Abuse When Running - Beginners

Steve Daykin

20/05/2004 at 11:44

I have been running for about 3 years now and during that time I have had the usual honking of horns from the preverbial boy racers and the like, the staggering drunk with some derogatory comment, but I have always risen above it and ignored it. But the other night I went for my usual 6 miler and during it I had a large empty bottle thrown at me from a bridge narrowly missing me. I thought about reporting it to the Police but there were no phones near by and probably wouldn't have attended anyway. I was just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and what did they do

Ex Pudsey Bear

20/05/2004 at 12:38

Personally the only incident was when a group of youths intentionally tried to block my path. I have to confess that I knocked one of them down.

The only other times is when I've been running with women. It's amazing the stick that they get. Honking horns, whistling, shouting etc. I don't know how they put up with it.

Bobbing

20/05/2004 at 12:40

I've had a few odd comments, which have really frightened me (because I'm a big girly scardy cat).

I never go running alone outside now. If I am alone I go on the treadmill. If you are having to run in a rough area, have you considered joining a running club?

Treadmill Runner

20/05/2004 at 12:42

I've learnt to be careful where I run and what time etc. Even though I know I can look after myself, your example of the bottle shows you never know what's going to happen!

I actually got shot by a sniper with an air-rifle a year ago when me and my girlfriend were walking along on our way to do a run. I needed surgery to remove the pellet from my thigh and ended up with compensation and a scar! I got the police involved and although they were quite helpful I think they were too busy to investigate properly (even though 3 seperate people were shot).

My advice, keep running but maybe try bringing a mobile phone with you incase of emergency.

Treadmill Runner

20/05/2004 at 12:45

By the way, one to cheer you up. My girlfriend is a bit gorgeous so people think that when they're in their cars they think they can honk and shout things. Last summer, someone did exactly that, didn't notice the car in front had stopped and crashed into them. Needless to say, I gave them a w@nkers wave and we went on our happy way (I find people aren't quite so mouthy when they're not hiding in a car).
Oh how we laughed!!!!

Puffin1

20/05/2004 at 12:49

I quite often get jeered at by kids, usually ones who are also smoking. But never had anything like as bad as bottles or getting shot!

I don't run through the town centre any more. Early mornings are good for avoiding confrontation, but get whistled by the milkman!

On weekends I tend to drive out of town to countryside. Less people and less traffic mean a much more enjoyable run.

Locco, were the offenders prosecuted?

Bobbing

20/05/2004 at 12:53

Shot!?!? I don't think I would ever run outside without a bullet proof jacket again!

Shambler

20/05/2004 at 14:05

I run early mornings - the only people I see are other runners, dog walkers and the milkman. All the nutters seem to be safely tucked up in bed!

Ketty

20/05/2004 at 14:15

Wow.
I know it's been a long time since I lived in the inner city, but getting shot at? Bottles? I would be afraid to go out again!

Where I stay now it's the usual fare of teenagers mooching around who make hilarious panting sounds as runners approach, comment on size of bum/thighs etc., or shout fake encouragement in "posh" voices. All dealable with and now I almost feel grateful for it!

Bobbing

20/05/2004 at 14:16

Probably jellous that you could outrun them all Ketty!

Floosie Sue

20/05/2004 at 14:27

The worst I've had is someone setting their dog on me. Thing is, I know how to deal with dogs and when he'd calmed down, he decided I was more fun than his owner and decided to run with me. Owner was less than pleased.

Bobbing

20/05/2004 at 14:28

Well, all runners stick together at the end of the day!

20/05/2004 at 14:35

I'm like Shambler - tend to go out early (tho' not as early as Shambs methinks!) before most peeps are up & about. Have ended up having to swerve into the road and things when confronted by yobby teens to avoid them on those occasions when I've had to go out later, but in general just give a wide berth if I see anything ahead that might be a bit iffy. Not had anything chucked at me yet - oh joy!

PieNapper

20/05/2004 at 14:45

I run in some fairly rough areas, but being quite large and heavily tattooed I must look alot scarier than I am as I rarely get any abuse. :O)

Madhat

20/05/2004 at 16:57

I'm with Shambler - I run early in the morning.
The milkman is a familiar face and the paper boy is too blearly eyed to notice!

I like PieNappers advice though ... get tattoos - the bigger the better!

Poorly Feet

20/05/2004 at 23:35

I'm just soooo bored of kids shouting "118 - got your number". They seem to think I've never heard it before. To be honest, I quite like being whistled and hooted at - gives the old ego a boost, even if they're just taking the mickey! I usually give them a smile and a wave.

PieNapper

20/05/2004 at 23:50

Hmmm think I'll start running in long sleeves, I kinda want kids to shout at me now :OP

Prima

21/05/2004 at 10:00

I'd love to get my hands on a paintball gun and run with it. Anyone who makes a stupid comment would get splatted.

Bobbing

21/05/2004 at 10:05

Yeah, just shoot back!

21/05/2004 at 10:16

I was running round my local area. I have done this run, same time for the past year on roughly the same route. But this time i had my dog (Alsation (sp?)) with me. I had three boy about 8 -10 on bikes try to attack me, kick me and hit me with their back tires. But what made it so funny on my part was my dog was this the ring leader of the group was doing a pass. So my dog ran and jumped into the side of him, knoked him of the bike and proceded to brake and show his teeth at him. the other two ran off on their bike. You should have seen his face, but i think what would of happened without my dog being there. He is now my regular running partner. (can they come on races, dogs that is).