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Running with a mask?

46 replies

2020wumben · 11/01/2021 16:44

I was out for a run today and a woman shouted at me that I should be wearing a mask. Is this normal, do people wear masks while running? I thought as long as it was outdoors and unlikely to be within 2m of someone else, masks aren't needed.

For context, I was running in the middle of the oncoming traffic lane of the road as there were no cars coming and a good 5m from her. If I can't get onto the road I normally cross over or stop to ensure plenty of space

I wear glasses so a sweaty run with a mask is just going to lead to streamed up glasses and me running into something as I can't see!

OP posts:
GCITC · 11/01/2021 16:46

Was she wearing a mask? From what I've seen most people do t wear masks whilst exercising outside.

Whenwillow · 11/01/2021 16:48

No, she was being a dick.
I did get passed by a runner today though, and she was wearing a snood thing that she pulled over her mouth as she ran past me.

hellasciously · 11/01/2021 16:49

No you don't need to wear a mask when exercising outside. Your staying away from ppl so your fine. I never wear a mask the odd time I go running.

BogRollBOGOF · 11/01/2021 17:02

She's a knob. I doubt she'd be willing to offer first aid if you encounter breathing difficulties from breathing back in your body's waste products.

The risks from anyone spending a second or so in passing outdoors is minimal.

nocoolnamesleft · 11/01/2021 17:04

Runners do tend to spray more respiratory droplets than walkers. As you can see in cold weather. The government, however, has not yet mandated wearing a mask for running.

LordEmsworth · 11/01/2021 17:07

The WHO advises against it.

www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-masks

"Even when you’re in an area of COVID-19 transmission, masks should not be worn during vigorous physical activity because of the risk of reducing your breathing capacity. No matter how intensely you exercise, keep at least 1 metre away from others, and if you’re indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation."

I am getting bloody fed up of the apparent belief that the high transmission rates are the fault of runners... Hmm

2020wumben · 11/01/2021 17:11

Thanks, I thought I was missing something. Yes she was wearing a mask. That's a good idea about the snood maybe I'll do that as well as keeping my distance should I happen upon someone else wearing a mask while outdoors.

OP posts:
Nevth · 11/01/2021 20:06

I wear a snood that I pull up too if I get to a busy area or have to pass people at 2m or closer. Just seems like basic manners and doesn't impact me at all! I only have to use it once or twice per run, if at all.

Have to say I'm absolutely furious at all these other mask-less runners passing me closer than 1m when I'm out for a walk. Just why?!? There's so much space in my local park, and if they're running quickly, there's no chance I can get out of the way in time. Gives the rest of us a bad name.

MiddleOfThePack · 11/01/2021 20:10

I didn't wear a mask but now I wear a 'buff' round my neck (primarily as it's cold) but I pull it up over my nose when I pass anyone, even if I take evasive action. If I don't have the buff, I will turn my head away and stop breathing while I pass.

I know too many runners who have caught c-19 themselves.

wanderings · 11/01/2021 20:13

Was Saint Boris wearing a mask on his cycling jaunt, when he dared to ride seven miles away from Downing Street?

confuseddotcom090 · 11/01/2021 20:19

Didn't 2 Chinese boys die, aged 14 or so, from exercising when wearing masks?

Seems like a bad idea to me.

Mask nazis can fuck right off

lljkk · 11/01/2021 20:27

I just posted link elsewhere about how Singapore don't require joggers to wear masks. Not even in Singapore.

EmmaGellerGreen · 11/01/2021 20:29

I’ve started to wear a snood around my neck which I pull over mouth and nose when I’m near people.

Catsneezies · 11/01/2021 20:30

If I can't pass 2m away I will hold my breath and turn my head away if I have to pass someone on a narrow path etc.

However, there are a lot of runners who just blast past you at close quarters panting away obliviously. Rude and dangerous

Catsneezies · 11/01/2021 20:31

I also go early morning so there are fewer people about.

Fembot123 · 11/01/2021 20:32

God I’m starting to really hate people.

Fembot123 · 11/01/2021 20:32

Not you OP

CodenameVillanelle · 11/01/2021 20:32

Um it's a hard no from me. Running in a mask is impossible.

Stumpedasatree · 11/01/2021 20:40

No flipping way would I wear one while running. I have asthma and would find it impossible.

Kumquatsquash · 11/01/2021 20:54

[quote nocoolnamesleft]runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/doctor-wears-mask-on-35k-run-to-silence-anti-mask-protesters/[/quote]
What does that prove? People run the London marathon dressed as Mr Bobby but just because its possible doesn't mean its sensible.

2020wumben · 11/01/2021 21:03

@Catsneezies

If I can't pass 2m away I will hold my breath and turn my head away if I have to pass someone on a narrow path etc.

However, there are a lot of runners who just blast past you at close quarters panting away obliviously. Rude and dangerous

I have found myself holding my breath too! I try to go at quiet times so thankfully don't bump into too many people or I would probably struggle with that.

The worst are cyclists on footpaths, it's pretty much impossible to keep 2m apart when passing when they take most of it up.

OP posts:
hamstersarse · 11/01/2021 21:05

It’s obviously dangerous to wear a mask if running

I truly despair of the total evaporation of common sense

2020wumben · 11/01/2021 21:05

@Fembot123

Not you OP
No problem Smile. To be fair I just chalked it up to the woman having a bad day. I hate people passing too close to me but I was in the middle of the road. But covid has brought out the worst in some people n
OP posts:
Misandrylovescompany · 11/01/2021 21:12

I think these days the best rule of thumb with the new variant is that if you are in a situation in which you reckon you could smell someone’s cigarette smoke, then you are too close. Can’t remember where I read that but it’s good advice. Even outside the virus can be transmitted now.

I really like the suggestion of using a buff when running. Thanks to the posters above who mentioned it! I’ll use that.

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