So, uh... why do strangers keep telling me "good job" while running?
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Hi All,
Lets practice being the "friendly supportive athlete" types we all seem to like so much and be nice to one another.
Thanks!
4legs2 -
Penthesilea514 wrote: »I was raised on team-based sports (soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming, cross country). Shouting motivation from the sidelines was totally expected when not on the field/pool/whatever. I was the team captain for my varsity swim team so you gotta get real close and scream loudly for them to hear
And keep it up too, those long distance swimmers need cheering as well!
Lol. I guess running community is more openly supportive like that. It's what I am used to so when someone cheers me on I would take it as a sign of support. I do that at sporting events too, but I doubt getting in someone else's face while running and screaming "AAAAAHHHH YEAAAAAAAAH! WOOOOHOOOO!" is socially acceptable way to support them. "Good job" is a little more polite lmao.
I grew up running cross country in HS- and yes... you yelled and cheered people on. It was 100% expected.1 -
It's quite a normal phenomenon where I live too, more so along the multi-use paths where I'm likely to encounter the same cyclists, runners & dog walkers on a regular basis (I live is a smaller suburb where, I'm happy to say, it's customary to greet other users on the path with a wave or bonjour/good morning)
On the streets I've only had a few expressions of encouragement and the occasional "Run Forrest, run!"1 -
Are people saying this in the first 5 mins of a run or after you have been out running for an hour plus. I have a loop on my local trail. It's an easy 5k and most of the time you just nod or wave to fellow runners on the first pass.
But when doing a long run 10+ miles on the trail, you see the same faces over the time you are out there and after the hour mark, you normal say something like "doing well" because it just gets weird seeing the same person and keeping on just nodding/waving at them.
When you hit 2 to 3 hours, it's generally things like, "why the *kitten* are we doing this."3 -
I personally feel it depends where you live. Whilst I was living in London I didn't really experience much support from others when out running, however now I live up North people are a lot more friendlier when out running.
Whilst we may not always say anything out loud, we at least nod at each other and acknowledge the other person when passing each other.
I've found the running community to be the most supportive group out there, I've made so many wonderful friends and changed my complete outlook on life through running.
I'm always looking for more supportive friends on MFP so if you'd like to reach out then please by all means do so,
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I experienced judgment on the trail this morning, from my running buddy.
We were doing intervals and I was encouraging her, cheering on her on, and then we hit a portion of the trail that was pretty much one long hill. It was towards the end of the run, and I was pushing my kid in the stroller (so about 70lbs), so even when running I wasn't moving very fast. Apparently I slowed so much on this hill that my run turned into a walk for her, and she just looked at me, silent, judging, mocking my suffering.
Joke's on her though, as I'm the one with the opposable thumbs and access to the pantry where the dog treats are kept.28 -
I tend to run in the mornings and mostly pass commuters, dog walkers and school kids, none of whom have ever said anything. If I do see a parent with a toddler I tend to get a confused look from said toddler so I just smile and wave.
But OP, perhaps you just look like the friendly sort with a face that warrants a hello/compliment. I've been told before that I tend to walk 'with a purpose' (read: look unapproachable) so perhaps that explains why I don't get any supportive comments 0 -
This whole post had me giggling. I live in "Mayberry" pretty much. So, this wouldn't even phase me. We always say "hello", "how are you?", "thank you", etc. Lol But, I know the first time I ever ran, it was at the park, my kids were playing and I was running. I was much larger and people said "great job" and high fived and thumbs up as I went by. A couple people even asked if I would like a water from their picnic coolers. I'm sure they thought "look at her trying to get fit, right on!" It actually made me feel pretty dang good. And I've been running ever since. It only happened that one time. It's a lot better than the last time, when some weirdo tried to race me on the track.... No thank you ma'm, I'm only in a race with myself. Anywho, I just think people are being friendly. It's better than them laughing as you run by, imagine that.
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I can see how that would be annoying. Must live in an overly friendly area.
