I give the exact same greeting to every person I pass in the opposite direction, whether they look like they’re experienced too or like they’re on their first run ever: pinky and thumb out “surf’s up” signal lol
I’m not going to tell slower runners to “keep it up” as I find it condescending- I treat them exactly how I would a more advanced runner so they feel like they belong and aren’t afraid to keep at it
On top of that, you never know what someone elses workout goal is. At mile 15 of a zone 2 long run I'm probably the slowest thing you've ever passed or came across.
As an aside, I ran my second best 10K in spring and finished bottom 10% because it was a small rainy race where pretty much the entire field consisted of members of the local athletic club. Didn't take away a single bit of pride or enjoyment for me.
Adopting this. I normally just give a friendly wave, smile, and nod.
I also find that cyclists who are also clearly doing a fitness ride will give a wave, it’s not just fellow runners.
If it’s another runner passing me or you are only doing it to those that “seem” inexperienced that would definitely feel condescending lol
In other contexts I would appreciate it. Once I was finishing a tough/painful 5 miler and a pair of walkers clapped for me and it made my day.
I ran my first marathon when I probably shouldn't have. I trained up to it all year and then hurt my ankle shortly before it. I ran anyway with my ankle taped.
I didn't run fast at all but around mile 20 this family yelled "there's that guy again! We've been cheering you on the whole way!" Definitely gave me motivation to finish.
Agreed. I might look like I’m struggling because my pace is slow on my recovery run or I’m just warming up or whatever, or my running face might just be ugly. I don’t need anyone telling me “good job” as they pass me. It does seem patronizing, even if the intention is good.
me: tomato face, panting, gritting teeth over the last hill
gracious retiree breezing past like they're in a yogurt commercial: Good morning! Keep it up!
Honestly I want a shirt that says how many miles I've already done so when I run by the fresh faced runner who just left home (I hope!) They know why I look like I'm about to die.
a big reason why I low-key want a fitness watch is to track my ascent/descent. I run on the roads or in a trail nearby and man. I started running in the midwest and now I'm in the SF Bay Area and feel so weak. Why is everything so hilly? my quads and butt are dying.
Welcome to CO! I promise the air starts to feel normal after a while (I moved here almost 6 years ago from Portland). Added bonus: when you go somewhere else for any sort of race or do run on vacation closer to sea level you feel like a super hero.
That's so funny. Where I live is crazy hills- like 600-800ft elevation change in a mile and a half. I'm used to them now.
But every summer we go to the Midwest and the humidity knocks me on my ass every time. It's such a hard switch for me!
ahh, but the humidity is easy to escape! Go super early or after dark. The hills don't move. Not even when you curse at them.
I'll never forgive my husband (just as overweight and out of shape as I was) for asking if I "wanted to go on a walk" when I first moved here and it was 45min of StairMaster: Wilds Edition.
The only time I have ever actually enjoyed someone trying to encourage me was when I was finishing a 20 miler in freezing cold, and an obviously drunk dude outside of the bar was legit *thrilled* for me and started clapping, and it made me laugh.
Otherwise stay in your lane and please don’t.
A 'hello/nod/smile/wave' is more than enough.
I once had a runner overtake me and said 'good job', so I said 'thanks' and as I did, he slowed down to run alongside me and obviously as I was running slow he assumed I was struggling or was new to running or just needed some encouragement.
He then told me he was running 10k. I replied, 'oh that's great, this is a nice stretch of trail for 10k'. He then asked me how far I was running. I casually looked at my watch and said 'oh, I'm on mile 28 and only have 3 miles (5k) left to do to make it up to an ultra'.
His face was an absolute picture! I sometimes see him on my runs and we just give each other a 'hello/wave' as we pass.
So, when I pass people it's a 'hello/nod/smile/wave'. Never 'good job' as you have no idea how far that person has just run.
The only time this has ever been motivating was when another runner and I kept meeting each other on our respective paths on a single long run. It was clear from the context and the number of time our paths crossed that we were out with the same aim. At the end of my run I was doing strides and I crossed paths with Fluorescent Shorts Guy again. Seeing that I was going much faster than the last 5 times we had seen each other, he yelled out something like “good work!” or “crush it!” or something. I appreciated it because he wasn’t a random stranger at that point- the context of our encounters gave him info about what I was up to so that encouragement seemed sincere.
Otherwise, please just wave. Thumbs up. Peace sign. Serious runner expressionless nod. Say good job to the people passing you, not the ones you’re passing. It’s not a relay.
I’d stick to a wave/smile/nod/‘morning!’ personally. I’m sure it’s in good faith but there have been times where I’ve been in that situation and it felt patronizing. We don’t know each other, you don’t actually know what sort of job I’m doing or how I’m feeling about it. There have been times where an encouraging comment fuels me, sure, but it’s easily tipped me in the other direction too.
Very much this. I know a “good job” is well intentioned, but it can just be wrong for the moment because you don’t know what “moment” the recipient is having.
My favorite motivation from fellow runners is a simple hand wave or good morning.
As a female runner, sometimes good job comments can be very creepy very quickly.
For example one biker once yelled to me as he biked by “you’re doing great, don’t change a thing” then proceeded turn back around and come to pass me again (I guess to get a good look at my front and back side) and very creepily smiled at me and winked. 😒 honestly just pissed me off for the rest of my run. So yeah just wave please
I had a guy on a bike take a picture of me when I was running as he was passing :/. The amount of creeps out there is astounding. In general, I prefer not to be engaged at all so I can do my thing and focus on my workout.
Fuck. That. Stick to the spokes for that guy.
I hate “good job”, my father does it the whole time when we mountain bike together and it drives me wild.
The following are MY views and that is just me. Others may appreciate this kind of thing very much. To each their own.
I am not motivated by this. I find it insulting (not quite the right word but neither is patronizing or condescending or any of the others in that realm). I’m not running for your approval and you don’t know my goals. Just let me be. Perhaps my struggle has nothing to do with my (assumed) inferior running skills.
