Coach was gross

[swingingbytheseat]

I helped a man in my club who was looking for volunteers to assist with a newbie running group. I found his approach really concerning. He stayed on his bike the whole time, keeping a physical barrier between himself and the participants which was fucking weird, and even cycled very closely behind me and another woman throughout the session. He also made a comment about one of the women’s body, saying something like, “oh she’ll be fine, if you look you’ll see she doesn’t have any extra fat on her.” In 2025, hearing this from a 60-year-old man felt completely inappropriate. I didn’t call him out either as I was too shocked in the moment. AiBU?

Bump

It's a bit weird to day someone on a bike is 'keeping a physical barrier between himself and the participants'. I assume he needs it to keep up with faster runners.

The comment about the fat is a statement of fact, not negative. I wonder what it was in response to (sounds like it was a response to a negative comment putting this woman down). How did she take it?

He didn't say it to her, he said it to me while she was walking in front of us. Maybe he was nervous but the whole thing felt off. I disagree, I think being on a bike while everyone else is running is weird, It’s a beginners group. Nobody was fast.

What comment was he responding to when he said it?

He was talking about the ability of the runners & mentioned her weight unprompted.

He may have reasons to be on the bike. Just because a coach isn’t partaking doesn’t mean they have lost their coaching abilities. Loads of athletes and fit people are hampered with injuries 40+ but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his abilities to instruct and oversee programs. He’s stated a fact re the fat %, he wasn’t being salacious. Runners who are fit and capable are often lean (endurance focus mostly). Look, if you didn’t gel with him then give this group a miss.

Very common for a running coach to be on a bike, (plus he may have had an injury) and I don't see what was offensive about that comment?

It sounds like you're looking for things to be annoyed or offended by. Just don't go back.

Perhaps he cycles so he can go to the front of the group and back to the back of the group frequently making sure everyone is OK, or as said above can no longer run a lot due to injury. If you don't like his approach find another coach. Would you find it more acceptable if he stood really close to you?

It's very typical for running coaches to be on a bike. Much easier for them to manage the group.

Was the body fat comment a response to a question or an expressed concern??

@GeorgeClooneyshouldhavemarriedme no it really isn’t typical. The whole point of coaching is to be alongside, not seperate.
@BadgernTheGarden he wasn’t even doing that though, he was silently cycling behind offering no encouragement whatsoever!!why would I want him standing close to me?