I'm not a jogger though, usually on the bike it's just a friendly head nod as we go by each other0 -
I'm guessing it can vary a lot from one area to another. Living in Southern California, people usually avoid making eye contact with each other like their lives depend on it. When I visited Texas, I was floored by how friendly everyone was, even people just walking by. At first it felt really weird but then I realized- this is awesome!!!
It's not just Texas; it's pretty much the whole middle part of the country.0 -
I've had people tell me "good job" "doing great" etc while I was running. It was strange at first because I thought was I really struggling or look like I was struggling or something. lol I also have experienced runners nod or say "welcome" when passing. But for the most part I just get smiles, nods or the simple hello. I run at about 12-13min per mile as well right now.0
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Good job? Not for a stranger to say to a strapping, fit, 40 year old guy minding his own business while he jogs outside. For goodness sake.
Yes, agree with this.
I (used to) power hike the local mountain several times a week. I'd be huffing and puffing, all wet and dripping with sweat, using a stop watch always trying to beat my best time. One day I'm cresting the top and at the same time a couple of weekend hikers start their way down and one says to me "Good job". Well that pissed me off. Who is he to say that I'm doing a good job? He knows nothing about me. He should simply say "Hi". Instead he's passing some kind of judgement and self-aggrandizing at the same time.1 -
It's intriguing to see how people respond to this. I would never be anything but happy if someone said great job or hi or good morning to me when out on a run. It's expected in small city, Canada and I would briefly think someone was rude if they didn't at least smile at me as I went past. Expectations are different in different places.
I personally will always smile and make eye contact at the very least, and potentially say good morning or great work or hello. My kindness is genuine. I will never stop. Being friendly is nice and if someone doesn't like it, that is their problem not mine. If they want to be grumpy and negative that is their choice but my kindness and friendliness won't be ruined by a grumpy McGrump.8 -
I second what someone else said here - in general runners are a pretty supportive bunch. It can vary by region, though. I lived in the Scottish Highlands for a time (in a small village of about 300 people), and when I went for runs there, people gave me strange looks and asked why on earth I was doing that. In the U.S., during races, people often shout encouragement. When I'm just out for a regular run, exchange of smiles and nods is pretty common. I'll usually show a bit more support for someone who seems out of shape, because I feel happy for them that they're taking positive steps (literally!) to improve their health.0
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SafioraLinnea wrote: »It's intriguing to see how people respond to this. I would never be anything but happy if someone said great job or hi or good morning to me when out on a run. It's expected in small city, Canada and I would briefly think someone was rude if they didn't at least smile at me as I went past. Expectations are different in different places.
I personally will always smile and make eye contact at the very least, and potentially say good morning or great work or hello. My kindness is genuine. I will never stop. Being friendly is nice and if someone doesn't like it, that is their problem not mine. If they want to be grumpy and negative that is their choice but my kindness and friendliness won't be ruined by a grumpy McGrump.
I think it's important to point out the distinction that us "grumps" are making. No one is arguing that saying "hello" or "good morning" or waving or smiling isn't a welcome gesture...I think everyone agrees that that's just being friendly. The issue some of us have is specifically with the "great job!"-type comments. It just seems presumptuous and unnecessary.4 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »SafioraLinnea wrote: »It's intriguing to see how people respond to this. I would never be anything but happy if someone said great job or hi or good morning to me when out on a run. It's expected in small city, Canada and I would briefly think someone was rude if they didn't at least smile at me as I went past. Expectations are different in different places.
I personally will always smile and make eye contact at the very least, and potentially say good morning or great work or hello. My kindness is genuine. I will never stop. Being friendly is nice and if someone doesn't like it, that is their problem not mine. If they want to be grumpy and negative that is their choice but my kindness and friendliness won't be ruined by a grumpy McGrump.
I think it's important to point out the distinction that us "grumps" are making. No one is arguing that saying "hello" or "good morning" or waving or smiling isn't a welcome gesture...I think everyone agrees that that's just being friendly. The issue some of us have is specifically with the "great job!"-type comments. It just seems presumptuous and unnecessary.
