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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:
Poppi89 · 21/04/2020 21:32

OMG, that's so lovely of them!! They are genuinely trying to be nice and supportive and we definitely need more people like them in this world!

I would, however, hate it and have to run somewhere else Grin

I don't know how you would approach this, I think the words of encouragement are better than the words you might get if you say something to them!

ImPeckish · 21/04/2020 21:33

Sounds like lockdown is getting to them and the highlight of their day is cheering you on! It sounds lovely and mortifying in equal measures Grin

circusintown · 21/04/2020 21:37

Run past on Thursday at 8pm. That'll throw them.

The big dilemma of who to clap and cheer first

BlueJava · 21/04/2020 21:46

Flip them the bird they'll soon go back to ignoring you ;)

Winesalot · 21/04/2020 21:49

On the other hand, runners are being shamed on MN for being disgusting, sweaty, panting messes. Grin

I actually had this in a much more discreet fashion. I had two people who would sit on a bench each day for their chat. They would call out and say hello as I went past when I started training using my own version of couch to 5. They graduated to telling me I was getting faster and having a quick joke as I went past. They were my own private cheer squad and I stopped to chat in my off running days. One was still doing it two and a half years on, but obviously not at the moment.

If you can. Turn it into something that works for you. I miss my guy on the path during this time. He made me smile and lightened my morning. Good luck anyway. Once I got into my rythym, I am surprised how I have stuck it out.

Southwesterly · 21/04/2020 22:00

It’s never occurred to me to inflict my opinion of someone’s performance on a total stranger while they’re exercising. I mean, we’re in lockdown, they’re bored, but you don’t need to be a genius to figure out that an obviously new runner feels self-conscious and that she really doesn’t need people cheering her on as if she’s an octogenarian in a chicken suit finishing a marathon four days after they started?

alwayshappy93 · 21/04/2020 22:04

I can't stop laughing 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

welldonesquirrels · 21/04/2020 22:09

I'm getting weapons-grade second hand social anxiety from just reading this.

alwayshappy93 · 21/04/2020 22:11

Just put your headphones in and wave. I think it probably makes them really happy and they think they are inspiring you. Why not just suck it up.

But I get you as well I don't think yabu btw

NorthDowns · 21/04/2020 22:14

Sorry but this has made me giggle 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

iolaus · 21/04/2020 22:15

I'd stop doing it in all honesty (or at least not near their house) I probably wouldn't tell them to stop it but would take the path of least resistance and avoid the situation (which could potentially lead to me giving up if there was nowhere else I could do it) and I'm sure that not what they meant by it but if it happened on more than one occasion I know me and I know thats what would happen

WorraLiberty · 21/04/2020 22:20

Oh God I must admit I was annoyed on your behalf but then I built up the whole scenario in my head and now I can't stop laughing! Blush Grin Grin

Would ignoring them help?

I think the name Barbara adds to the hilarity (sorry to any Barbaras out there!)

GREATAUNT1 · 21/04/2020 22:20

Aaaaaw Barbara Barbara Barbara, I would not be able to run for laughing 😆 Years ago I ran for a train which was unfortunately full of school kids, they all did the tune to the 6 Million Dollar Man 😳. You my dear are their entertainment during lockdown, enjoy the fame while it lasts. I’d just carry on & imagine I was in the olympics, smile & wave as you go past Grin

Fishcakey · 21/04/2020 22:21

Oh bless you. I would never run again hahaha!

AHintOfStyle · 21/04/2020 22:25

I swear if my resting bitch face didn't deal with them I'd stop and tell them to stop taking the piss.

WorraLiberty · 21/04/2020 22:25

Ask them to sponsor you. They'll soon keep out of your way then.

Cherrysoup · 21/04/2020 22:29

@fairydustandpixies headphones in, tell them you’re listening to a podcast for work or something and say ‘Sorry, must get back to it’.

OP, utterly blank them, don’t look, don’t react, they’ll soon get bored.

midwesteaster · 21/04/2020 22:31

First off I'm pretty disappointed your name isn't Barbara.
I get why you are embarrassed but honestly I'm sure they mean it nicely and it is probably the most excitement they get all week.

Queenest · 21/04/2020 22:36

Maybe they think you like it and feel compelled to keep it going now they’ve started it. Grin

melisma · 21/04/2020 22:38

Was her name Barbara?
No, I think it was Brabra

WorraLiberty · 21/04/2020 22:39

Tomorrow I expect they'll be displaying full on "GO BARBARA!" banners, displaying rainbows made by the kids Grin

Pepperama · 21/04/2020 22:45

I had a bit of the same with neighbours but they gradually stopped a few weeks in as my runs became regular features and I was getting fitter. Maybe just ignore it for a bit if you can and see if it stops by itself

VashtaNerada · 21/04/2020 22:52

Oh good Lord I’d fucking hate this. I’m keen to see where this is going though. Will they have trestle tables with bottles of water for you to grab as you run past? Maybe they’ll join you as pace makers? Or fly over in a helicopter filming footage from the air Grin

ProudMarys · 21/04/2020 23:03

Chanting your name and cheering you on everytime you run past 😂😂😂😂😂 oh I would be mortified but find it equally funny..I be looking to jump the back wall or something to get away from it!

Lalala205 · 21/04/2020 23:08

Awww brilliant! Horrifying for you but you're probably cheering people up no end. Oooh, it's 6pm let's get to the window to cheers on Babs! 😁 Definately start dressing up. I entered a 'Christmas fun run'... Turned out there was more 'run' less 'fun' to it. Realised I was pretty much the only one unaffiliated to a running club entry afterwards. Although I'm sure being the only one who dressed up helped with the cheering when I finished long after everyone else 😳