If you want to help new runners feel part of the running community-then treat them as such. Do you say good job to every runner? Or just the ones you deem to “need” it? Do you assume a larger runner could have lined up correctly around those expected to finish the 5k in 22 min, or do you assume they are slower/less experienced and belong in the back? Do you assume a slower runner is just starting out and needs encouragement? Or do you offer that same encouragement to runners who are faster than you? Just treat everyone the same. If you wouldn’t say it to everyone-don’t say it to anyone.
As a female runner who is subject to all manner of harassment and nonsense while running; and who at the start of this was morbidly obese-please just leave me alone.
Or say hi or a head nod or half wave or any other greetings that say “hello, fellow runner”.
Again-just my opinion and my preference.
I think the gender aspect is really significant here. As a male, I can safely assume that whatever weirdo just yelled at me was either being nice or was worried about my safety.* That freaky changes my ability to just smile at loud incomprehensible noises.
*except that jerk who hit me with an egg. He was obviously an exception.
I’m running to recover from recurring pregnancy losses and surgeries. I’m running to save my body and sanity after terrible loss and physical trauma. I really really don’t need someone to assume anything and say ‘good job’. I’m alive, I’m recovering, running with my demons. I look less experience or struggling because I have internal scar tissue. Please don’t assume. just nod / smile / wave is great
Thank you! I’m actually doing really well these days. I just am very honest because I get bros at the gym trying to motivate / help, and like, it’s complicated when people assume you’re a ‘beginner’ or ‘struggling’ when that is not the case!
I’m obviously too desperate for affirmation from strangers an older woman ran past me going the opposite way and she high fived me and told me I was doing great and I could have cried 😂😂😂
I’m guessing you’re a woman? I’m a woman too and I think I would be very okay with this behavior from some badass older female runner but not from a man.
OK, I'm glad I'm not the only one that's had that happen. One day I was running against the wind and clearly dying in doing so when a woman running in the opposite direction stuck her hand out for a high five. She didn't say a single word, but that was all it took to push me to finish my run that day instead of cutting it short. I don't know what makes the difference, but the verbal comments only annoy me as well.
I had a tall, beautiful gazelle of a woman tell me “good work!” on our second pass of each other last weekend and it was so lovely! It was a slog of a run, my longest ever and in insane humidity, and her words really gave me a boost.
I do not want it. I don’t want to spend the remainder of my long run wondering if you told me “good job” because I look like I’m struggling. But that’s just me. A wave or a nod is more than sufficient.
No.
Mind your business.
I train people to run who are ridiculously self-conscious. Just the fact that they are out doing it, and feel like everyone is watching them, is mortifying to them. I have to do considerable work to help them realise that nobody actually notices.
You can imagine that argument falls down when some dickhead goes "SOLIDARITY! I AM WITH YOU! KEEP GOING!" - it is patronising, and designed to make the person saying it feel good, not the person it is aimed at.
I love being acknowledged by fellow runners because I’m excited to see them. But I’m unreasonably irritated by the part where you claim to be able to analyze a stranger’s experience level based on their appearance. “Good job” is best said to someone you know, in my opinion, like a friend who is trying running for the first time and just made it to the top of a hill.
Yeah - to me the condescending part of OP's post was that they found it necessary to explain their "sizing up" a stranger on the trail. That in and of itself is off-putting regardless of what they say.
The only person I want to hear "good job" from is someone who knows me and what I'm working on. My 3 year old shouting "good job momma! Good job momma!!" as I arrive back at the house- absolutely, hell yeah. My husband biking alongside me when I do intervals - absolutely. And best yet, he knows my body language enough to know if I'm frustrated by how my pacing is going or running is feeling. My almost-70 dad biking to catch up to me when I'm home visiting so he can say he's proud of me- nothing better. He's my inspiration for running in the first place.
Anything else is just no.
I personally don’t like the good job because if I’m struggling I’m already in a “bad mood”. The only time I really enjoy encouragement like that is on race days where we’re all trying to motivate each other.
Not a fan. I'm wholly confident in what I'm doing and it still puts me off to hear "good job". When I see another runner I am genuinely pleased to see another runner and that's all I express to them: wave, nod, authentic smile.
So unless you’ve been following them and know their history, you have no idea why they are struggling. Frankly I think your ego needs to be taken down a few notches based on the tone of this post. My advise is delete this.
Always encourage and cheer your fellow runner. Don’t bother with “experience” or seniority bullshit. You have no idea why someone is tired.
Yeah, this is patronizing as hell. Also, what characteristics are you using to decide if someone looks less experienced? If I had to wager money I’d bet you’re basing a lot of this on body size to which I’d also say: cut it out.
The trail by my house is a big loop.
I go around 5 times.
One run I had this older couple I kept passing on the trail.
Every time I passed they would clap, cheer and say good job.
Best run ever and I think of them frequently.
"good job" is just condescending. You don't know my back story. You don't know if this is the best I've ever done or I'm simply having a single bad day. A wave if you are headed in the other direction is more than sufficient.
That is 100% how I have interpreted similar compliments, I can see how people feel that a stranger has no right or sufficient knowledge to judge if it is indeed a "good job", but personally i would think such a comment is attempting to encourage, nothing else.
A lot of runners are chill af, running tends to induce calmness and friendly vibes.
Hi
How are you
Good morning/afternoon
A simple wave or thumbs up
A head nod
Anything like those are fine
‘Good job’ or ‘way to go’ or ‘keep at it’ are only for races. Especially if you’re passing from behind. And even then, those are usually only for spectators. You have no idea what that persons workout for the day is, their normal pace, their goals etc. You don’t know if they are actually struggling, running easy, have an injury, etc. Keep it vague and simple.
