So, uh... why do strangers keep telling me "good job" while running?
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I have asthma and joint issues, so I can barely run the distance between 3 houses these days let alone run a mile. So when I compliment a runner, it means "you are doing AWESOME! congratulations and well done, keep it up" and a little bit of "I'm a little jealous, I wish I could do what you are doing"
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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.2 -
At our park runs people would often say something to someone who's clearly putting a lot of effort in. I think it's completely normal for another runner to say something to you.5
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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.2
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Lol, yeah you probably look like you're struggling. Maybe your face turns purpler than you realize?4
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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.1 -
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."3 -
Geocitiesuser wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »
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.
Small town AMERICA hates that slur10 -
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).0 -
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!3 -
I admit, I wouldn't like this. I suggest no eye contact as you approach /pass people if you want to avoid this. I can't guarantee this will work but I use it 99% of the time and have never had any random person tell me good job, approach me at the gym or in a store, etc.1
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I tell runners that because I've done some running and know how hard it is!6
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Ignore the weirdos.
On the plus side, you're getting encouragement. My experience is sexist or just stupid comments. The only time it's acceptable (as far as i'm concerned) for someone to say anything, is another runner (running at the time) or someone you know. Everyone else is a weirdo.
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I live in a mid sized Canadian city and when I go out for my walk around the island park we say "good morning" to basically every single walker, runner or cyclist that passes you in the opposite direction. I've never gotten a "good job". But I have gotten a few "you made really good time!" Because when you walk opposite direction of someone you can end up meeting them twice, so if I meet them first at my start then again a second time at my 3/4 mark I'm going faster than them. (The island is basically circular).
I mean we say hello and good morning to pretty much anyone we make eye contact with when we're out and about in town, and we are really big on saying thank you. Like we say thank you when we get on AND off a bus. It's hilarious hearing 30 people saying thank you to a bus driver as we each get off the bus just one right after an another.
But yeah, I've noticed that walkers here do have a vocal solidarity with each other.10 -
Because people who exercise outdoors are all members of the same tribe. Today there was a cyclist standing up texting next to a bike laying on the side of the road - I stopped to make sure they weren't stuck with a mechanical issue. Not because I thought they looked like an idiot, but because I hope someone will stop when I need help. Most of the people saying encouraging things are probably runners, they know it's hard.16
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I think people are just trying to be friendly/nice/encouraging.
I live in a pretty friendly area and don't think much about it.4 -
Totally normal in my town. It's nice for heaven's sake! A lot better than some of the crappy things people say these days.9
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I was running during the summer and high-fived a complete stranger on the way past.14
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Geocitiesuser wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »
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.
The trick is to have visible headphones and good music, then you'll just get the wave/thumbs up.
It's running etiquette. Like passing on the left and calling out "track/on your left" far enough back so that the person you're passing doesn't flinch or jump in your way when you pass
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I'm not a runner (I actually have a gym shirt that says I Hate Running, lol) but I understand the effort that goes into it. I live in a small friendly town and even I know our runners to the point of recognizing the new guy or girl on the sidewalk. I don't think that you look like you are struggling but you probably stand out as the new guy. I think the long term runners are glad to see new people picking up the sport and perhaps want to keep you motivated. That's what I do when I see a new girl struggling with how to work the equipment at the gym.1
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