I don't want to say hi. I want to acknowledge your work.
I can't just say "job"
or GREAT!
no matter what you say outside of nothing- it's possibly taken offensively- who am I to say what is good or not- but it's not "good" it's just I want to say I appreciate what you're doing. That's to many words for the 0.5 second you have in passing.
So GREAT JOB- or high five- or whatever has to suffice. not everything is about someone passing judgment. Sometimes people are just trying to be *kitten* nice.
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Good job? Not for a stranger to say to a strapping, fit, 40 year old guy minding his own business while he jogs outside. For goodness sake.
Yes, agree with this.
I (used to) power hike the local mountain several times a week. I'd be huffing and puffing, all wet and dripping with sweat, using a stop watch always trying to beat my best time. One day I'm cresting the top and at the same time a couple of weekend hikers start their way down and one says to me "Good job". Well that pissed me off. Who is he to say that I'm doing a good job? He knows nothing about me. He should simply say "Hi". Instead he's passing some kind of judgement and self-aggrandizing at the same time.
Sorry. Next time I'll criticize your choice of footwear instead and tell you I got a faster time if it makes you feel better.15 -
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Good job? Not for a stranger to say to a strapping, fit, 40 year old guy minding his own business while he jogs outside. For goodness sake.
Yes, agree with this.
I (used to) power hike the local mountain several times a week. I'd be huffing and puffing, all wet and dripping with sweat, using a stop watch always trying to beat my best time. One day I'm cresting the top and at the same time a couple of weekend hikers start their way down and one says to me "Good job". Well that pissed me off. Who is he to say that I'm doing a good job? He knows nothing about me. He should simply say "Hi". Instead he's passing some kind of judgement and self-aggrandizing at the same time.
I'm putting myself in the position of those hikers who were coming down the hill. Here comes this crazy looking guy "huffing and puffing, all wet and dripping with sweat," while I am ready to just roll down the hill. Here's what I'm thinking: this guy seems to be working his *kitten* off! I sure am not. I'm strolling. It's a sweet day. This guy is really working and doing something that I probably can't even do. I am impressed and maybe even inspired, perhaps even awed at his obvious persistence. Good job! Maybe "booyah!" would have blown your hair back a bit better.9 -
SafioraLinnea wrote: »It's intriguing to see how people respond to this. I would never be anything but happy if someone said great job or hi or good morning to me when out on a run. It's expected in small city, Canada and I would briefly think someone was rude if they didn't at least smile at me as I went past. Expectations are different in different places.
I personally will always smile and make eye contact at the very least, and potentially say good morning or great work or hello. My kindness is genuine. I will never stop. Being friendly is nice and if someone doesn't like it, that is their problem not mine. If they want to be grumpy and negative that is their choice but my kindness and friendliness won't be ruined by a grumpy McGrump.
Hellooooo other super friendly small town Canadian person! I don't know what you did today but *Hi5!* and great job, eh!5 -
MsHarryWinston wrote: »SafioraLinnea wrote: »It's intriguing to see how people respond to this. I would never be anything but happy if someone said great job or hi or good morning to me when out on a run. It's expected in small city, Canada and I would briefly think someone was rude if they didn't at least smile at me as I went past. Expectations are different in different places.
I personally will always smile and make eye contact at the very least, and potentially say good morning or great work or hello. My kindness is genuine. I will never stop. Being friendly is nice and if someone doesn't like it, that is their problem not mine. If they want to be grumpy and negative that is their choice but my kindness and friendliness won't be ruined by a grumpy McGrump.
Hellooooo other super friendly small town Canadian person! I don't know what you did today but *Hi5!* and great job, eh!
Lol, hi5 from another fellow Canadian, eh4 -
I can only guess people are being friendly and want to say hi in an encouraging way. You know, their endorphins are going because they're exercising too, so why not share the good vibes. I usually save my "good jobs" for little kids jogging with their mom or biking my neighborhood trails though, not grown ups!2
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TimothyFish wrote: »I'm guessing it can vary a lot from one area to another. Living in Southern California, people usually avoid making eye contact with each other like their lives depend on it. When I visited Texas, I was floored by how friendly everyone was, even people just walking by. At first it felt really weird but then I realized- this is awesome!!!
