To think runners are getting a lot of hate atm

[HerstoryInTheMaking]

All over social media I am hearing a lot of nasty and snarky comments towards runners, especially from people who would never usually exercise outdoors anyways.

Aibu to think social distancing is a two way street and that those walking should also attempt social distancing. I as a marathon runner try my best to avoid people often walking in a group along a path who refuse to budge an inch.

If a runner is considerate, I wouldn't give them a second thought. If they act like they own the road/path, behave aggressively, or are breathing on me as they pass, I won't like them for it.

It's a case of whether or not they have good manners, same as for everyone whose merely walking.

*who's

Yes, but everyone is getting a lot of hate. People are both scared and being whipped into hysteria by the press and social media. It is a toxic combination that brings out the worst in people.
I have been running with 11 Yr old DC and we consistently run in the road or change our route to avoid people.
Everyone seems to be doing their best.

Runners are the most selfish people alive.

The second I put on Lycra I change into Super Arsehole. Or not.

I am having trouble with runners (and cyclists) coming up behind me and nearly always not alerting me that they are there. However, I do think that, in those circumstances, the onus is on them to socially distance around me. If they don't want to do that they just have to shout "Excuse me" and I will know they are there and do it instead. They then pass well within 2 metres of me.

Still some charmers around here who think it's okay to spit and snot on the floor while running. One of the reasons there are so many respiratory disease problems in Southeast Asia is the continued social acceptability of spitting.

Why are people unaware of others coming up behind them that they need to be ‘warned’? Do you not keep vigilant and maintain situational awareness when you are out? Or do you only go to isolated places?

Whether I am walking or running, I regularly look behind and in front of me so I keep track of who is also on the path. Even if I am walking with someone. Am I that unusual?

Of course, I don’t mean people who might have disabilities that mean that they have trouble with maintaining an awareness of who is around.

People who are usually out do Wines. All the new people who discovered exercise during the pandemic don't!

I run the same trail all year round. I see the same people and we all manage fine. There's even a lovely group of older men who move over in a synchronized way when they see my dog because they know I'm six feet behind. The one time he ran further ahead they were all concerned and stopped to look for me. Total strangers

Now the trail is full of groups and families who spread out, have no clue who is near them, don't listen and are generally spanners in our well-oiled machine. But we're the arseholes.

I don't begrudge people their exercise, I'm glad they're doing it. But just like the New Years resolution runners, this is our manor, please at least try to work out the system. Don't just assume everyone else is the arsehole.

Ok. Got it. I must admit that I run on a shared path and frankly, if you do not keep your wits about you and check when I go to pass a walker you could end up with a bike on top of you. Not because they are the idiots, they are coming around properly to pass, but because I have either taken up a lot of path or moved unpredictably.

It has taught me that I should not be in the ‘zone’ (whether walking or running or riding) and expect the world to revolve around me.

But MrsTerry it’s not your Manor,you don’t own it.. Therein I think lies the problem.

Spot on MrsTerry.

Runners are fine until they are running straight at you panting.

The speed that some cyclists go around here on the bridleways means you really cannot be aware of them. We have bridleways in woods and they are not necessarily straight. I still think it’s important for the faster traveller to slow down. My DD was nearly mown down by a cyclist years ago who dame around a blind bend very fast. He had no idea who else was on the bridleway. I got a mouthful of abuse when I shouted at him to slow down! The other fun around here is dodging the cyclists who are using the footpaths in the woods. They are not supposed to be on the footpaths so walkers are not expecting them at all! In front or behind.

But MrsTerry it’s not your Manor, you don’t own it.

When I'm anywhere new, I don't walk in, expect everyone to do it my way and complain that everyone is an arsehole who doesn't immediately do it the way I think they should. It's like when new posters come onto MN and tell everyone they are doing it wrong. We might not own the place but a culture exists, and it works.

The system worked until all the new people arrived. And yay new people. But don't mess up the system then complain it's messed up!

Yeah I’m pretty fed up of the running hate. I’m a regular runner and have continued to get up early (5-6am) specifically to avoid people and if I do encounter a dog walker I run in the road. People who are inconsiderate when running would most likely be inconsiderate walking too!

What is strange is that I read on mumsnet that there is an unspoken British norm to walk/run on the left as bicycles are expected to. I am from places in Australia that do this too.

It means that nobody runs/walks/cycles ‘at’ you. You pass easily and predictably like in a car on a road. And if you are in a group, you pull over to the left when someone else comes. I have mentioned it to friends who were horrified that it takes away their freedom of choice.

But until this morning in my park, I have not seen this as ‘standard’. It was wonderful this morning when nearly everyone seemed to do it.

Is it really an unspoken rule?

But people are paying their taxes and council tax the same as you. You literally have no ownership over any lane or track. It is perfectly reasonable for other people to use tracks for a relaxing walk and not hear you or to keep looking over their shoulder if they’re hard of hearing, want to chat or simply relax.If you want your own running rack buy one.

I think it’s up to everyone to keep distance.

I run, and if I see pedestrians, I’ll go out of my way to give them space - eg by running into the road when I pass them. Especially if said pedestrians are older/have a pram etc. It’s usually easier for me to move out the way than it is for them.

However it’s nice if other people make the effort too - if there’s nowhere for me to go (like I’m on a narrow path) I’d expect walkers to move to the edge of the path, as would I, so we can all have as much space as possible.

Most people do this, but there will always be the odd runner who insists on keeping in the middle of the path, a family group that don’t go into single file to let you path, or a cyclist that flys past you from behind.

There’s considerate and rude runners, walkers, cyclists, families and dog walkers. It’s not unique to any group.

I look over my shoulder when I'm changing tack. When I run in a group we run single file or check and move.

You want to 'relax' and therefore do exactly as you please while runners (who have been there this whole time) should go away now. And when the pandemic is over can we run again? Will there be written permission from the fair weather walkers or should we bugger off for good?

You don’t need to go away, you need to stop if needs be when you want to overtake and make sure you observe social distancing at all times.

The same as walkers.

Non social distancing runners are the new tailgaters. Everyone hates them, nobody is them. Yet they're so prevalent?

Round here we have runners who insist on running on the pavement of the main road, which is the only road with shops and people on it. I don't even run that route in normal times, never mind in corona world. They don't SD at all, or make a token one foot veer. Added to this the sweat and heavy breathing, its utterly maddening.

I'm a runner myself so I don't 'hate' runners. I hate the actions of selfish people who make a stressful time even harder.

Whether I am walking or running, I regularly look behind and in front of me so I keep track of who is also on the path. Even if I am walking with someone. Am I that unusual?

Can’t speak about running - never done it - but I think it is a bit unusual, when walking, to be constantly looking behind you.

You don’t need to go away, you need to stop if needs be when you want to overtake and make sure you observe social distancing at all times.

But frequently the walkers are all over the path, with trees on either side and don't move. So I stop, according to you. If they are coming towards me I what, back up? And if they are in front I what, walk the rest of my 10km?

The amount of walkers who clearly wanted to meet up with friends 'safely'. So they are two abreast, 2 metres from each other, either side of the path so there is no way to pass. If I go through, I'm not distancing. I can't go around. If I say 'excuse me' they act like startled lemmings and still don't move over. Single file appears to be a concept that escapes them. When there is grass on the side of the path I go onto it. And then get laughed at for my trouble.