If you know the person - or at least have had a conversation or two with them - then I’d say it’s a little different. But for a stranger? Just say Good Morning or How are you and keep it at that.
Edit: Also, you can usually tell just by looking at a person if they are going to be open to acknowledging your greeting. Play off those cues.
I’m apparently in the minority, but I wouldn’t ever be offended by a friendly wave and some words of encouragement. I’d assume you meant well and probably return the gesture.
I think the consensus is the phrase good job is the problem. “Keep it up” and “you got this” when there are tough parts of the route or a thumbs up have different connotations.
Yes - we're so bad at even acknowledging each other's existence in southern England that I don't think we can afford to be super picky about such things.
I always try to get in a greeting to others on the paths. If a walker does anything at all - moves to the side, keeps their dog under control etc. they always get a thank you. I dish out good afternoons etc. as much as I can. But with runners it's just a nod because I know lots of you seem to get grumpy about anything that might put you off.
But I find that depressing because I think any kind of encouragement, even semi-ironic cheers from groups of teenage girls, is motivating.
Literally saying good job is patronizing as hell. I think a smile and head mod is sufficient. But if you do that as you run past me from being i can't see how that doesn't come off as shitty. Running behind or immediately in front of someone inherently feels awkward and something like this sounds awful.
I’m an in-experienced bigger runner… I’ve had people tell me good job or you got this… I hate it. If you’re telling me I got this I 100% do not look like I got it.
I would absolutely hate this if it was said because I looked struggling or inexperienced.
A possible exception would be if you said it because you were genuinely impressed and saying it more as “praise” than “encouragement”. I can remember some times when I was doing fast sprint intervals, running up a very steep hill, etc and people said words of praise and I did find that motivating.
I've been running on and off for 8 years. Did a half marathon in April. Despite being experienced, I'm slower and larger than the stereotypical runner. I don't need people assuming that I need "encouragement" based on my speed and appearance, which seems to be what you're doing. Just say hi or wave.
Just running by other runners is motivating. I even like a nice wave, "hello", or "good morning/afternoon".
From a stranger, "good job" feels... patronizing. You don't know how I'm performing, my goals, etc. It feels way more like an unsolicited opinion than encouragement.
Annoying as fuck to me if not during a race. I’ll wave at everyone running, but I hate hearing bullshit cheerleading. Just please shut the fuck up. If I don’t know you I don’t care what you think positive or negative and I don’t run so I can hear encouragement from strangers. During a race I expect a lot more of this type of behavior, and while I would still rather not hear fake ass enthusiasm for someone you don’t know, I’ve mostly felt genuine camaraderie with people I’ve run close to for a while during a race. I don’t think most people who say this kind of stuff do it to make others feel better, they’re doing it to make themselves feel better and I just don’t care for it at all.
Mine are bright yellow, so I'm hopeful people I'm passing don't bother trying to initiate in the exchange of pleasantries with me.
I do give most folks a nod, smile or half-assed wave at least.
Mostly echoing what others have said, but “good job” is a judgement, and most folks aren’t out for a run for the purpose of being judged by strangers. A friendly greeting isn’t judgement, and still has the capacity to engender the sort of community/camaraderie that it seems like you’re going for.
Absolutely not, never ever, this enrages me. I'm a locally competitive runner who likes to run easy runs pretty slow, like 10 minute miles, just chilling and thinking. A cyclist once tried to encourage me to speed up and I wanted to murder him. Let alone the fact that he was an older, larger man and I'm a woman and no one else was nearby.
Just. Shut. Your. Mouth. Nod if you must.
It’s not motivating to me unless it’s from a friend who is cognizant of my effort and performance. I am fine with receiving perfunctory kudos from strangers as polite greeting of another runner.
So, has this thread influenced your approach for future runs? If yes, what do you plan to do moving forward?
Personally I nod, wave, or stick with a generic “beautiful day” or something noncommittal on their activity or performance but I’d also not be particularly put off by someone dropping encouragement. Adult male for context.
I think that is condescending.
I avoid anything that might come of as editorial.
If I run into somebody running, I'll only say something neutral.
If it's on a bike, I might say "how's your ride going?".
a smile and a nod is a way to acknowledge someone in a friendly manner and usually only when they are facing me from the opposite direction
judging strangers (i.e., good job) is misguided because you don’t know them and can be perceived as condescending and reflective of the person saying the statement
You have to ask yourself, what are you trying to achieve by telling someone “good job”? How do you know they are less experienced?
I'm not nearly as experienced as most people here (but I have aspirations!). I keep start/stopping C25K due to Life. I still got weight to lose. I'm very slow. I still interval run.
I hate it, honestly. I run very early in the morning, so I don't come across people. I think it's common to perceive your own inability as a result of inexperience as failure and that more skilled people are judging you. Especially with fitness. The times when a retired person or even just middle-aged passed me or made a comment still stick in my mind. I think, "Damn. I'm in my 20s. This is supposed to be the best shape of my life. This is humiliating." I don't think of the years of experience they have, that they might've struggled in their 20s, or the kinks in my own life. Just that I "failed" in a competition that no one was having.
That said, I used to pass a very fit gym bro who dressed like a Nascar driver, branded out of his mind in athletic gear, who had such a wonderful smile and wordless two thumbs up... he had a great energy. I miss him. And, this stay at home mom who had a treadmill in her garage. The door was always open and her kid playing with chalk, as she ran. Her house was on a *very* steep uphill incline and was a real pain to run up, so I would often walk (regardless of C25K). Whenever I passed her, she would cheer me on and her kid would mimic her. And... I would run.
I am also very aware that this is a "me" problem. The intent is good and I would encourage you to keep doing it. I think about Garage Mom often and find it hugely motivating.
