Getting jeered at whilst exercising

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Replies

  • AnnebelleLee
    AnnebelleLee Posts: 3 Member
    No one can make you feel inferior unless you allow it. Just ignore the idiots. The world needs people like that....buzzards have to eat too.
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    Small minds; they are probably doing to make themselves feel superior. Ignore them and keep on trucking. One day you will look like they wished they could. I've been in your shoes in a way; if I'd listened to them not sure where I would be today.
  • tiffanyaiv
    tiffanyaiv Posts: 107 Member
    As someone who is working toward a healthy weight gain is concerned I also get rude comments about my small size and it is very hard to handle but I do my best and continue on my path to self improvement! :smile:
  • berndanddana
    berndanddana Posts: 114 Member
    edited June 2015
    I've dealt with something similar. Mine came from my ex husband, who told me while I was in the hospital after delivering number three that I should use my time wisely and walk the halls, because I had a lot of weight to lose. Mean people will be mean. I know it hurts, but they really aren't worth the salt in your tears.
  • TheRealBill
    TheRealBill Posts: 28 Member
    It's only happened to me once that I know of (I usually run with headphones). They started running alongside me. I just laughed and chatted with them and they were out of breath and bored within minutes. If they are intimidating, and it's possible, I would avoid them. If not, smile and keep moving. They can't ruin your day if you don't let them.

    Sounds like no one made fun of you, you just had immature boys trying to get your attention and didn't know a good way.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    my ex husband

    WHEW.
    they really aren't worth the salt in your tears.

    good line
  • tedioustrainingap
    tedioustrainingap Posts: 78 Member
    Yes it's a group of teenagers who are always there, I'm in Wiltshire, England. It's generally a nice place to live but this is getting me down. I think I will try to change my route so I can avoid them, I would happily go further if I don't get shouted at.

    I'm sorry that you're experiencing this. No one should have to endure heckling while going about their daily life! Nor should you have to avoid an area you would otherwise use and have equal right to use. One option might be to speak with your local PCSO? They can be incredibly helpful in resolving errant teen issues. If you can identify which school they attend, they might also be worth contacting - particularly if they carry out this behaviour while in uniform.

  • bubaluboo
    bubaluboo Posts: 2,098 Member
    First off, well done for getting out there and running! It's hard enough when you don't have to face abuse from idiots. Knowing what teenage brats in the UK are like, the best thing to do is ignore (or get a big dog to run with you). They feed off response but will eventually get bored if they get none. what ever you do, don't let them win.
  • belimawr
    belimawr Posts: 1,155 Member
    PeachyPlum wrote: »
    As a native New Yorker (read: I'm used to that) I can tell you how to deal with this. You make this gesture:

    And yell "Vaffanculo!" At the top of your lungs. Then just keep on rocking on with your awesome self.

    Always worked for me. Actually when I was larger, having the accent and my size was intimidating enough to make them stop until the next time.
    sistrsprkl wrote: »
    I used to live/run in Queens, I would just crank up my headphones so I wouldn't hear the jeers/catcalls/etc... Let it make you stronger! You know you're beautiful :)

    I run along Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. I'd get it from teenagers and adults alike. That's the bad thing about New York, nowadays teenagers and adults are more alike in matters like bullying like this.

    OP, eff them, I say. Don't let it stop you, you'll only hate yourself for it.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    VeryKatie wrote: »
    Hmmm do martial arts interest you? You could learn some. And then also get better and faster at running... and then if you ever see these kids once you're even more awesome than you are now, you chase them down, kick their butts, check their IDs, drag them home and tell their parents. I like that.

    In the mean time... I would change my route if it were me. Running with headphones sufficient enough to block it out doesn't sound too safe to me.
    davidcliff wrote: »
    Take some kick boxing classes and then let 'em have it. POW!

    And that would get you charged with assault, specially since you weren't attacked first.

    Change your route or ignore them.

    Do not wear headphones and"crank" up the music. Especially on your bike. That is so incredibly dangerous and stupid since you can't hear your surroundings and don't know what's coming up behind you.
  • maggierenee88
    maggierenee88 Posts: 352 Member
    You are doing so well by getting yourself out there. If it were me I would stop and tell them off and continue on lol. You are wonderful don't let anyone tell you any different. It also reminds me of some of the forums on here. Some people can be straight up nasty....unhappy people are everywhere it seems.
  • booksandchocolate12
    booksandchocolate12 Posts: 1,741 Member
    I am so sorry this is happening to you. I know the correct advice is to ignore them, but it would feel sooooo good to punch them in the throat, wouldn't it? ;)

    Stories like yours are why I stand firm in my belief that people suck.
  • amzeez89
    amzeez89 Posts: 1 Member
    Do you have any community facebook groups? On my local 'buy it, sell it' page people frequently report issues such as delinquent teenagers because it's a way to reach thousands really quickly. You'll probably get comments of support, and a few parents might click their children loiter around said park at certain times of the day.
  • pennyns
    pennyns Posts: 10 Member
    you aren't running for them you're running for yourself - they are jerks and you are motivated and powerful just for being out there- keep it up
  • kjm3579
    kjm3579 Posts: 3,974 Member
    I once had 2 boys yell inappropriate comments when I was running past their house - their mother came out and yelled at them for it. I've had a few people do the Run Forrest, Run comment from their cars, but I've also had a few people see me around the area and ask "Aren't you that guy who always runs past my house, are you training for a marathon?" I just ignore the comments as long as my safety is not in question and do my thing - I am an older, slow runner but who really cares, I'm lapping all of those people vegetating on their couches!
  • tanyamclattenburg
    tanyamclattenburg Posts: 51 Member
    I get jeered at every time I cycle/run I'm trying not to let it get me down but it's so mean. I'm trying to do something about being a "fatty" so why do they feel the need to be horrible? Tonight it was "Pedal fat girl, pedal!" Other nights it's been "Fatty run...Earthquake!"

