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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want them to stop cheering me on?

93 replies

Dranktoomuchpepsi · 21/04/2020 20:06

I sound so awful, Argh. But basically I have started doing the couch to 5k running. I'm on my first few runs and ever since the first run, the people in the bigger houses across the bridle path keep cheering me on (with their kids) whilst I run past Blush

The first time it happened I thought they were shouting at me that something was wrong (had headphones in). So I took them out, only to discover they were saying 'YOU CAN DO IT GIRL! COME ON LOVE' etc etc

I was finding the self awkwardness a bit of a barrier before I even set off but kept talking myself down by saying nobody cared or was watching. Anyway, they obviously do. And on the way back they started doing the same thing.

On my run today somebody shouted down 'What's your name?!' and I automatically responded with it. They then went on to chant my name 'Barbra, Barbara, Barbara'. I was mortified.

AIBU to maybe pluck up the courage and knock, telling them to stop? It seems like it's a proper spectator's day out for them. I can't really run anywhere else, I have to pass there. And I run at the same time because of DC going to bed.

What do I even do? I am such a misery I'm sure.

OP posts:
HandfulOfDust · 21/04/2020 20:10

Oh my god I'd hate that too! I'm sure they're lovely people who mean well but it would make me never run near their house again.

englishrosie · 21/04/2020 20:10

YADNBU

MT2017 · 21/04/2020 20:12

COME ON BARBARA, YOU CAN DO IT Grin

(Bit of support from MN too Wink)

CheshireSplat · 21/04/2020 20:13

Ah that is awful. Can you try and spin it around and think that you're enabling them to feel good while in lockdown. You can't change what they're doing, but you can change their reaction to it. Turn up in various different fancy dresses outfits etc. Make it bigly exciting. Imagine you're the highlight of their day and own that bridlepath!

Original poster
Dranktoomuchpepsi · 21/04/2020 20:14

Oh and just so it's clear, my name is not Barbra Grin

OP posts:
Gloria5 · 21/04/2020 20:14

Yanbu, that would be enough to make me stop! However I want to encourage you to keep going. Is it supposed to be supportive or are they taking the piss?

Original poster
Dranktoomuchpepsi · 21/04/2020 20:16

What really baffles me is lots of runners run past their house! It's actually a fairly busy place at times. Yet I don't see them trying to engage with anyone else. Clearly I'm not pro enough Shock

OP posts:
bulliedintonamechange · 21/04/2020 20:16

Hahaha that's amazing. I would hate it, sorry. But it's also a little bit cute? People are bored haha

Original poster
Dranktoomuchpepsi · 21/04/2020 20:17

Gloria I don't know...i feel quite conscious as it is so don't want to outright call them piss takers incase my own insecurities there sway me

OP posts:
CodenameVillanelle · 21/04/2020 20:18

Run a different route! What a nightmare!

FreezerBird · 21/04/2020 20:22

This is why I won't do parkrun. (Note: I never run these days so it's out of the question anyway.)

The strange thing is that I love a lot of things about parkrun. It has done wonders for my ds's self esteem, as a family we've made lots of friends there. I even marshal and will cheer other people on because they seem to like it but there's NO WAY I'd put myself in the way of such jollying on.

Thehop · 21/04/2020 20:24

Oh gosh I’d pee myself at this!

It I’m fat so I’m used to being laughed at

Tellmetruth4 · 21/04/2020 20:24

This might sound rude and I don’t mean it to be but are you very unfit and unhealthy looking? Is that why they feel they need to encourage you?

It’s all sounds a bit weird and I’d hate the attention too. Personally I’d say nothing but I’d just blank them, eventually they’ll get bored. Alternatively every time you notice them leave the house comment loudly on what they’re doing .

Original poster
Dranktoomuchpepsi · 21/04/2020 20:24

Freezer. Oh Christ, I signed up for my local park run before starting to run, promising myself I'd run one as a goal

OP posts:
Cheeryandmerry · 21/04/2020 20:25

Oh God, nightmare.

If it makes you feel better I run C25k groups free as a volunteer, and in one location we have a woman who comes out to swear and rant at us. My poor runners have been told to fuck off, that they’re too fat to run, that they’re stupid bitches etc. This woman is notorious in the local area for being abusive but unfortunately she is also an obsessive runner so wherever we go she’s there Confused.

Original poster
Dranktoomuchpepsi · 21/04/2020 20:26

This might sound rude and I don’t mean it to be but are you very unfit and unhealthy looking? Is that why they feel they need to encourage you?

I have become unfit, considerably so, but I'm not awful to look at. Size 12 with just a bit too much bottom and belly for my liking now. I don't look particularly unfit but maybe I'm just deluded lol

OP posts:
aupresdemonarbre · 21/04/2020 20:29

That is a total nightmare. Really insensitive of them imho. I’d be tempted to have a word or find a different route.

AmelieTaylor · 21/04/2020 20:29

Oh and just so it's clear, my name is not Barbra

Oh that's one good thing st least!😊

I'd hate it too I'd find it embarrassing & patronising. I'd try to convince myself they mean well & I'd try to morph into the glamorous butterfly they're expecting to emerge from fat caterpillar 🐛🤣

But in reality they'd probably give up long before that happened!! 🐌

fairydustandpixies · 21/04/2020 20:38

Haha, I have the same thing but from my neighbours when I go out to tackle my jungle of a garden!!

Moved in 18 months ago, had to ignore the large garden because of the work needed indoors. Every time I venture out now I have my neighbours both sides cheering me on over the fences, telling me what to do (dig it, no use the fork, try pulling it, use my clippers, try my spade, you don't want that, do you want that flower pot, is that a bamboo cane you don't need...?). Bloody hate gardening and I want to do it in peace.

I really want to do C25K as well but I'm terrified because I can't even garden as an amateur, let alone leave the house wearing trainers!

Go you, OP! Maybe wear something silly every day and shout 'donations welcome, leave cash in bucket outside no.X'!

Keep on keeping on is my long convoluted message! Smile and wave, smile and wave!!!! 🤗

Hannahthepink · 21/04/2020 20:52

Argh what a nightmare! I did a 10k once, and the people cheering me on put me off so badly I've never run since!
Hate hate hate it, and especially hate it because it has never happened to my husband who looks the part and runs very well. I look sweaty and red and wibbly wobbly and can't run away fast enough!

Southwesterly · 21/04/2020 20:55

I’m sure they do ‘mean well’, but it’s intrusive and patronising. Either play your music loudly and ignore stony-faced, or stop and ask them to stop.

Katypyee · 21/04/2020 21:00

I am sorry but this made me laugh a lot. Grin

However, I do understand your embarrassment. I am just getting back to running after a very long time off from injury. I feel pretty self conscious and would be mortified if this happened to me too.

However, people are bored and you are probably the highlight of their day.

I like the suggestion @CheshireSplat made. Maybe you should just try and embrace it.

Well done on getting out there. Running is hard!

WhentheRabbitsWentWild · 21/04/2020 21:27

Oh OP I am sorry but I laughed , a lot .

YANBU though ,

lovinglavidaloca · 21/04/2020 21:30

I’d actually die of embarrassment. I’m certain of it.

Ronnie27 · 21/04/2020 21:32

That’s hilarious. Grin
You poor thing though, I’d be mortified too. Wine