Piers Morgan wants masks worn whilst running...

[Trulyatraditionalman]

AIBU to think this is ridiculous?

You cannot wear a mask while exercising... Your asking for people to pass out...

Well yes, then you are saying you wouldn't move for a runner because if they are comign directly towards you it is probably the only time when moving for them might be appropriate rather than the other way round. If a runner is coming towards you, you can see them coming, and it is a narrow path, it is better for you to step aside slightly than it is for them (its not just 'too much trouble', it can also lead to twisted ankles etc).

So it's not enough to follow all the walkers rules on this thread -- which I do follow actually! I walk on the left, always go single file when necessary, I don't dawdle etc. But even if I do all that, if a runner is coming straight toward me (ahem, not on their own left), then I should still get out of the way because if they swerve they might twist their ankle?

@TheSockMonster

I’m all in favour of runners and anything that encourages healthy lifestyles.

I do take issue that pedestrians should be regularly checking behind them so they can move to one side and let runners pass. You are not a police car blue lighting its way down a road. You give way to that which is in front of you and overtake when it is safe to do so. Obviously any half-courteous person will move out of the way once they have seen you, but you cannot expect them to be actively watching their back lest you approach them.

I am a runner and I agree. When I get annoyed when walkers think a runner ought to move, I am talking about when they are travelling in opposite directions and are both aware of each other. Of course if you are behind someone travelling in the same direction, then you should overtake when safe (or stop and wait until possible to do so)

This fucks me right off. Why is it always runners who get the blame for ‘pavement hogging’?? I find quite the opposite - 3 times this morning I moved right to the edge of the pavement and the person I was trying to avoid stayed squarely in the middle, not giving an inch. So yes, I may well have been too close to them, but through no fault of my own.

[quote MaddieElla]@dreamingbohemian that does sound like a nightmare and not enjoyable at all.[/quote]
It's not very nice, no. At least it's only temporary, it's never been like this before!

I have actually watched the section. It might be more accurate to say Piers Morgan facilitated / participated in a discussion on whether runners should wear masks.

The personal view that he put forward in the debate (which the two scientists both agreed with) was that he didn’t like seeing joggers on the high street, where it is hard to avoid them, without masks but of course it is not an issue in parks or wider spaces.

That seems reasonable, but let’s just start a Piers bashing thread.

There are inconsiderate walkers and inconsiderate runners. Some people are just inconsiderate. I run (very slowly!) three times a week. I do exactly the same route every time so that I have no surprises and know I can safely give people a wide berth because of pavement width/grassy areas. There is no need for masks while running if we are all just mindful of others, walkers, runners and general faffers alike. I've had runners almost trip over my kids because they didn't want to slow down. I've had walkers deliberately stay 2 or 3 abreast, despite clearly seeing me running the other way. I am sorely tempted to brush past and do a fake cough, but I just stop and step aside or run onto the road or grass and try not to let them ruin my day. Even if they are assholes!

@user1497207191

I agree with PM. I walk daily alongside a canal. There are regularly joggers and cyclists. Most ignore social distancing, especially on narrow bits such as under bridges. They just barge past. Not only heavily breathing far too close to you, I've even seen some spit as they pass. If they can't "behave" then they need to be subject to certain rules. Yes, I appreciate it's a minority who are tossers, but in most areas of life, the minority spoil things for the majority.

If you are concerned about social distancing you shouldn’t be on the canal, no one should.

Piers can fuck right off. Just another way to put people off exercise when we need to be doing it more than ever!

That said, I try to go running at quiet times, so 6.30-7am. Nobody is around apart from fellow runners. And I always give a wide berth. The suggestion of wearing a snood that can be pulled up is a very good one.

Piers Morgan travelled to Antigua for a holiday in December after telling everyone else to have a "quiet Christmas." I listen to absolutely nothing this hypocrite says and nor should anyone else.

