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.

I completely understand your embarrassment but am absolutely certain they are coming from a place of kindness. You are probably making them incredibly happy and feeling connected still with the world.

I think I'd be inclined to "suck it up". They clearly mean well and in this life people are so quick to knock you down, it's nice that people are trying to lift you up (even though I can understand your embarrassment!!) Embrace it!

Gosh, what a lot of wet 'Mustn't grumble, don't make a scene' people are on this thread. Suck it up, deal with people embarrassing you, try to enjoy it, because there's a pandemic and they're bored, so someone jogging past their house is the biggest excitement of the day, so roll with it?

Well, yes, @StackofBeans. But it seems like the alternative is something like..."Some absolute Bastards are trying to be nice and encouraging when I'm on a run and also have a little fun themselves. I'm such a special little flower that I can't cope with 30 seconds of attention, so I'll log it with 101, send them a registered letter outlining my rights in this regard, get DH to confront them, and start a lifelong feud that will be passed down through generations and take 50% off the value of my house."

Because just shouting, "Oi, quit it!" as you jog past is obviously not a solution.

I would die, I think quite literally of embarrassment 😂 but I don’t run just walk so I too think you’re awesome!

The only way out of this is to go full on Lara Croft camouflage gear with a prosthetic face.

Joking aside, if this is the only route you can do just keep the headphones on and whatever makes you comfortable, be it a regal wave or head down, full on sprint mode.

Go barbra!

What's the alternative Stackofbeans?

At least the onlookers are being encouraging. I guess OP would be even less happy if they were yelling 'give it up, wobble-bot!' or averting their eyes when she ran past?

Encourgagement seems to be the best possible result if you have to run past people.I hate running past the miseries who pretend you aren't there; a smile, a 'good morning' and a 'you're doing a great job there, keep it up!' is far nicer.

Oh dear, this sounds really embarrassing but surely they will get bored eventually? Don't let it stop you from doing your thing.

Can you listen to music and try to ignore them as you run past?

How was tonight's run Babs?

Oooh nooo! That would have one effect on me: I’d run bloody fast to get away from me. I’m afraid I’d find that mortifying. I’m a slow and sweaty runner and it’s taken a while for me to feel less self-conscious - cheerleaders en route wouldn’t help.

Get away from me? . That was probably Freudian - get away from them, I meant.

Nothing to report. Nobody was there tonight apart from a little girl who waved at me through their conservatory

@FancyPants20 and @Zaphodsotherhead, the alternative for me would be saying civilly ‘Please stop that’, but many English people appear to prefer to suffer agonies of embarrassment, ill-cooked or cold or wrong food etc etc rather than act.

Being English they are probably worried about having started something they may now be expected to keep up.
I can see them fretting about having started this interaction and not knowing what to do next.
I'm expecting a thread about this any day now.

Cut (bum cheek sized) holes in your running leggings. You'll be the talk of the town

Take a speaker and blast out eye of the tiger as you run past

They couldn't handle the excitement of the NHS clap and the Babs clap... No doubt they'll be back out tomorrow

Heyfevered - what, patronising obviously enthusiastic onlookers as though they were naughty children?

Surely just ignoring them would be better than that?

What's 'patronising' about 'Please stop that'? It's a civil request.