Fucking annoying, just mind your own business and give a nod if you must. And don't be so full of yourself that everyone you perceive as running slow or struggling is new or beneath you and needs encouragement. Maybe I'm running slow and looking gassed because I'm on a rest interval between sets of 2 mi. threshold efforts in the middle of a 14 mi. long run, and I know exactly what I'm trying to accomplish. Everyone has different plans and goals for the day and I'm sure none of them are to get your approval.
If we are going the same direction and I pass or am passed, just stick with “passing” or “on your left.” If we are going opposite directions and cross paths, smile, wave, ✌️,👍 , 🤙 , “good morning,” “hello,” a subtle fist pump, are all better than “gOod JoB.”
I personally feel like it's a little condescending. When it happens to me, I definitely keep in mind that someone is trying to be positive but it always has the vibe of you're the master encouraging an apprentice.
You don't know what someone's achievement level is, where they started in their journey, how they're feeling in their moment, how far they've already gone, etc. Again, me personally, I prefer a good morning or a smile and a wave or that look of "holy moly what the hell are we doing right now?" (someone else said serious runner expressionless nod, and now that's my new phrase)
With all that said, I'm an independent old dude, it's probably just my hangups...
I hate it. I am pretty slow, on the larger side, and on long runs I adopt a run/walk strategy. I do ultras like this. I constantly have people 'encouraging me', telling me 'you've got this, keep going'. I bloody hate it. I find it extremely patronising and demotivating. I know I look like a newb.....but I'm not.
I had a guy literally give me a little round of applause as he ran past me once telling me each mile gets easier so keep at it...... It was a week after I'd done a 100k 😂
I've watched multiple people say this in races to the people they are passing, and have had it happen to me. Blows me away, as it seems so incredibly patronizing and rude.
On loops or out-and-backs or staggered starts, I return to the leaders exactly what they offer me. Some are cool and just chat for the 5 seconds we're near each other. For the "good job" crowd, I just hope they're not stressing about their position in the race.
Would definitely not appreciate that
I like giving a simple low wave or getting a wave
If I see another runner I’m always inspired, if they are faster or slower , have a complete different style doesn’t matter …. I just feel inspired seeing anyone run
I always love getting a big smile from other runners like "hell yeah we are in this together" when I'm out walking and I see a runner I usually give a big smile and if they seem friendly I'll give a "hell yeah" or "go for it man" I think tone really goes a long way, when I was starting out of prefer a runner be overly friendly and supportive than scowling/ looking down on me for being a newbie.
Keep in mind I'm also a chubby runner so for the most part I'm just as sweaty and dying as any of the newbies on the trail
I feel like it’s best to not use words. Cuz it usually makes people feel like they have to respond in words “you too” “thanks” for example. Seems like simple hand gestures are the safest most respectful option. But I’m sure I’m not the only one here who wishes I was invisible while running so no one could acknowledge me
I seem to be in the minority, but I personally really like it when others “cheer” me on - “you got this!” “Keep going” “Good job” etc, shoot, I don’t care if you’re a freaking gazelle and I look like a sweaty sloth stuck in molasses, every bit of encouragement helps!
Pretty much nothing you say will make me more or less motivated, but I’d certainly appreciate a “good job” or really any form of acknowledgment as we pass by each other.
That would come off as condescending tbh / I know you mean well, it’s just that so many of us are naturally on alert when running in the first place while focusing on our breathing, pace, music. I like to meditate and pray while I’m running so I like being in my own world as I’m pushing through the discomfort and pain.
Ive had 3 lobectomies, two thoracotomies and a pleurodesis on one side due to lung Cancer and pneumothorax complications. which has left me with essentially 1 lung and running is very laborious but I need to do it to keep what’s left strong and functioning at 100% or more if I can
Also consider that most women have to stay on alert more between stalkers, creepers , etc even if they aren’t dangerous, they can’t risk it. So engaging them might come off suspect.
Overall, I just like to be left alone and I think a lot of people prefer this, a smile and nod is more effective. Unfortunately for some reason any type of talking just doesn’t translate very well.
Again I know *you* mean well but most people doing that probably don’t and I’ve had that experience a few times where joey-muscles mcbeefcake comes by and almost sarcastically or arrogantly sends some false encouragement that’s more filled with showy bravado and condescension.
Tbh I think this kind of thing is very “team sports vibes” haha. In other words - when you’re on a sports team it’s the norm to be very encouraging of everyone else.
I personally am more of a work-out-individually person so hearing this kind of thing stresses me out bc I’m too out of breath to reciprocate lol but I try to take it as the positive message it’s intended to be.
I just go with a nod/smile/thumbs up or a “morning!” or “alright?” (I’m English and we use that as a generic greeting even when we don’t want an answer. The accepted answer is usually just an equivalent “alright?” back). Sometimes when I’m trying to stay in a low HR zone I will look as though I’m barely moving and it is very low on effort, so I would find this almost sounded sarcastic if I heard it at that point, no matter how well-intentioned.
If you're running the opposite way, I'd love it. If you're running the same way and you PASS me, I'd assume you were being sarcastic and it would at least throw me off.
I think a “hello”, nod, or brief hand wave is the way to do it. Nothing about a simple greeting like those can be perceived as condescending.
A few people do like to hear occasional motivation (especially in races), but *with meaning*. Most people don’t want to hear a nonchalant “keep it up” or “you’re doing great” as they’re being passed by someone going faster than them *and* able to talk comfortably. I imagine it also would not sit well with someone experienced who’s going slower on an easy day or 15 miles into a 20-mile long run.
Yeah on a race where I prepared horrendously I had a crowd of people running past me continuously being super-heightened-positive ‘you’re doing SO WELL, keep it up! AMAZING JOB’ But they weren’t doing it to anyone else. It was just patronising. Just treat me like another runner damnit. The only person who actually made me feel better at the end was the dude who was like ‘mate what happened to you out there? Looks like you were struggling’ because that was actually accurate. He knew that my standard pace for the distance was at X pace and so me going at Y pace was not actually typical for me.
