As you know by now, I love running on the Cape. Running through my hometown of Falmouth is always nostalgic. I have run the same routes for so many years of my life, that it’s like a comfort food for me. A few days ago, as I was running down the main street of my town, a couple of punks yelled out of the car at me. They were going pretty fast, so I couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying. I am pretty sure they weren’t yelling encouraging remarks.
I would like to think that maybe it was my fluorescent pink running shirt or the fact that I was running at a pretty good clip, but I am pretty sure that they were just a group of obnoxious teenagers. I do have a few words of advice for those that yell at runners from their cars:
- Yelling at a runner (or beeping your horn) from behind scares the crap out of just about anyone running on the road. As runners, we are accustomed to the sound of a horn signaling impending danger, not someone looking for a cheap thrill. If you actually tried running on a main thoroughfare and were subjected to the same treatment, this would be blatantly obvious to you. I highly suggest giving it a try.
- If you insist on leaning your head out of the car to yell at a runner as you pass by, how about yelling something encouraging instead of a cat call or anything else obnoxious or vulgar.
- How about focusing on the road instead of looking for innocent runners or bikers to verbally assault?
Rant over. I guess it’s just been awhile since I have had to deal with this scenario. On a happier note, I am having so much fun playing around with the new Garmin Forerunner 305. I can’t wait to test it out on tomorrow’s run!
Have you had people in cars yell at you while running? How did you handle it?
I get honked at on nearly every run. For the most part they are smiling and waving but it does startle me. People are just plain rude though if they are honking to say something mean.
I do get honked at occasionally by someone I know, but usually they wait until they pass me and I don’t mind. I think it scares me so much more when it comes from behind. 🙂
I haven’t had that experience in a long time, but it is not pleasant. Running in the countryside at my inlaws just got some weird stares and a few waves. And two scary-barking-but-friendly dogs. 🙂
Ha! That can happen in rural PA 😉
I assume they are yelling “use the sidewalk!” when I am running on the road, since I prefer not running on concrete…. I just smile- afterall, I’m running and they arent. I win this one.
Abby I like your assumption, but based on what I heard, I am pretty sure they weren’t saying that to me ! 😉 You definitely win!
Like I firmly believe – if you run long enough, you’ll eventually run into some jerks. Most of the times when people are yelling words at you – you don’t really want to know what those words are. Trust me on this.
As long as you stay safe, just ignore them because obviously they are not runners. They’re essentially lesser human beings not worthy your time. Consider yourself lucky – I’ve had things thrown and me in the past…
I completely agree Kevin! I can’t believe someone would throw something! That’s crazy!!
HaHa. I was totally thinking about this! Having just run the Ragnar this weekend, we would constantly be yelling out supportive things from our van to those who were running. I saw runners this morning and so wanted to yell out to them, encouraging of course!
However, the annoying ones from the stupid non runners can just kiss my ass.
I would love it if someone yelled nice, encouraging words on my run! 🙂
I had someone honk and yell one time “It’s working”! Guess the honks don’t bother me. Maybe they are saying wow.. Hang in there… I’m taking it that way until they convince me otherwise… Until they park the car and lace up… I’m lapping them!
Love the positive approach! 🙂 I just wish it didn’t scare the crap out of me when people do it! 🙂