So, uh... why do strangers keep telling me "good job" while running?

Geocitiesuser
Geocitiesuser Posts: 1,429 Member
edited November 19 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm assuming I must look like a complete idiot while I'm running or something that people are saying this to me, but maybe it's common?

I have been running (well, jogging, my pace is still slow, I can jog 13 minute mile for an hour plus, still working on speed), I've been at this for about a month now.

A bunch of times on the bike path strangers (some running, some not) have said, "good job" and "you're doing great", and "keep going!" the other day I ran on a track at a high school, and people, complete strangers, said equally 'supportive' things. Even a child.

Is this.... normal? I have never said anything like this to a stranger who is exercising before, I figure they are busy exercising. But when I run/jog, it.... opens the flood gates. Is it because I look like I don't know what I'm doing or look like I'm struggling? (I'm not struggling, like I said I can hold consistent pace for an hour+), and these have all been complete strangers.

Edit: Originally wrote 13mph, LOL No not at all. They are 13 minute miles. Ooops
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Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    This is why I love running outdoors. People are so supportive.

    This...

    Though at that pace I wouldn't even notice anyone saying anything :laugh:
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Geocitiesuser wrote: »
    13mph for an hour plus

    Probably because running at 13mph is a world class pace.

    However, I don't find that. I generally say good morning or good afternoon to people when I pass them, and frequently get similar in response. Not always.

    Other runners on the other hand are frequently supportive of one another. Even if it's just a nod or a wave.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Geocitiesuser wrote: »
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    jgnatca wrote: »
    This is why I love running outdoors. People are so supportive.

    This...

    Though at that pace I wouldn't even notice anyone saying anything :laugh:

    So the trick then, is to run fast enough that they don't have time to say it? :)

    @MichSmish not quite mayberry but the area I live in does tend to be relatively friendly as a whole. When I first moved to the area over a decade ago I thought it was really strange how random people on the street would say hello. You don't get that treatment in big cities, but apparently it's common in small town 'merica.

    Well you pace is sprinting for me, so yeah...
  • Unknown
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  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    You're a dude. Wolf whistles are for the gals.
  • KirbySmith46
    KirbySmith46 Posts: 198 Member
    Yeah you're basically running full speed at a pace of under 5 min per mile. I'm not sure how you would notice anyone saying anything to you at all!
  • slimtastesbetter
    slimtastesbetter Posts: 8,439 Member
    I think you mean you jog a 13 minute mile, not 13 mph? :)
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Maybe you run in a very cheerlead-y place. But I would find it surprising too.
  • zdyb23456
    zdyb23456 Posts: 1,706 Member
    I wear headphones so I generally give and receive small from the hip waves... sometimes a head nod of acknowledgement.

    I think I look like heck after the first mile or two, especially in the heat. Red face, drenched in sweat, breathing heavy. I'm sure people have quite a bit of sympathy for me.
  • cdhrscamaro
    cdhrscamaro Posts: 13 Member
    edited June 2017
    Idk why this made me laugh but I love what u wrote. I know what u mean and I always think people are being smartasses. i would throw something at them but I'm sure its honestly, just nice motivation :) ha! totally made me think of CLUELESS when the girls are walking by, a bum is running passed them and asks for $ and Cher gives him, her subway sandwhich and dude throws it back & hits her in the back of her head haha
  • yoherbs421
    yoherbs421 Posts: 160 Member
    The say "good job" because maybe it's something they wish they could get around to lol. Its like receiving compliments is weird and foreign.
  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
    I get it too but usually only in terrible weather weather or by drunk people. I live in a city though so all of the off beat paths are still pretty busy with other runners. When I visit my parents, a lot of the runners and bikers will say hello, keep it up, etc as we pass.

    If I'm wearing a race bib either walking to a race or from I always get good luck, thumbs up, questions about how the race went, etc. I think people are just being friendly and supportive of you.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Mostly it's a wave or head nod, a "HI" or good morning. I often times have wanted to say "good job" or similar to a person I see is struggling or appears newer to running, but I never know if that comes off supportive or patronizing.
  • Momepro
    Momepro Posts: 1,509 Member
    Lol, yeah you probably look like you're struggling. Maybe your face turns purpler than you realize?
  • Geocitiesuser
    Geocitiesuser Posts: 1,429 Member
    rybo wrote: »
    Mostly it's a wave or head nod, a "HI" or good morning. I often times have wanted to say "good job" or similar to a person I see is struggling or appears newer to running, but I never know if that comes off supportive or patronizing.

    So far it feels patronizing, especially when much more overweight peope say it to me. Just giving my honest thought.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,749 Member
    In races there is a constant stream of supportive comments when people meet on out and back sections. It has nothing to do with pace or ability. I'll say "Good job!" or "WTG!" to the leaders as well as the people I meet who are slower than I am.

    For regular runs, generally I only get or give small waves, smiles, or head nods on the rare days I meet another runner. I would probably say more if someone seemed to be struggling. It isn't meant to be patronizing, just encouraging. We've all been beginners and know how hard it can be on some days to force yourself to run. It's a way of saying, "I understand what you are going through. I know it's not easy. Congratulations on getting out there and doing it."
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    MichSmish wrote: »
    That sounds really weird lol. I run a ton, and this rarely happens to me (that I notice). It may outwardly look like you're struggling, even though inwardly you're fine, and randos think you could use encouragement? Or, do you happen to live in Mayberry?

    Heh, the last sentence was my thought too. I've never had it happen outside a race; maybe you are inadvertently running where a race is, or the people think it's a race? Or you are just around a bunch of super friendly, encouraging people?

    I mostly run on sidewalks or sometimes a trail or recreational path, and no one pays attention (lots of people run in this area and when I see another runner we often say "hi" or at least acknowledge each other positively).
  • KirbySmith46
    KirbySmith46 Posts: 198 Member
    Ironandwine69 wrote: »
    bikecheryl wrote: »
    "Runners" are the MOST supportive people I've ever met. I have literally had world class ultra marathoners take the time and the breathe to say good job to me during a race. Ok, they were passing me like I was standing still at the time but that really doesn't matter. We were sharing a path others can't or do not wish to follow. To me it's like a secret handshake - just grin, nod back and pass it along.

    Us lifters should support each other more.
    Starting tomorrow I'm gonna send kisses to all the dudes doing bicep curls!

    Where's your gym? I think I need to visit!
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