FED up of male harrassment whilst out jogging

[mintybobs]

I run pretty much every day. I love it- I have a stressful job and kids to look after and its really the only "me time" I get. It boosts my mental health, and is great for my fitness. Plus, its the ideal time for me to gather my thoughts on stuff thats going on and really think deeply about life, the universe etc etc

The problem I'm having recently is that the park where I usually run has alot of older male dog walkers in it which is cool. But there are two or three who are CONSTANTLY trying to stop me whilst jogging to talk. These are complete strangers to me, I dont know them. They are beckoning me, trying to get my attention and trying to say hello etc.
Now, whilst I appreciate that they might be lonely or whatever, it hasnt escaped my attention that they NEVER do this with any of the male joggers who also jog in the park- its pretty obvious why this is. It really irritates me- I need to focus whilst jogging and its the only time I get alone every day and I'm getting fed up of people trying to stop me when I'm out running and doing my thing. I ignored one of them this morning and heard him shout "rude"- WTF? isnt it more rude to interrupt someone who is clearly focused on an activity?- not to mention, I run fast so I cant talk and run at the same time.

Anyone else experience this- how do you handle it?

I just pretend I haven't heard them. If I run on my own I usually have ear phones in so if they caught my eye I would just give them a withering look.

Just ignore their stupid comments. Twats.

You could cough in their direction - that might make them think twice.

if he says "rude" ...you say "Yes, you are!" add expletives as required.

@iloverock

I just pretend I haven't heard them. If I run on my own I usually have ear phones in so if they caught my eye I would just give them a withering look.

Just ignore their stupid comments. Twats.

You could cough in their direction - that might make them think twice.

Thanks iloverock.

I hate feeling that I'm being rude but then, why on earth shouldnt I be able to bloody jog without this kind of attention?

I do wear headphones so I think I'm going to just continue to ignore and hope that they get the message. I will practice my withering look!

I would be tempted to tell them to fuck off, but you will probably get a mouth full of abuse back. Who the hell do these men think they are

I honestly have been tempted to shout Fck off!!

I feel like we are socialised to be nice all the damn time but then I get really angry- how dare they think they have the right to interrupt me when I'm in the middle of doing something I love. If they really wanted the company that badly they'd also talk to the male joggers but they never do! Its creepy and gross

Where do you live OP? I have been running in London for years and don't get this at all. That must be awful for you!

I get so frustrated by this. It's partly men thinking they have the right to interrupt women. Some have stopped me and asked really disturbing questions such as where I'm going or where I live.

I've also noticed it more generally even amongst couples out for a walk. Quite often the man in the couple will comment at me, making me think they need something, so I take off my headphones and stop. Most times it's a 'funny' (not really) comment and the woman with him rolls her eyes.

I also get men stopping me to ask directions or something about the area... as in waving me down in a way that makes me think it's an emergency. Woman with him also rolls her eyes.

And as you say, they don't do this to men. Is it my fault for stopping? Should we just be staring ahead and not making eye contact? Not being prepared to help if something is actually wrong?

Of course, there are loads of polite, respectful men out there too who might smile or wave but there are a significant number who think they either have the right to women's time or enjoy stopping them running?

That's even before you get to the insults thrown out of vans or beeps. I followed a man running from a distance the other day and 3 vans / cars went straight past him and then beeped or yelled at me. I sped up to move closer to him and it stopped happening.

I'm a slightly overweight, not that fit 44 year old woman btw. Not that it should make a difference, but they're not being overwhelmed by my sheer fitness or beauty.

@catinthewindow

Yes- its extremely annoying but I wouldnt stop running just to listen to their dumb questions! You carry on next time. In most parks, there are lots and lots of people who are wandering aimlessly around that they could ask directions from. They dont need to stop someone in the middle of running for that. Imagine if we marched up to two men in the middle of serving in a game of tennis in the park and interrupted them saying "hey! HEY- where is acacia avenue??? can you just stop playing tennis please and tell me where it is??" Noone in their right mind would do that because its bloody rude and jogging is no different.

I'd also think my husband was a disrespectful creep if he made a point of heckling or trying to flag down female runners whilst he was with me- there is no need for that and he'd get more than just an eyeroll! I wouldnt feel too guilty for not helping- if these were true emergencies these guys could ask their female companions to assist them or literally anyone else in the park and pretty much every person has a mobile phone these days which can both dial 999 AND search google maps so yeah- dont stop next time!

Wraparound sunglasses and headphones in I think. Ignore completely otherwise they are getting in your head. I can't say I have had this problem but no runner would want to stop, it would ruin their Strava time!

I would be utterly oblivious to them. Running is precious me time and unless I pass someone I know or another runner I don't pay any attention to weirdos. Mind you, I don't seem to get much of the kind you are getting. Can you maybe change where you run? Avoid parks, hit the streets and trails instead.

@GoWalkabout

Wraparound sunglasses and headphones in I think. Ignore completely otherwise they are getting in your head. I can't say I have had this problem but no runner would want to stop, it would ruin their Strava time!

Yes, I always wear sunglasses when I am out running or cycling - it makes it easier for me to avoid eye contact, and so helps reduce men commenting to me. It is very annoying though - as you say, they don't do it to other men. And when I'm out on my bike I hate men in vans/cars beeping their horn at me - when I first started out cycling I thought I must be doing something wrong, and that's why they were beeping - then I realised it's just what they do to women.