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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

On edge about jogging

99 replies

snarplesgettingnosey · 12/02/2022 14:12

I'm more than prepared to be called a nosey neighbour but I'm starting to get a bit on edge about men walking down the road I live on.
About eight months ago I moved to a new area. Small town/large village vibe, small enough that strangers say hello if passing in street. Lots of dog walkers. I WFH and can see the road outside while I'm working. The first time I noticed a man in his sixties walk by it just struck me that he wasn't carrying anything but he was walking purposefully. Nothing unusual as I assumed it was someone who lived past where I live and was going to the shop. Then I noticed it more often again and again - not the same man - walking by, carrying nothing, often looking purposefully. I haven't noticed any of them returning back up the road although I'm not constantly looking out so they might have done. There are approximately no more than twenty houses past me before fields start and I now know some of the neighbours so I'd say it's unlikely that all these men can be coming from their own houses.
Yesterday was the first time I noticed a man come from the same direction but rather than walk past he got in his car which was parked outside my neighbours. He turned the car around to drive back in the direction he had driven from. Again, he'd not been carrying anything and I've never seen him before. With the exception of one man who looks to be in his thirties that I've seen twice, they're all in their sixties/seventies.
I'm starting to get paranoid because I go jogging in this area. Should I stop?

OP posts:

ohhooh · 12/02/2022 14:17

Yes you sound paranoid!

Sounds like they're going on a circular walk, for exercise. I do the same locally, I don't carry anything either.

Getting on edge about men simply walking down a road you live on is OTT imo.

Meandthesky · 12/02/2022 14:20

YABU and paranoid

They’re just going for a walk and you would be ridiculous to question them about it

PurpleDaisies · 12/02/2022 14:22

It just sounds like people out for a walk. You’d likely see me doing the same thing if I lived near you. This really does sound paranoid.

Moonface123 · 12/02/2022 14:24

I cannot believe what l am reading, you sound like you have far too much time on your hands.

Chestofdraws · 12/02/2022 14:26

Oh dear op, I’m not sure if this is boredom or paranoia, but there is nothing suspicious here and no you don’t need to stop jogging as elderly men walk on the pavement past yout house.

GreyTS · 12/02/2022 14:27

😆 I think you need to get out of the house more, you're developing a paranoia....sorry for laughing but honestly do seek professional help

ApolloandDaphne · 12/02/2022 14:27

Men out for a walk are not a threat. They can walk where they please with purpose and without carrying anything ( I don't get this bit, I don't carry anything when I am out walking either)

Gabbiadini · 12/02/2022 14:30

When I’d nearly reached the end of your post it dawned on me you must be worried about dogging and that jogging was a typo. Then I reached the end and realised that actually you were indeed just worried about jogging when there are men nearby NOT CARRYING ANYTHING.

JuergenSchwarzwald · 12/02/2022 14:32

Not this nonsense again. You don't need to have a vagina to be able to go for a walk. Every day. On the same route. Without a dog. Not necessarily shopping.

You may be interested to know as a runner OP that Strava has a monthly walking challenge. So maybe some of these guys are doing that?

Itsalmostanaccessory · 12/02/2022 14:34

They're walking in the direction of the field?
Maybe they're going walking?

Or maybe there is a prostitute living nearby and they are visiting her.

What does it matter? It has sod all to do with you. I cant even believe you noticed this. Stop looking out the window. You're going to give yourself some issues if you dont stop obsessing over it.

NoneOfYour32Potatoes · 12/02/2022 14:39

What do you think is going on that would prevent you from running, OP?

Like others said, you’ve not made any clear threat to your safety apparent.

PoleFairy · 12/02/2022 14:42

Confused about why it would be ok if they were carrying something

I walk every lunchtime I work from home. Podcast in and I walk from 1 until 2. I tend to pass the same people each time, often men, who are clearly working from home and doing the same thing

Ted27 · 12/02/2022 14:43

I assume if they are walking ‘purposefully’ they have a purpose.

If most of them are in their 60s and 70s they are probably retired and out for a walk.
I am doing a walking challenge - I have a number of circular routes, otherwise its very boring. Sometimes I go at lunchtime, sometimes in the evening, sometimes both. I may double back on myself, I may do the same walk twice a day.
I don’t carry anything either - because its just walking

thecatsthecats · 12/02/2022 14:50

I walk in a very purposeful way - head up, long, quick strides.

It's a lot more energising that drifting along. Gets the heart pumping.

rainbowunicorn · 12/02/2022 14:54

You sound a bit unhinged OP

SecondClassmyass · 12/02/2022 14:56

So, do you think they are setting up a trap for when you go running in the woods? I think if they were carrying a Lidl bag with them that could potentially be worse? With bone sewing tools and a duct tape in.

Scarby9 · 12/02/2022 14:59

The only time I would go out not carrying anything is when I go for a walk.

FluffyBooBoo · 12/02/2022 15:00

Have you missed an important bit out of your post, op?

Like the harrassment issues female joggers are having in your area with elderly walking men? Or the fact they are disappearing?

Do you think there are a gang of older predatory men, all with similar nefarious goals?

Anoisagusaris · 12/02/2022 15:01

It’s perfectly normal for people to go for walk, walk purposefully, and with nothing in their hands. What could they carry that would make you less suspicious? Do you carry anything when jogging? Do you jog purposefully or make a half arsed attempt at it?

StrawberrySquash · 12/02/2022 15:02

So they come from the direction of the fields only? So parking further down your road, doing a circular walk that comes out in the fields.

Either that or they are aliens being released into the field to infiltrate us one at a time.

eurochick · 12/02/2022 15:05

This is a really odd post.

MsAgnesDiPesto · 12/02/2022 15:06

OP, this is what is known as ‘normal life’. People out and about doing things, walking, visiting, posting letters.

The only people you will be seeing in daylight at this time of year are people not at work. Therefore mainly retired. Who tend to be over about 65.

You sound oddly paranoid. Is there a reason why you are so overly cautious about the world around you? If something awful has happened in the past to make you feel this way, then maybe you could do with talking to someone about it.

If you’re worried about personal safety as a lone woman then organisations like the Suzy Lamplugh Trust can offer advice and tips on how to live your life safely and in less fear, while still carrying on as normal.

GirlInACountrySong · 12/02/2022 15:08

@eurochick

This is a really odd post.

There's a few a day like this.... trying to stir up hatred/worry around men

Someone has an agenda I think!

NoneOfYour32Potatoes · 12/02/2022 15:09

Either that or they are aliens being released into the field to infiltrate us one at a time.

I really do think this is the most plausible explanation. Especially since they are empty handed. Aliens won’t need accoutrements.

HideousKinky · 12/02/2022 15:23

I walk purposefully round my village every day whilst carrying nothing

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