    All I have to say to them is "I may be fat, but you're stupid and I can diet"
  • SherryTeach
    SherryTeach Posts: 2,836 Member
    This is a terrible thing to endure, but all who advocate wearing noise-cancelling headphones while biking on city streets, that is a dangerous thing to do. A cyclist needs to hear surrounding traffic, emergency sirens, etc.
  • jamesha100
    jamesha100 Posts: 214 Member
    OP I also live in the UK and have had similar comments from kids whilst out exercising. It is not nice but just ignoring them seems to be the best thing. I have only had it a couple of times though - getting shouted out regularly must be tough.

    Do you have anyone that could go running with you?
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    It's not a gym it's outside. I cycle to my run and the run twice round a park then cycle home.

    Part of me says to confront them.
    Ride right up to them and say

    "Listen, I may be fat right now, but I'm working on it.
    You kids are being *kitten*. That's a lot harder to fix. Here's hoping you try just as hard to get better."

    They're having fun at your expense, but they would probably be shocked out of their mind if they're called out.

    Obviously, if you're afraid for your safety, then don't do that.

    The other thing I might be inclined to do is to stop by your local police station, tell them that there are kids harassing you and making you fear for your safety. See if they'd be willing to help out. They may or may not be willing to do so, but it is harassment, so I would think they'd have to react.
  • blobby10
    blobby10 Posts: 357 Member
    If you can find the will (or the breath!) you could always pause and say "Yes, I acknowledge that I'm overweight but at least I am exercising to change that. There's no cure for stupidity so youre stuck being the way you are" and just plod on! However if they are anything like the teenagers around my way the minute you stop and walk towards them they will bolt like the frightened little bunnies they really are!!

    Full marks to you for not letting them stop you carrying on though. Takes guts to do that!! Good on you! xx
  • Lexieberry
    Lexieberry Posts: 182 Member
    That's insane. I can't believe how some ppl behave in life. And being a teenager is no excuse for their actions. If my son did that oh my...
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    I have this image of my head of you getting a tshirt made that says "idiot" on it and throwing it at them when you ride by... but that's probably not the wisest idea. LOL
  • cleback
    cleback Posts: 261 Member
    Wow, sorry. Those teenagers deserve a swift kick in the rear. Keep in mind that it's probably not just about your size, though... they will heckle just about anyone. My husband is a runner, very in shape, and yet he would also get hollered at by teenagers ("Run Forest, run!" "Run, shorty shorts!"). I admit commenting about someone's weight is more hurtful, but with both scenarios they just want to make a commotion and show off in front of their peers.

    Still-- a swift kick in the rear. If my kid ever did that, I swear to god...
  • bbontheb
    bbontheb Posts: 718 Member
    I haven't read all the suggestions but this makes my heart hurt. I can't imagine it happening to me. I have anxiety and would take me so much to be outside to exercise and then that? ugh.

    I would get a Gopro and put it on a chest mount. Seriously. Then I would shame the $%$$ out of them when sending it out to the internet of how cruel people can be.
  • bbontheb
    bbontheb Posts: 718 Member
    BramageOMG wrote: »
    At least they do it in a British accent. Headphones. I run outside and started when I was pretty big (read: FAT) I don't know if anyone ever yelled because I had music on really loud. Now I'm in much better shape and run much faster... Once I got a thumbs up... I think it was a thumb :hushed: So: headphones / Ignore, but don't stop!! Great job!!

    Maybe something like this would be appropriate.. (hope I don't get banned)


    shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQL0f8ytNrfa-XS5_94LeCq7CwlpYcm4OSOV-GVhezf97orxfSlzJPaeJz79Q&usqp=CAE

    I want this. And why would someone flag this awesome shirt for those who might need it?! Man..
  • Eddygogo
    Eddygogo Posts: 23 Member
    ear phones and pedal/run away. no reason to listen to their *kitten* and let them get to you.
  • Yoshirio
    Yoshirio Posts: 242 Member
    When I leave my house to walk/run,I am wearing headphones because I love listening to music and hate listening to people. I'm sorry you have to deal with those idiots.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    No one can make you feel inferior unless you allow it.

    ^^^ This...... but I wouldn't necessarily recommend headphones if you're running and/or riding outside, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times (oncoming vehicles etc) and with loud music you lose that.

  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    Do you know who their parents are? I would be appalled if my niece/nephews and their friends were being so disrespectful. If I or my sister found out about that, the behavior would end quickly with an apology and grounding/loss of privileges to follow. Little jerks.