Car blocked road and driver shouted at me

I have no option but to run on country roads and most of them don't have footpaths, some have very rugged uneven banks either side totally useless for running unless you want to fall down a hole every few yards.

Today I was out on a 6 mile run running along a fairly wide country road loads of room for cars. I was running against traffic, but not much about, and a car came towards me and came to a stop yelling obscenities at me something about why can't I get off the road and stopped right in front of me tight into the side of the road so I could either run around in the road or climb up the bank and go around. There was nothing coming in the other direction so this was a very provocative unecessary thing to do.

I totally ignored him and went up the bank through a few holes and ran on.

I few weeks ago a white van hit my arm with its wing mirror as it went past. I was totally pushed up against a hedge so I couldn't go anywhere. He certainly didn't stop to day sorry so I expect he hit me on purpose to teach me a lesson.

Is it just me or do others get this sort of rubbish? Have to say I have not come across this before and I wonder what's next. I think I might have to start carrying pen and paper to write down registration numbers in case it gets even more nasty.

Tim there are a>>e holes everywhere,

Two weeks ago a car went past me in a very narrow country lane he was going much to  fast missing me by inchs,yes I was angry, what could I do about it, nothing apart from take his number and report it to the police.

But today 15 miles into my run with 1 mile left to go a woman whistled at me from her car, really cheered me up and got me through the last mile with a smile.

Bit of ying and yang going on me thinks.

P.S. I am 55 years of age.

You're not alone Tim. Most of us have been heckled, had obscenities thrown our way and such like. I live out of town and run along the canal tow path and country lanes. I meet plenty of dog walkers who have no control over their animals, cyclists who can't be bothered to dismount under the tow path bridges and 4x4 drivers who think they're the only people ever in a hurry.

The vast majority of people are considerate, but no matter whether you're running, cycling, or driving your car there will be someone who simply has to get to wherever they're going much faster than you, and without having to use their breaks or 30 seconds of their time to wait for someone else.

I usually resort to smiling at them, giving them a wave (or the finger), and as i'm not exactly your traditional 10 stone running bean i even blow the odd kiss to the occasional white van man who refuses to acknowledge he doesn't own the road. It gives me great pleasure to see their crimson faces rage with anger as i plod on down the road.

If, however, you want to avoid any confrontation, a smile, a wave and a "good morning" will keep you in good spirits, give them no reason to escalate the situation and you can enjoy the rest of your run.

We all get it every now and again.

Most of the time, with the country roads I go on, cars go way out of their way to give me lots of space; people wave etc. Have to say, I'd personally avoid the particular road you're talking about Tim - when stuff's going that fast and people are stopping to give you abuse, it's just not worth it.

Don't have much of the old abuse, but did once have a van actually change its route and follow me to try to take the piss. I just laughed and carried on. They're jealous: the few who do are the envy of the many who only watch. Some people might not have been so able to shrug it off, so it makes me quite angry to think these people might manage to bully someone into not wanting to run. 

Tim, are there really no options to the country roads? I live in the country and virtually never run on the road - way too dangerous for me. I run on bridleways, farm tracks, footpaths, field verges etc. It's not always obvious where permitted footpaths and bridleways are so it's worth checking a local OS map. I got lost a lot when I started doind this but have got to know my way around really well and it's been worth it to avaoid the hazards of the country roads. Just a thought, may be worth looking onto.

I am confused here - been doing a little research to see what the highway code has to say and it confirms that pedestrians should be on the RIGHT hand side of the road. By 'eck, it's hilly - why were you lectured about running on the correct side of the road?? Everyone thinks they know it all these days and I agree incredibly intimidating, but I am now waiting for that sort of thing to happen with someone is not so much concerned about my welfare

I used to enjoy my jogging but this has made me think again. Near me there is no alternative to the road footpaths are hopeless, but I am now going to start looking for some now.

Anyway I'm sure I won't give up it just makesthe whole thing seem a bit like taking your life in your hands.

by 'eck, it's hilly wrote (see)

I then pointed out that, as a lone female runner, his behaviour was quite intimidating and I was certain that wasn't his intention (all said with a smile). He quickly got in his car and drove off!

I've said this to aggressive cyclists/drivers before and it's one of the reasons that I try to run with a dog if possible. I normally run in the country and the biggest issue I have are aggressive farmers and animals.

Yesterday my run was rudely interrupted by a rottweiler who decided to chase me down the street. The owners (of a farm) had forgotten to close the gate - so whereas normally he'd just bark on the other side of the fence - this time - I had him trying to get my legs. If I wasn't so used to aggressive dogs on my route - i'd have promptly done a gingerbread man....

Everyone gets jeered/abuse on their runs but then there are also the cases when smiling/"good mornings"/"keep it up" can really make your day.

CB69 - I was going to suggest that.  If you've got lovely countryside around, make the most of it and get off the roads.

However, the drivers are being ridiculous.  If pavements aren't provided, what do they expect people to do?  I camped in Cornwall a few years ago and we walked across the fields to the pub but had to come back on pavement-less roads in the dark which was horrible.  We spent half the journey pressed up against hedges.

EDIT: Sorry, ridiculous was maybe a bit polite.  Perhaps the C word is a better description.

And if a dog leaves its garden, encourage it to follow you with friendly gestures, until its a few miles from home, then leave it! See how funny the owner thinks that is...

Brilliant

Dogs have to be the worst dont they....

especially aggressive little ones that keep running in front of you barking at you....

one followed me yesterday with its owner shouting after it for about 400 metres or something...

i swear,it was on its last life with me...

if it had done it one more time i`d of booted the little thing and sent it flying 400 metres back to her....

it did run round me again but at a distance far away enough away slo that i couldnt do that to it...

maybe it was beginning to pick up on it or sxomething by that point.....

it must of `picked up` on my rising anger by that point pea cos like i say...#

it ran around me one more time (still barking) but not at a distance where i could do that to it...

(lol)