and I think it's a sign of encouragement

littlefurrysheep · 14/05/2017 14:06

quite Angry i've also had some thumbs ups Hmm twats who think we need 'compliments' in the form of harassment

MumIsRunningAMarathon · 14/05/2017 14:13

Let's not let them herd us into gyms!!

I just don't respond.... have my music on. And I'm in my own world

problembottom · 14/05/2017 14:15

I was running yesterday and some bloke leaned out of his car to shout a lewd comment... prick.

Agree on the Park Run I'm a slower runner and the encouragement is ace.

AvonBarksdale99 · 14/05/2017 14:18

(I'm a man) I usually get 'Run, forest!' when I run - for some reason?!

rookiemere · 14/05/2017 14:20

I did wonder if men got harassed too Avon. Is it men or women that generally shout this out?

ShotsFired · 14/05/2017 14:21

I drove past a woman I know running with a couple of friends.

I called out a cheery hello and it was only after I was past them that i realised it probably just sounded like me catcalling them with some unidentifiable yell Blush

Luckily was able to clarify on FB later that day....

greenworm · 14/05/2017 14:25

I had this the other day while out running, from a car full of teenage boys. They slowed right down, opened the window and were shouting things at me which judging from their expressions they found highly amusing. Luckily as I had my music blasting in my headphones I couldn't hear a word they were saying and managed to keep an impassive, unruffled blank on my face while internally thinking "what a load of sad twats you are". They gave up and drove away after a bit.

BuckinghamLass · 14/05/2017 14:29

I used to cycle commute and got beeps and catcalls all the time. I hated it so much and found it really intimidating. Worse than navigating London traffic.

Just let me get on with my day in peace, you fucking knuckle dragger.

BuckinghamLass · 14/05/2017 14:30

(Sorry I know this thread is about running but wanted to add my solidarity.)

2ndSopranos · 14/05/2017 14:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

rookiemere · 14/05/2017 14:39

Thing is you don't really get left in peace in gyms either. One small blessing of my advanced age is that I get left alone these days, but that wasn't always the case.

Then there was the Body Pump class with the aged male instructor who seemed to think we were all his groupies and enjoyed calling out names of the attendees during the class. Fine if you enjoy that sort of thing - and some of the ladies did seem to love it - but I just hated it as I like to try to be as invisible as possible when exercising. There was no way of avoiding it as you had to tick your name off the list when signing into the class so he knew you were there. I ended up not going to the class any more even though it was at a very convenient time and location for me.

AvonBarksdale99 · 14/05/2017 14:41

@rookiemere It's exclusively men, happened about four or five times. I wouldn't say it's harassment, just taking the piss. I agree it's a weird thing to go though

shakalaka · 14/05/2017 14:57

The worst I had was a guy who decided to stop his vehicle and get out for the soul purpose of showing me his ahem bits. Was horrible and really off putting (I haven't run that particular road since). But I do still run just different routes. I have to point out this was during lunch time (as I often go out during my break at work) so loads of cars around. I have to say I don't miss that road, as I only ever got beeped on that road by oh so funny men who think it is hilarious.

user1471495191 · 14/05/2017 15:04

I had this when I was walking to work and heavily pregnant. A number of times. I think the aim was to make me jump but I never understood why. Bizarrely, despite walking the same route I didn't have it before or since.

megletthesecond · 14/05/2017 15:04

This has never happened to me in twenty years nor has anyone bothered me in the gym. Although I've never ran on the actual road because it's frankly dangerous.

AutumnalLeaves38 · 14/05/2017 15:07

OP,

Blokes shouting/ honking horns at women runners is a 'perceived safety' thing for them...the fact they can just amuse their mates, speed off and not face up to an irate/ upset female.

And that they simply don't (bother to try and?) understand how intimidating it can feel to be on the receiving end. Especially cumulatively: theirs could well be the 3rd/ 5th/ 10th... time that's happened to someone on the same flipping run.

(And then there are those delusional few, genuinely believing we'll be impressed by such originality , and we're clearly humourless otherwise. Because it's just a laugh, right?).

Bit like the anonymous cowards trolling from behind a computer screen, I suppose. It's at one remove. They can act like arses and avoid any repercussion.

You could always borrow my damn scary pro-runner friend:
obviously hyper-fit and very speedy, on one legendary occasion she got so incensed by horn-blaring, catcalling idiots, who merrily thought they'd left her far behind, that she shocked the Hell out of them by suddenly hammering on their window, pointing out the error of their ways, and asking in no uncertain terms why they felt the need to make lone runners feel vulnerable...

And, yes, she does realise it wasn't the safest idea, but 25 years of random harassment made her snap.
And it took place in broad daylight, on town centre road, with other drivers and bustling pedestrians around...(many gave her a thumbs-up and a "well done").

Chottie · 14/05/2017 15:12

We need to claim back the streets and keep on running :)

MissLadyM · 14/05/2017 15:13

Twats! Just ignore the fuckers, they want to get a reaction. I really hate being honked by anyone, even friends!

fluffiphlox · 14/05/2017 15:16

Two fingers and a swift 'fuck off'. Mind you, I have been known to do this to friends in error. Smile