It's not just Texas; it's pretty much the whole middle part of the country.
I was raised in the Midwest, where people generally don't acknowledge strangers. I joined the military and was stationed in the south, where I was shocked to find that everyone greeted and smiled at each other. I got used to this for a few years, and then returned to the Midwest, where people were annoyed when I greeted and smiled at them. I quickly returned to being a cold Midwesterner who minds his own business. True story2 -
" I quickly returned to being a cold Midwesterner who minds his own business. True story " Kinda sad. A pleasant greeting in no way is getting into someone else's business. It's just being nice.2
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" I quickly returned to being a cold Midwesterner who minds his own business. True story " Kinda sad. A pleasant greeting in no way is getting into someone else's business. It's just being nice.
It isn't being mean. It isn't being nice. It is just a neutrality that is a part of the regional culture. Freezing your *kitten* off throughout a significant portion of the year gives you a different attitude than that of those who get a lot of sunshine year round, lol.0 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »" I quickly returned to being a cold Midwesterner who minds his own business. True story " Kinda sad. A pleasant greeting in no way is getting into someone else's business. It's just being nice." I quickly returned to being a cold Midwesterner who minds his own business. True story " Kinda sad. A pleasant greeting in no way is getting into someone else's business. It's just being nice.
It isn't being mean. It isn't being nice. It is just a neutrality that is a part of the regional culture. Freezing your *kitten* off throughout a significant portion of the year gives you a different attitude than that of those who get a lot of sunshine year round, lol.
Ummmm.... Canadian. Lol
*Since we're talking about attitudes and freezing our *kitten* off, lol.
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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!
I want to know how this went.
OP, I find the running community tends to be really supportive here and it's not uncommon for them to offer words of encouragement, particularly to new faces.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »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!
I want to know how this went.
OP, I find the running community tends to be really supportive here and it's not uncommon for them to offer words of encouragement, particularly to new faces.
That's really the key. I'm on the trail 3-5 days a week at a couple different times. The usual suspects get a nod or a wave or good morning/evening--if I'm on a slower pace where I can spare the breath... but If I see a new face, I'm more likely to extend a "good job" or "looking good" or "keep at it"0 -
stanmann571 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »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!
I want to know how this went.
OP, I find the running community tends to be really supportive here and it's not uncommon for them to offer words of encouragement, particularly to new faces.
That's really the key. I'm on the trail 3-5 days a week at a couple different times. The usual suspects get a nod or a wave or good morning/evening--if I'm on a slower pace where I can spare the breath... but If I see a new face, I'm more likely to extend a "good job" or "looking good" or "keep at it"
If a guy I've never seen before says "looking good" to me on the trail, I'm reaching for my pepper spray
What's wrong with "hello"? I guess that's what I don't get.0 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »TimothyFish wrote: »I'm guessing it can vary a lot from one area to another. Living in Southern California, people usually avoid making eye contact with each other like their lives depend on it. When I visited Texas, I was floored by how friendly everyone was, even people just walking by. At first it felt really weird but then I realized- this is awesome!!!
It's not just Texas; it's pretty much the whole middle part of the country.
I was raised in the Midwest, where people generally don't acknowledge strangers. I joined the military and was stationed in the south, where I was shocked to find that everyone greeted and smiled at each other. I got used to this for a few years, and then returned to the Midwest, where people were annoyed when I greeted and smiled at them. I quickly returned to being a cold Midwesterner who minds his own business. True story
You must have had a different experience growing up in the Midwest than I did. When I lived there people were even friendlier than they are in Texas. It was the kind of place where people would wave at their neighbors, even if they had their backs turned, because they might turn around and see you before you get past.1 -
When I was in Minnesota, I found the place to be pretty frosty. Washington is a much more welcoming place.1
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