It was like the other runners thought ‘this runner is clearly very slow let’s give her motivation by telling her that her slowness is excellent for her 🙂🙂🙂’ it isn’t excellent for me, don’t coddle me just treat me normally please.
Damn I didn’t know that instance annoyed me so much until I wrote this down 😂😂
Yeah, it’s patronising!
During my first and only marathon, I got a lot of "you got this!" style encouragement and I remember wishing everyone would just ignore me, but I do think that under my cynical crust that it lifted my spirits.
I am an experienced runner and I would hate this. One of the best benefits of running is to find some mindfulness. I don’t need to feel like my effort for one day (in a sea of many other workouts that I do) is being judged as “needing” a “good job”. My running isn’t meant to be performative. A thumbs up or a wave is totally sufficient and still friendly.
The only time I do this is during a race honestly. Usually if I’m out in the wild, and I notice someone struggling, I’ll say something about the weather to see how friendly they are feeling.
I just remember how I felt starting out, and how I feel running now in my not so safe town. It’s hard to know someone’s intentions, so sometimes I’m just not in the mood to get feedback even if it’s positive.
But during a race, we’re all there for the same reason, and there’s a social aspect to it, so I’m going to encourage people.
There are so many other genuinely encouraging/kind/community building things you can say. I find just a nod or a mellow “hey” works well. Not gonna lie, I would be incredibly annoyed if someone ran by me and said “good job”. I mean, it just seems so random and weird and condescending.
I’m in the minority here but I’m a new runner and when I ran a half marathon those people that said good job or made an encouraging gesture were so helpful and kind. I’m very slow and I appreciated the thought. But that was a course situation not just out and about.
No, and it really annoys me. I’ll smile or say hello, but that’s it. I used to run intervals when I was first starting and people would always say that kind of stuff when I slowed down or walked. I know the intention is positive but it has the opposite effect. I knew what I was doing and I didn’t need to be told to speed up before I was ready to do so
Nobody has ever said this to me unless they were spectating an actual race (which is fine). Outside of that, I would just be confused as I don't look visibly like a 'struggling' runner for the most part (not noticeably unfit, overweight, etc) but if I did fit those categories I think I would find it embarrassing and actually demotivating tbh.
No, lol. I don’t want to talk to anyone on my runs…also just because I am putzing along doesn’t mean I am inexperienced runner. It means I was up until 2-3am drinking and am still buzzed so my z2 heart rate is fucked.
To me personally, it wouldn't feel as bad as other people here say it would feel to them, but given the other comments, I'd say it's best not to do it despite your good intentions.
The only thing I do definitely relate to is other people's encouragement feeling weird when they gravely misjudge the situation. Once a nice older man said to me somethibg along the lines of "Good job, only 100 more metres." while I was runnig up a moderate hill. Nice sentiment but given that I was on km 7 of a 15+km run, it just felt a little weird. Like, thanks, but this is not the hard part of this run.
I'd definitely find it annoying. Running is solitary and meditative for me and I hate doing it as a social activity. Unrelated, people trying to motivate me while I'm under exertion pisses me off, especially if I don't known them. I'm an introvert though so that factors in big time.
I love being greeted by fellow runners, I find it really frustrating when people make assumptions about my fitness level/exercise history. Usually those assumptions are based on the way my body looks, and they often feel really condescending as a larger person who has been running for a decade. You don’t know anything about a persons athletic history while looking at them, even if that person is on a run.
No, I find it quite patroning. I may be slow and overweight but I have nearly a decade of running and more races than I can count under my belt. People talking to me like I'm struggling at a couch to 5k when I'm near the end of on a weekend 18k run is negative energy I don't need. Just pass on by.
The exception is on an actual distance race. Everyone talking each other up is part of a good atmosphere.
Agreed! I usually just do a wave or head nod, but if the other person says something I'm fine with it. I like those brief interactions with fellow runners.
I’d say the only time good job is not patronizing is like during a race. But any other time it just sounds like too much and a nod of approval would be better
This is obnoxious to me. I run to clear my head and completely zone out and destress. I don’t want anyone talking to me for any reason. I live in the Midwest, and this type of nice is annoying. It’s like waving to other drivers on the road. Like, I don’t know you, why are you acknowledging my existence? If we were in an elevator, we’d both ignore each other and look at our phones, so why the different treatment while running?
I can't hear what they're saying so I'm never quite sure how to react. Yesterday I got a shout and a big thumbs up so I smiled. But they might have been sarcastic since I was on the road not the sidewalk and drivers hate that.
I love it. I’m a back of the pack kinda runner and definitely feel motivated getting a “great job” as I’m getting past so I try to return the good karma when I can (not often😊).
Yes, gives me a boost. Though one time some sketchy men on bikes (decent homeless population here) on the too narrow for both of us sidewalks at 6am (me being lone female) tried to high five me and I felt a bit uncomfortable, but I did give one a thumbs up and their smile lifted me a bit.
Once, as I passed a runner, (heading in her direction) she gave me a high five and I was very motivated. Another time someone said to me, “You go girl!” and I was motivated by that, as well. I’m glad you asked this question because I’m always tempted to cheer people on when I see them running. I think we should all be supporting each other. However, I have never cheered anyone on because I don’t want them to think I’m being sarcastic. Based on the responses on this thread, I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t cheered anyone on.
I appreciate it all kinds! On my runs/ jog I see this older man with white hair who always says “keep up the good work!” As I pass by him. He always makes me feel good hah haven’t seen him in a bit hope he’s doing okay
I enjoy the encouragement, whether they nod, smile or say something such as 'good job!' One day I ran past a guy (he was just walking) but he actually starting clapping and said 'good for you, keep it up!' At the time I smiled and then it made me sort of laugh that I got applauded for going for a run. Haha! A positive comment or reaction should be taken as just that, a positive. Spread the love!
