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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed at smokers when running.

117 replies

Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:38

NC'd Penis beaker etc.

No doubt IABU but I'm venting as I'm frustrated.

Full disclosure I can only run in the morning and whilst it's still dark its the safest route where I live.
This past week I've been running and have been caught behind a smoker and having to breath in second hand smoke. For a smoker he is a fast walker and there is no other way to pass as its a single lane if that makes sense. No roads to cross.
So 4 out of 5 runs this week I've had to breath this smoke in and twice have run past whilst hes exhaled a drag. I know have a sore throat/bad chest.
Running is the one thing I know I'm good at and now I'm ill because of this person I have to wait until I'm better or try and find a different route or time to run. Fully prepared to be flamed but why can't smokers just smoke inside their own home and if they don't want their home smelling then quit? I don't want to have to breath it in a third of a mile away.

OP posts:
FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 27/11/2022 21:42

Go 5 mins later or 5 mins earlier.

Smoking is legal, for years smokers have been told to only smoke outside and when it's cold and rainy non-smokers seem to have no problem with that. As soon as the weather gets nice you start seeing loads of threads on here about the selfish smokers taking up the outdoor seats at pubs and cafes and now they can't be in open spaces because that's where you want to be.

badassbaby · 27/11/2022 21:44

Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:38

NC'd Penis beaker etc.

No doubt IABU but I'm venting as I'm frustrated.

Full disclosure I can only run in the morning and whilst it's still dark its the safest route where I live.
This past week I've been running and have been caught behind a smoker and having to breath in second hand smoke. For a smoker he is a fast walker and there is no other way to pass as its a single lane if that makes sense. No roads to cross.
So 4 out of 5 runs this week I've had to breath this smoke in and twice have run past whilst hes exhaled a drag. I know have a sore throat/bad chest.
Running is the one thing I know I'm good at and now I'm ill because of this person I have to wait until I'm better or try and find a different route or time to run. Fully prepared to be flamed but why can't smokers just smoke inside their own home and if they don't want their home smelling then quit? I don't want to have to breath it in a third of a mile away.

You sound ridiculously entitled.
You don't own the outside!

biggerbetterfasterstronger · 27/11/2022 21:44

We need a diagram to understand how it’s impossible to pass them

And we need to know how when you say ‘excuse me can I pass you’ what their response is which means you are stuck behind them

IceReckon · 27/11/2022 21:44

If you're running and hes walking then say 'excuse me' and pass him.
If your running is the same speed as his walking and you're directly behind him each day then just pause for a few minutes, continue, and he'll remain ahead.

Original poster
Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:44

I've tried but always manage to get caught up behind him. I'm annoyed because he has potentially made me unwell and I have dc to look after.
That run sets me up for the day.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:45

I'm guessing he wears headphones as I've tried that.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:46

Usually it's a sorry can I pass followed by thanks when I run or if someone notices me I give eye contact,smile and thumbs up.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 27/11/2022 21:47

Being behind a smoker outside has not made you unwell with a sore throat OP. A lurgy has made you unwell with a sore throat.

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 27/11/2022 21:47

Shift your timings if you always run into him. He's entitled to smoke outside.

Frabbits · 27/11/2022 21:47

You aren't likely to get ill inhaling a bit of second hand smoke, chances are you've picked up a cold from somewhere else.

And the guy has as much right to be there as you. Just say/shout excuse me and get on your way.

biggerbetterfasterstronger · 27/11/2022 21:47

So this pass is literally one persons width?

InsertSomethingMotivationalHere · 27/11/2022 21:47

This is absolutely ridiculous. They're having a quiet cigarette outside and you're no more entitled to the outside than they are. "Ill" due to a quick inhale of outdoor second hand smoke? How did you make it to adulthood?!

Shouldershoddy · 27/11/2022 21:47

gamerchick · 27/11/2022 21:47

Being behind a smoker outside has not made you unwell with a sore throat OP. A lurgy has made you unwell with a sore throat.

Exactly this .

Original poster
Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:48

I know I'm bu I'm just annoyed and it seemed to all tie together. And now I have to buy an inhaler because its quicker than getting a GPS appointment.

OP posts:
WomenShouldWinWomensSports · 27/11/2022 21:48

This is a you problem. It’s safer for everyone if smokers smoke outside and you didn’t get a sore throat from the scent of some secondhand smoke dispersed in the air, it’s a coincidence, although there could have been airborned viruses etc in the air around him, so don’t get so close next time before slowing down behind him, or maybe use your words and say “excuse me”?

Smoking indoors makes children and babies ill. YABU to want that.

QuestionableMouse · 27/11/2022 21:49

Is it a circular route? Do it in the other direction.

A bit of second hand smoke outside is not going to make you ill.

AffIt · 27/11/2022 21:50

How narrow is this path that two adults can't pass shoulder to shoulder? Do you live in a remote mountain village in Guatemala?

Similarly, how fast does he walk or how slowly do you run that you can't just, you know, run past him?

PeekabooAtTheZoo · 27/11/2022 21:50

Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:48

I know I'm bu I'm just annoyed and it seemed to all tie together. And now I have to buy an inhaler because its quicker than getting a GPS appointment.

For a sore throat? Now you’re just beimg daft. I hope the pharmacist does due diligence.

qpmz · 27/11/2022 21:50

It's annoying but you have the whole of the outdoors - there must be another route or time you can do? That amount of smoke won't make you ill.

What is Penis Beaker by the way? : )

Original poster
Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:51

That's a good idea I'll try that when I feel better. I'm frustrated as I was planning on running 10 miles tomorrow just so I could say I did it. And now it's delayed.

OP posts:
Spenn · 27/11/2022 21:51

breathing in a teeny bit of fag smoke hasn't made you ill. It all sounds a bit dramatic. Just yell excuse me or 'coming through' to announce your presence loudly.

You don't need an inhaler for a sore throat.

Original poster
Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:51

I get asthma when I get ill

OP posts:
AffIt · 27/11/2022 21:51

Jaboodyrudi · 27/11/2022 21:48

I know I'm bu I'm just annoyed and it seemed to all tie together. And now I have to buy an inhaler because its quicker than getting a GPS appointment.

An inhaler for a sore throat you have developed due to briefly being in the presence of somebody smoking outside?

With respect, your arse.

PenelopeStrawberry1 · 27/11/2022 21:52

You sound like a complete drama Queen! I can't believe you actually thought you'd become unwell from a tiny bit of smoke

WomenShouldWinWomensSports · 27/11/2022 21:52

*airborne

Also if you have asthma you should have inhalers on hand at all times especially if running. And if you don’t have asthma it’s not a good idea to mess around with inhalers.