Piers Morgan wants masks worn whilst running...

[Trulyatraditionalman]

AIBU to think this is ridiculous?

Ah, treadmills.... I’m sending up a prayer every day that gyms will open soon and the runners can pound away inside.

My nearest airfield and stadium are over 10 miles away. That’s not staying ‘local’ 🤷🏻‍♀️

Plus I’m pretty sure stadiums and airfields don’t just open themselves up for members of the public to run around

This thread is bonkers and hilarious, in equal measure.

I run regularly, through nature reserves and forests near my house. Not once - literally not once - have I huffed or breathed in someone's face. In fact, I'm lucky if I see 2 dog walkers on a 45 min run, it's so quiet round here.

Will I be going to an airfield (?!) or wearing a mask?

No. That'll be an absolute, definite no.

personally, i like running and walking while taking in the scenery. Running around a track is too much like running on a treadmill which I absolutely hate.

Same. It's my escape, my little sanctuary ... taking in the scenery whilst doing something that makes me feel amazing, physically and psychologically. I can't believe we've reached a point of needing to justify our right to use open spaces for fresh air and exercise, to be honest!

Also, who is "weighed down by tech" when they run?! I have a Garmin watch on my wrist, and a plastic water bottle in my hand when I run.

What are people running in?! 🤷‍♀️😂

@LucieStar

This thread is bonkers and hilarious, in equal measure.

I run regularly, through nature reserves and forests near my house. Not once - literally not once - have I huffed or breathed in someone's face. In fact, I'm lucky if I see 2 dog walkers on a 45 min run, it's so quiet round here.

Will I be going to an airfield (?!) or wearing a mask?

No. That'll be an absolute, definite no.

I mean, if nothing else it’s made me realise how fucking insane some members of the general public are!

@IrmaFayLear

I suggested the airfields and running tracks in stadiums.

Why don’t I walk there? Because I walk along pavements - I go in single file, or step to the side if I encounter another pedestrian. I do not pound along, eyes fixed in the distance, weighed down by tech and I don’t power through people because I am doing fitness - which clearly some people on here puts them on a higher plane.

I’m sure there are many courteous runners, but just on this thread those who are not so polite have revealed themselves with such gems as people should give way to runners, they are superior because they aren’t obese (all walkers of course having BMIs of 50) and someone even said they shouted “runner coming through!” Wtf? If I had the nerve I’d reply “runner being a prat!”

And as for the “Olympic hopefuls” that we’re being mean to..... yep.

Your arse is out the window.

"I do not pound along, eyes fixed in the distance, weighed down by tech and I don’t power through people because I am doing fitness"

Runners are very strange around you then. Personally I don't run like I'm dressed as Ironman.

You are very ridiculous.

@IrmaFayLear

Ah, treadmills.... I’m sending up a prayer every day that gyms will open soon and the runners can pound away inside.

Sorry. Not gonna happen

Have you not been reading the the thread?
The best part of running for most people is being OUTSIDE.

@IrmaFayLear

Ah, treadmills.... I’m sending up a prayer every day that gyms will open soon and the runners can pound away inside.

It doesn't matter if the gyms are open. I haven't been a member of one for years - I've always run outside.

Not only are runners bloody annoying they seem to lack a sense of humour and take everything very literally.... mind you, I’m sure all these elite runners who can’t possibly slow down as they are doing “fitness” donchaknow, could easily outpace a jumbo jet roaring down the runway...

Another one who never, ever runs on a treadmill- can't stand it. I use the gym for weight based stuff and I run in the great outdoors as that is my little sanctuary and I love it. I won't be changing that for anyone I'm afraid.

*I do not pound along, eyes fixed in the distance, weighed down by tech and I don’t power through people because I am doing fitness"

Runners are very strange around you then. Personally I don't run like I'm dressed as Ironman. *

😂 is everyone doing military style runs with backpacks on? What have I missed?! Would love to hear some more about this "tech" people are weighed down by...

@IrmaFayLear

I suggested the airfields and running tracks in stadiums.

Why don’t I walk there? Because I walk along pavements - I go in single file, or step to the side if I encounter another pedestrian. I do not pound along, eyes fixed in the distance, weighed down by tech and I don’t power through people because I am doing fitness - which clearly some people on here puts them on a higher plane.

I’m sure there are many courteous runners, but just on this thread those who are not so polite have revealed themselves with such gems as people should give way to runners, they are superior because they aren’t obese (all walkers of course having BMIs of 50) and someone even said they shouted “runner coming through!” Wtf? If I had the nerve I’d reply “runner being a prat!”

And as for the “Olympic hopefuls” that we’re being mean to..... yep.

You sound very bitter and ever so slightly jealous.

I bloody knew I'd been robbed when I bought my running watch, the way it drags my arm along the floor with the weight of it.

Jealous of Lycra-clad fitness people? . I love a nice walk, but I find fitness for fitness’s sake with all the attendant bits of kit a bit pratty.

@Trulyatraditionalman

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 .

You could say exactly the same about walkers!

Hi,

In my experience ( walking every day for a year lol) runners do not in general , move to avoid others.
Probably because they are at speed and just barrel past without a thought for others, possibly because they are arrogant bastards , maybe because they think they are ultra fit and couldn't possibly be a risk to others.
Walkers generally do stop and/ or detour. Runners rarely do and it's up to pedestrians to get out of their way .
This has annoyed me for years , nothing to do with masks.
However , as the strength of the exhalation is directly linked to risk of transmission ( yes I know transmission is lower outside) huffing puffing joggers are a real nuisance

@IrmaFayLear

Can I ask, why do you love a "nice walk"? What do you gain from it?

I don't run "for fitness sake" (it's a bonus side effect of my hobby) - I run first and foremost for the positive psychological benefits - the endorphin rush. It makes me feel good. I imagine you get similar effects from walking.

"fitness for fitness’s sake"

Now you really are sounding ridiculous. But I'm out since you're clearly trolling.

Anyone else?

I love to run and can happily run for an hour or more outside but would barely last 20 min on a treadmill.
(maybe walkers should walk on a treadmill if they're worried about being barged/breathed on etc?)

A friend and I went for a run yday and were talking about this very subject while we were running (get us- multitasking- able to talk/"pound"/huff and puff all at the same time! ) We said actually runners are often more aware of their surroundings and other people, if you're used to races, parkrun or track running, it is often the case you need to go single file or move out to overtake someone safely. We both belong to clubs and between us we could think of one runner we would describe as obnoxious (out of hundreds!)

We had a lovely run starting in village and going out into the country. we saw a few people in the village, a couple of ladies moved to the side, we thanked them, they commented (in a friendly way) on our run, saw a few other people on the (narrow) pavement , so moved into the road, moved on to country lanes, saw a van, a horse, a cat and a couple of people walking a dog. We were all able to exist and use that space quite adequately.
I understand that parks/canal towpaths etc might be busier and if those were my local choices I think I would try gauge what time of day might be best to go without it being overly crowded (or look for alternative routes)

maybe walkers should walk on a treadmill if they're worried about being barged/breathed on etc?

Excellent suggestion!

No one should be wearing a mask to excercise. Can you imagine how sweaty and wet that would be I live in Singapore where masks are mandated outside at all time EXCEPT when exercising. Singapore has had under 30 covid deaths and virtually no cases for many many months

I have been on MN since nearly the beginning, so absolutely not a troll. In fact it feels like I am being “got at” by quite aggressive “runners” on here. I encounter many courteous runners when out and about but it seems the unpleasant bargers defending their behaviour are not out running this morning but pounding on their keyboards instead, so maybe it’s a good moment to go for a walk!