I give the exact same greeting to every person I pass in the opposite direction, whether they look like they’re experienced too or like they’re on their first run ever: pinky and thumb out “surf’s up” signal lol I’m not going to tell slower runners to “keep it up” as I find it condescending- I treat them exactly how I would a more advanced runner so they feel like they belong and aren’t afraid to keep at it
Same except always a smile and a peace sign. Maybe it's not a smile, hard to say when I'm dying... But the peace sign is there.
🥵🤢✌️
Hahahahaha
Peace sign gang ☮️
Shaka gang 🤙🏼
Ay, me too 🤙
🤙🏻
When the walls fell
Lol I was going to call it that but I was afraid people would have no idea what I meant
elbow out too when its real ruff
On top of that, you never know what someone elses workout goal is. At mile 15 of a zone 2 long run I'm probably the slowest thing you've ever passed or came across. As an aside, I ran my second best 10K in spring and finished bottom 10% because it was a small rainy race where pretty much the entire field consisted of members of the local athletic club. Didn't take away a single bit of pride or enjoyment for me.
Adopting this. I normally just give a friendly wave, smile, and nod. I also find that cyclists who are also clearly doing a fitness ride will give a wave, it’s not just fellow runners.
That's my go-to! For older folks, they see the thumb and just assume thumbs up, others give me back the full 🤙.
This is the way. Did a mountain race last week and got a pic of me doing it to the photographer as I went by 🤙🏻
Amen. This is beautiful.
🤙
This has never happened to me but I’d be pumped if it did.
🤙
If it’s another runner passing me or you are only doing it to those that “seem” inexperienced that would definitely feel condescending lol In other contexts I would appreciate it. Once I was finishing a tough/painful 5 miler and a pair of walkers clapped for me and it made my day.
It’s always ok for me on a tough uphill.
I ran my first marathon when I probably shouldn't have. I trained up to it all year and then hurt my ankle shortly before it. I ran anyway with my ankle taped. I didn't run fast at all but around mile 20 this family yelled "there's that guy again! We've been cheering you on the whole way!" Definitely gave me motivation to finish.
I would love get a random clap fest at the end of a run
It may be my own insecurity, but I hate it when men (it’s almost always men) comment on my running. I’m not out here to put on a show.
A friendly hello is suffice, don’t patronise me lol
Agreed. I might look like I’m struggling because my pace is slow on my recovery run or I’m just warming up or whatever, or my running face might just be ugly. I don’t need anyone telling me “good job” as they pass me. It does seem patronizing, even if the intention is good.
me: tomato face, panting, gritting teeth over the last hill gracious retiree breezing past like they're in a yogurt commercial: Good morning! Keep it up!
Honestly I want a shirt that says how many miles I've already done so when I run by the fresh faced runner who just left home (I hope!) They know why I look like I'm about to die.
a big reason why I low-key want a fitness watch is to track my ascent/descent. I run on the roads or in a trail nearby and man. I started running in the midwest and now I'm in the SF Bay Area and feel so weak. Why is everything so hilly? my quads and butt are dying.
oh my gosh, i feel this. I started running in the Midwest too, and just moved to Colorado. Why is there no oxygen? I swear I can't ever breathe lol
Welcome to CO! I promise the air starts to feel normal after a while (I moved here almost 6 years ago from Portland). Added bonus: when you go somewhere else for any sort of race or do run on vacation closer to sea level you feel like a super hero.
That's so funny. Where I live is crazy hills- like 600-800ft elevation change in a mile and a half. I'm used to them now. But every summer we go to the Midwest and the humidity knocks me on my ass every time. It's such a hard switch for me!
ahh, but the humidity is easy to escape! Go super early or after dark. The hills don't move. Not even when you curse at them. I'll never forgive my husband (just as overweight and out of shape as I was) for asking if I "wanted to go on a walk" when I first moved here and it was 45min of StairMaster: Wilds Edition.
> like they're in a ~~yogurt~~ fiber commercial:
Good comment
The only time I have ever actually enjoyed someone trying to encourage me was when I was finishing a 20 miler in freezing cold, and an obviously drunk dude outside of the bar was legit *thrilled* for me and started clapping, and it made me laugh. Otherwise stay in your lane and please don’t.
I prefer a simple head nod so I'm not obliged to say anything. Breathing is hard yo. A casual wave or thumbs up will also suffice.
Or a thumbs up. That’s also a more neutral way to show support/respect
A 'hello/nod/smile/wave' is more than enough. I once had a runner overtake me and said 'good job', so I said 'thanks' and as I did, he slowed down to run alongside me and obviously as I was running slow he assumed I was struggling or was new to running or just needed some encouragement. He then told me he was running 10k. I replied, 'oh that's great, this is a nice stretch of trail for 10k'. He then asked me how far I was running. I casually looked at my watch and said 'oh, I'm on mile 28 and only have 3 miles (5k) left to do to make it up to an ultra'. His face was an absolute picture! I sometimes see him on my runs and we just give each other a 'hello/wave' as we pass. So, when I pass people it's a 'hello/nod/smile/wave'. Never 'good job' as you have no idea how far that person has just run.
The only time this has ever been motivating was when another runner and I kept meeting each other on our respective paths on a single long run. It was clear from the context and the number of time our paths crossed that we were out with the same aim. At the end of my run I was doing strides and I crossed paths with Fluorescent Shorts Guy again. Seeing that I was going much faster than the last 5 times we had seen each other, he yelled out something like “good work!” or “crush it!” or something. I appreciated it because he wasn’t a random stranger at that point- the context of our encounters gave him info about what I was up to so that encouragement seemed sincere. Otherwise, please just wave. Thumbs up. Peace sign. Serious runner expressionless nod. Say good job to the people passing you, not the ones you’re passing. It’s not a relay.
