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Original poster

Getting heckled while running...

36 replies

Nagoo · 21/08/2013 12:33

I am new to this running lark, only into my second week.

Last night people pulled up alongside me in a car and kerb crawled me for about 500 yards, and I had to 'front up' to them and nearly got in a fight.

I need a strategy please? I thought if I run when there are less people about it wouldn't happen but should I try in the day? I live in a shite town full of scrotes.

I have already worked out that I should run on the opposite side of the road.

Any more tips?

OP posts:
GrimmaTheNome · 21/08/2013 12:43

Can you run in the morning instead? - scrotes are less likely to be up and about, and less alcohol-induced idiocy.

FruitSaladIsNotPudding · 21/08/2013 12:45

Get up really early to run - 7am should be ok?

HeySoulSister · 21/08/2013 12:49

cap on,headphones in and run on ignoring

Original poster
Nagoo · 21/08/2013 12:50

I have very little get up and go in the mornings... although running might give me some I suppose.

Once school starts though, I get up at 7.15 anyway, to get the DC sorted. I don't think I could face running at 6.30! Shock If I have to get up early I don't think I'd be able to keep it up.

I have thought about joining a club, but I am SHIT so would be embarrassed.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nagoo · 21/08/2013 12:50

I tried that HeySoulSister but she was hanging out of her car shouting at me for a looooong time.

OP posts:
GrimmaTheNome · 21/08/2013 12:52

I've not tried it but someone recommended parkrun as a friendly option for all abilities- google it and see if there's one anywhere near you perhaps.

FruitSaladIsNotPudding · 21/08/2013 12:52

What on earth was she shouting?? Honestly, what is wrong with people!

VenusRising · 21/08/2013 12:54

Find out if there's a running- athletics group near you?
Or a reclaim the night group?

Maybe start a group yourself?

VenusRising · 21/08/2013 12:55

Oh sorry x posts.

O group would be better than unsustainable early mornings.

YourHandInMyHand · 21/08/2013 12:58

Shock That's terrible!

Not sure what to suggest though. :-/

Original poster
Nagoo · 21/08/2013 12:58

I couldn't hear her for the first 200 yards, but whatever it was was hysterically funny apparently Hmm.

I asked her to leave me alone, I asked her how she would feel in my position, I told her that she was upsetting me. She carried on so I told her to fuck off and she got out the car and faced up to me but she was a lot smaller than me so she got back in quite fast and they drove away.

I'm quite upset by it TBH.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nagoo · 21/08/2013 13:01

Does this often happen? I've only been out about 7 times so far.

OP posts:
dyslexicdespot · 21/08/2013 13:44

That sounds horrible Nagoo. I'm sorry that happened to you. I never run with headphones in for that very reason and I always run in areas with other runners/ walkers and I bring my dog.

I second what other people have said about running early or in a group. Start one if you can't find one. Mumsnet local night be a god place to start.

Good luck!

InternationalPower · 21/08/2013 13:54

It's rotten, but they think they're funny. Ignoring completely is the best policy. Like school bullies they stop if they don't get a rise out of you. Unlike bullies, they are generally harmless.

And yes join a club - brilliant for so many reason, but especially with the darker evenings on the way

EauRouge · 21/08/2013 15:11

Jesus, that's awful :( I've never had any trouble at all and on my route I run past a sex shop with truckers coming and going. I'm sure this is just a one-off, please don't let some loon put you off.

I heard about one woman that got so sick of blokes honking at her she got a vest made that said 'honk if you love feminism'. Wouldn't have helped in your situation though.

If you can't find a running partner or prefer running alone, have you got a dog or could you borrow one?

dyslexicdespot · 21/08/2013 15:38

Dogs are ideal running partners.

I have a very cute little JRT and you would be surprised how many people are absolutely petrified of her when she runs with me.

Original poster
Nagoo · 22/08/2013 10:25

I had a look at the club. You can't join unless you can run properly. They do have beginners groups but I'd have to wait for the 'course' to start.

I will have to try again on Friday, I'll run on the opposite side of the road and to keep away from that route.

Thanks all.

OP posts:
EauRouge · 22/08/2013 10:29

What do they define as 'properly'? Seems a bit weird to exclude beginners like that, most clubs I know of welcome all abilities.

Do you carry your phone with you when you run? If it happens again (hopefully it won't!) can you film her or take a photo and report her to the police?

Original poster
Nagoo · 23/08/2013 00:39

You have to be able to run 4 miles it says.

I took the phone and made a note of the registration. I don't do the same route, so I doubt I'd see the same person again I just wondered how common this type of thing is. I will drag myself out on Friday before I put myself off too much!

Weirdly I saw the car on the dual carriageway today... At least I know I got the registration right!

OP posts:
Knackerelli · 24/08/2013 14:35

That is awful, poor you. If it makes you feel better I've never had that; just random honking and shouts of encouragement. I second ignoring them and choosing a popular route. Don't let a nutter put you off.

CMOTDibbler · 24/08/2013 18:55

The only time people shout things at me, they are talking to my dog Hmm Though one of the downsides of living in a small town is that random people keep telling me they've seen us out running, and people like the posties honk and wave

dyslexicdespot · 24/08/2013 19:59

An older man I used to bump into while dressed in my gym clothes, yelled at me that the gym was not working, when I was about five months pregnant!

IndiansInTheLobby · 24/08/2013 20:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DfanjoUnchained · 24/08/2013 20:08

Run around a park?

Can't believe a woman was heckling you, what an idiot.

IndiansInTheLobby · 24/08/2013 20:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.