To want them to stop cheering me on?

[Dranktoomuchpepsi]

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

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.

How long is the street and how many houses are out cheering you? What an image It's endearing that they think they're helping motivate you. I've said it to myself in the car when I see an obviously novice runner. I'll be sure to never say it out loud now!

Ugh OP I would hate this! I stopped doing park run because I hated being clapped by the volunteers (I was always the last person 😂). I know it’s meant to be encouraging but I honestly found it mortifying and really off putting.

I feel like a total monster as it really made me laugh!!!

Oh god I’d hate it so much!!! I once went past a windows on my way home from
College and I swear a whole family sat by their window, sofa staring out onto the very quiet road and they cheered and whooped and clapped. I assumed I knew them and gave a little wave. They burst out laughing. Obviously it’s a little thing they did as a family. Mortified. Even though it was the quickest route home I avoided that road for years!

Still horrifies me when I have flashbacks!

Totally blank them like it’s not happening. Bless them totally oblivious people 😂

They will be out with saucepans and wooden spoons next!

God that sounds awful. Who would actually enjoy it?!

They're must be another route you can run!

I think I'd like it. But I understand you don't!

But you could try to like it?

When you next pass and they shout, raise your arms in the air like a champion and lap it up....just to see how it feels.

How do they know you've signed up for Park Run?

"They're coming for you Barbara....,"

I'm normally a confident person and comfortable in my own skin. I absolutely hate running though and I'm useless at it.

About 10 years ago I was out running. I looked dreadful. Out of breath and sweating way more than I should have been. Shortly afterwards I received a message on Facebook from someone I knew telling me just how awful I looked. That is the last time I've run in public.

Don't be like me. Ignore them. They'll soon get bored.

That’s hideous. I got up early once to bike ride as I hate exercising in front of people. I also got a “you go girl” from someone. I didn’t do it again.
Why can’t people just mind their own crap

I’m imagining them saying Barbara as Bar-Berra now like in that Royle Family Christmas special

Go Babs! Go Babs! 🏃💐

Thank you so much 'Barbra', this has really cheered me up this morning. I feel your embarrassment, I really do, but it's very very funny, I'm sorry! I think all you can do is embrace it and think of how you might turn it into a charity fundraiser to get money out of those people, as that might give you the motivation to keep going. Whatever you do, don't give up running because of this!

Oh this is terrible , it would make me so self conscious and put me right off .
Don’t think I’d have the balls to knock on their door though . I’d just run slightly later / earlier of poss and a slightly different route

Is just embrace it, whilst being very embarrassed. But you'll get used to it.

I didn't

Just stop when they do it next, give them the finger smile and continue with your run.

Run outside until it's finished C25K. Did it all (and more) on a treadmill. Like you I really wasn't a runner and did not want anytime to see my fatness jogging slowly on the road.

I finally plucked the courage and decided to run home one evening. Most of the staff had been on a training day. I assumed they'd be back at the normal close of play. Just as I left they came back. 2 minibuses, many cars. I was mortified as they all waved encouragingly (and no doubt wondered wtf I thought I was doing!) But you know what, it meant I didn't need to be embarrassed after that (small rural community, so most had seen me by that point! 🤣).

One friend would always pass me when I was out for a Saturday run, and always wave enthusiastically when she saw me. Her enthusiasm bugged me at first, but it soon became a highlight.

Parkrun annoys me as the enthusiasm of the volunteers seems forced, but the public support at the half I did was great.

If just embrace your fans. Wave at them and take it in the spirit it seems to be given.

OP make sure you don't run on Thursday night, somebody well meaning may decide to instigate a Clap for Barbara.

I would have to find a different route. I would find that unbearable, even though it seems to be coming from an absolutely lovely place and the intent is clearly very positive.

😂 😂 That is so funny. I would hate it though and never run their way again

I don't really understand why they're cheering you on if you're wearing headphones? Just keep wearing them and totally ignore them all. They'll soon get bored if you don't respond and can't hear them

I did a 10k race once and absolutely hated being cheered on by the crowd. I took scheduled walk breaks as I always do and they kept shouting 'don't stop love, don't give up!' FFS!

Headphones.

I run every day with my dog.

I used to run in silence. Now people are shouting 'hello' and 'keep it up, girl!' and even 'you're going to wear that dog out!' (that's the point, dur).

They are bored and lonely and don't see that many people out and about, so a person moving in front of them is fair game. I just smile and wave (and maybe run a little bit faster to get past them so I can bend double and gasp round the corner instead of outside their house).

One friend would always pass me when I was out for a Saturday run, and always wave enthusiastically when she saw me. Her enthusiasm bugged me at first, but it soon became a highlight.

This ^^

I used my interactions with regulars some were actually people I knew as a motivator after one friend told me how they looked forward to seeing me coming along the path. They didn’t even think about my style , my red face. They just liked the interaction.

I then took a page out of her book and turned what was an embarrassment into a nice thing.