Cold air triggers my asthma, and have often used a snood to cover my mouth when running in winter so happy to wear a mask, I also try not to breathe heavily on anyone! However i think the anti joggers and cyclist rhetoric is a load of narrow minded nonsense. I'd rather people keep fit than stay indoors and be inactive

I can’t believe that 30% of people agree with Piers Morgan

Mental

@MaxNormal

Maybe the fat cunt should try a bit of running himself.

Damn straight

No one should be wearing a mask outside in any circumstance - it’s completely bonkers

You can’t run in a mask! Ridiculous!

Why not just make all groups - runners, dog walkers, cyclists, and the other usual suspects - be considerate, keep their distance and not assume anyone has to let them pass?

I belong to two of the groups I’ve listed - but also walk on other occasions- and hope I give people plenty of space.

That seems reasonable, but let’s just start a Piers bashing thread

Piers always deserves bashing. Hypocritical cunt.

Piers Morgan travelled to Antigua for a holiday in December after telling everyone else to have a "quiet Christmas." I listen to absolutely nothing this hypocrite says and nor should anyone else.

This he is goady and a hypocrite but I guess this is what ITV paid for so he will continue to say stuff he doesn't care about.

I rarely see people i go running. If i do i say hello and smile and not spit and huff on them.

Piers is a right dick.

I think it’s hysteria to even suggest such a thing for anybody to wear a mask outside my reasons.
Your outside the risk is less .
There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to be near 2 metres near someone and that goes for running / walking /cycling whatever.
It’s all about consideration i’ve been running throughout this pandemic and not once have I been 2 metres close to someone unless for literally a split second .I have seen many groups of people walking 3-4 abreast not actually letting anyone pass . I think they expect me to fly over them so I have to go excuse me .
I think the risk is so minuscule that in that split second I could pass or catch Covid it’s absurd it really is .
I get if your in a packed city with no chance of social distancing but that goes for pedestrians/ cyclists too .
I for one won’t even consider it .

I agree with P. Morgan

I manage to wear a (cloth) mask while riding a bicycle and I've never passed out, so it may not be problematic for everyone.

Some runners do try to social distance and are respectful, but others seem not to be bothered at all if they breathe heavily in your face while being in very close proximity.

On very narrow paths along the Thames runners and cyclists have now been banned during popular exercising hours to address this issue (only walkers allowed)

@IrmaFayLear

Frankly I wish joggers could all go and run in big stadiums (stadia?!) or up and down airport runways.

It’s not just the puffing, it’s the arrogant pavement hogging and single-minded pounding so everyone else has to scatter, because their fitness is absolutely paramount .

Unlike walkers, who always share the pavement and share space at all times🙄

It’s not just the puffing, it’s the arrogant pavement hogging and single-minded pounding so everyone else has to scatter, because their fitness is absolutely paramount

That's just some runners. I don't puff when I run (I do when I race), I don't hog pavements and I certainly don't pound. I am very light on my feet, such that I have to alert people with a cheery hello if I approach from behind so that we are all aware and WE CAN ALL accommodate each other.

I imagine the people you are describing are arses in their every day life as well.

And actually, yes, my running is very important - it's my 40 mins of the whole day to myself. I do get irate if it's ME who has to stop when it would have been quite easy for both parties to move so both can be accommodated. Same with dogs.

@AlecTrevelyan006

No one should be wearing a mask outside in any circumstance - it’s completely bonkers

I agree!

The stupid cunt was moaning about obesity when Tess Holliday was on the front of Cosmo.
Now he wants to put people off exercising. Fucking gaslighting prick.

These are the sorts of incidents I would expect a site like mumsnet to rally round, supporting women runners who have been harassed, threatened and assaulted during the pandemic. Yes, some of our Olympic hopefuls, whilst trying to train in public outdoors due to sports facilities being closed, have suffered abuse and assaults. This is far more important than people who think their right to walk slowly blocking the path trumps another person's right to pass them. Its awful, and we need more awareness of just how bad the problem of harassing people in public has become in this country.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55890779?fbclid=IwAR0A465xQ6BK8NgMSyv_jQpVBpZxuzkJVWYCyM2k6zUQzGzT5-t77NFnEE4