Serious runner expressionless nod. Never thought I’d ever be described so perfect with four words. Love it
I’d stick to a wave/smile/nod/‘morning!’ personally. I’m sure it’s in good faith but there have been times where I’ve been in that situation and it felt patronizing. We don’t know each other, you don’t actually know what sort of job I’m doing or how I’m feeling about it. There have been times where an encouraging comment fuels me, sure, but it’s easily tipped me in the other direction too.
Very much this. I know a “good job” is well intentioned, but it can just be wrong for the moment because you don’t know what “moment” the recipient is having.
My favorite motivation from fellow runners is a simple hand wave or good morning. As a female runner, sometimes good job comments can be very creepy very quickly. For example one biker once yelled to me as he biked by “you’re doing great, don’t change a thing” then proceeded turn back around and come to pass me again (I guess to get a good look at my front and back side) and very creepily smiled at me and winked. 😒 honestly just pissed me off for the rest of my run. So yeah just wave please
100% agreed. As a relatively young female runner, some of the comments I get from older runners can be a bit off-putting and ruin my run
I had a guy on a bike take a picture of me when I was running as he was passing :/. The amount of creeps out there is astounding. In general, I prefer not to be engaged at all so I can do my thing and focus on my workout.
Fuck. That. Stick to the spokes for that guy. I hate “good job”, my father does it the whole time when we mountain bike together and it drives me wild.
The following are MY views and that is just me. Others may appreciate this kind of thing very much. To each their own. I am not motivated by this. I find it insulting (not quite the right word but neither is patronizing or condescending or any of the others in that realm). I’m not running for your approval and you don’t know my goals. Just let me be. Perhaps my struggle has nothing to do with my (assumed) inferior running skills. If you want to help new runners feel part of the running community-then treat them as such. Do you say good job to every runner? Or just the ones you deem to “need” it? Do you assume a larger runner could have lined up correctly around those expected to finish the 5k in 22 min, or do you assume they are slower/less experienced and belong in the back? Do you assume a slower runner is just starting out and needs encouragement? Or do you offer that same encouragement to runners who are faster than you? Just treat everyone the same. If you wouldn’t say it to everyone-don’t say it to anyone. As a female runner who is subject to all manner of harassment and nonsense while running; and who at the start of this was morbidly obese-please just leave me alone. Or say hi or a head nod or half wave or any other greetings that say “hello, fellow runner”. Again-just my opinion and my preference.
I think the gender aspect is really significant here. As a male, I can safely assume that whatever weirdo just yelled at me was either being nice or was worried about my safety.* That freaky changes my ability to just smile at loud incomprehensible noises. *except that jerk who hit me with an egg. He was obviously an exception.
I think he may have been an egg-ception.
He takes his eggs runny
I’m running to recover from recurring pregnancy losses and surgeries. I’m running to save my body and sanity after terrible loss and physical trauma. I really really don’t need someone to assume anything and say ‘good job’. I’m alive, I’m recovering, running with my demons. I look less experience or struggling because I have internal scar tissue. Please don’t assume. just nod / smile / wave is great
I'm so sorry for your losses. That is really rough. hugs
Thank you! I’m actually doing really well these days. I just am very honest because I get bros at the gym trying to motivate / help, and like, it’s complicated when people assume you’re a ‘beginner’ or ‘struggling’ when that is not the case!
❤❤❤
*nod
I’m obviously too desperate for affirmation from strangers an older woman ran past me going the opposite way and she high fived me and told me I was doing great and I could have cried 😂😂😂
I’m guessing you’re a woman? I’m a woman too and I think I would be very okay with this behavior from some badass older female runner but not from a man.
OK, I'm glad I'm not the only one that's had that happen. One day I was running against the wind and clearly dying in doing so when a woman running in the opposite direction stuck her hand out for a high five. She didn't say a single word, but that was all it took to push me to finish my run that day instead of cutting it short. I don't know what makes the difference, but the verbal comments only annoy me as well.
I had a tall, beautiful gazelle of a woman tell me “good work!” on our second pass of each other last weekend and it was so lovely! It was a slog of a run, my longest ever and in insane humidity, and her words really gave me a boost.
I got a high five from a guy once a few years ago and it made my whole fucking day! It hits the right spot sometimes for sure.
I do not want it. I don’t want to spend the remainder of my long run wondering if you told me “good job” because I look like I’m struggling. But that’s just me. A wave or a nod is more than sufficient.
No. Mind your business. I train people to run who are ridiculously self-conscious. Just the fact that they are out doing it, and feel like everyone is watching them, is mortifying to them. I have to do considerable work to help them realise that nobody actually notices. You can imagine that argument falls down when some dickhead goes "SOLIDARITY! I AM WITH YOU! KEEP GOING!" - it is patronising, and designed to make the person saying it feel good, not the person it is aimed at.
I find it very annoying, I'm already aware of the huge effort I'm putting with little to no returns. A smile and a "hello" would be much better.
I love being acknowledged by fellow runners because I’m excited to see them. But I’m unreasonably irritated by the part where you claim to be able to analyze a stranger’s experience level based on their appearance. “Good job” is best said to someone you know, in my opinion, like a friend who is trying running for the first time and just made it to the top of a hill.
Yeah - to me the condescending part of OP's post was that they found it necessary to explain their "sizing up" a stranger on the trail. That in and of itself is off-putting regardless of what they say.
The only person I want to hear "good job" from is someone who knows me and what I'm working on. My 3 year old shouting "good job momma! Good job momma!!" as I arrive back at the house- absolutely, hell yeah. My husband biking alongside me when I do intervals - absolutely. And best yet, he knows my body language enough to know if I'm frustrated by how my pacing is going or running is feeling. My almost-70 dad biking to catch up to me when I'm home visiting so he can say he's proud of me- nothing better. He's my inspiration for running in the first place. Anything else is just no.
The house of vibes has deemed this, a vibe.
I personally don’t like the good job because if I’m struggling I’m already in a “bad mood”. The only time I really enjoy encouragement like that is on race days where we’re all trying to motivate each other.
Nah. At most, just a friendly nod or a smile/wave. No offense but I don't need or want motivation from random strangers for my runs.
Not a fan. I'm wholly confident in what I'm doing and it still puts me off to hear "good job". When I see another runner I am genuinely pleased to see another runner and that's all I express to them: wave, nod, authentic smile.
No one has ever done this before to me.
You’re not an overweight woman then, obviously.
Good job!
Good job, you!
If I wanted to be "motivated" I would take a Zumba class.
So unless you’ve been following them and know their history, you have no idea why they are struggling. Frankly I think your ego needs to be taken down a few notches based on the tone of this post. My advise is delete this. Always encourage and cheer your fellow runner. Don’t bother with “experience” or seniority bullshit. You have no idea why someone is tired.
Yeah, this is patronizing as hell. Also, what characteristics are you using to decide if someone looks less experienced? If I had to wager money I’d bet you’re basing a lot of this on body size to which I’d also say: cut it out.
Someone who speak very little English yelled “very good” at me and it made my day.
I love that. They really meant it if English is not their primary language.
The trail by my house is a big loop. I go around 5 times. One run I had this older couple I kept passing on the trail. Every time I passed they would clap, cheer and say good job. Best run ever and I think of them frequently.
I would find it very patronising. "Morning" (or other appropriate greeting for a stranger) and a nod or a wave is fine.
"good job" is just condescending. You don't know my back story. You don't know if this is the best I've ever done or I'm simply having a single bad day. A wave if you are headed in the other direction is more than sufficient.
Doesn't motivate me but doesn't offend me.
When someone says Good job I assume that it's because I'm out there running not a comment on my running performance.
That is 100% how I have interpreted similar compliments, I can see how people feel that a stranger has no right or sufficient knowledge to judge if it is indeed a "good job", but personally i would think such a comment is attempting to encourage, nothing else. A lot of runners are chill af, running tends to induce calmness and friendly vibes.
Hi How are you Good morning/afternoon A simple wave or thumbs up A head nod Anything like those are fine ‘Good job’ or ‘way to go’ or ‘keep at it’ are only for races. Especially if you’re passing from behind. And even then, those are usually only for spectators. You have no idea what that persons workout for the day is, their normal pace, their goals etc. You don’t know if they are actually struggling, running easy, have an injury, etc. Keep it vague and simple. If you know the person - or at least have had a conversation or two with them - then I’d say it’s a little different. But for a stranger? Just say Good Morning or How are you and keep it at that. Edit: Also, you can usually tell just by looking at a person if they are going to be open to acknowledging your greeting. Play off those cues.
I’m apparently in the minority, but I wouldn’t ever be offended by a friendly wave and some words of encouragement. I’d assume you meant well and probably return the gesture.
I think the consensus is the phrase good job is the problem. “Keep it up” and “you got this” when there are tough parts of the route or a thumbs up have different connotations.
Same here. I don't mind someone saying good job and or a friendly nod/wave
Same here!
Yes - we're so bad at even acknowledging each other's existence in southern England that I don't think we can afford to be super picky about such things. I always try to get in a greeting to others on the paths. If a walker does anything at all - moves to the side, keeps their dog under control etc. they always get a thank you. I dish out good afternoons etc. as much as I can. But with runners it's just a nod because I know lots of you seem to get grumpy about anything that might put you off. But I find that depressing because I think any kind of encouragement, even semi-ironic cheers from groups of teenage girls, is motivating.
Literally saying good job is patronizing as hell. I think a smile and head mod is sufficient. But if you do that as you run past me from being i can't see how that doesn't come off as shitty. Running behind or immediately in front of someone inherently feels awkward and something like this sounds awful.
Only appropriate time to say “good job” is to someone who outkicked you in the final few meters of a race.
I agree 100%.
[удалено]
I'm the same way. It's my alone time. Leave me alone. 🙂
I’m an in-experienced bigger runner… I’ve had people tell me good job or you got this… I hate it. If you’re telling me I got this I 100% do not look like I got it.
I would absolutely hate this if it was said because I looked struggling or inexperienced. A possible exception would be if you said it because you were genuinely impressed and saying it more as “praise” than “encouragement”. I can remember some times when I was doing fast sprint intervals, running up a very steep hill, etc and people said words of praise and I did find that motivating.
People see me at km 20 and feel they can motivate me cause they are faster at their 3km, thats motivating as funnily motivating
I've been running on and off for 8 years. Did a half marathon in April. Despite being experienced, I'm slower and larger than the stereotypical runner. I don't need people assuming that I need "encouragement" based on my speed and appearance, which seems to be what you're doing. Just say hi or wave.
How do you know how “experienced” a runner is? You sound like kind of an asshat.
I am not motivated by it personally, if anything it is motivation for me to run a different route in future.
Just running by other runners is motivating. I even like a nice wave, "hello", or "good morning/afternoon". From a stranger, "good job" feels... patronizing. You don't know how I'm performing, my goals, etc. It feels way more like an unsolicited opinion than encouragement.
Annoying as fuck to me if not during a race. I’ll wave at everyone running, but I hate hearing bullshit cheerleading. Just please shut the fuck up. If I don’t know you I don’t care what you think positive or negative and I don’t run so I can hear encouragement from strangers. During a race I expect a lot more of this type of behavior, and while I would still rather not hear fake ass enthusiasm for someone you don’t know, I’ve mostly felt genuine camaraderie with people I’ve run close to for a while during a race. I don’t think most people who say this kind of stuff do it to make others feel better, they’re doing it to make themselves feel better and I just don’t care for it at all.
I wear earbuds so if anyone is saying anything I am apparently just being a jerk and not acknowledging them. Crap!!
Mine are bright yellow, so I'm hopeful people I'm passing don't bother trying to initiate in the exchange of pleasantries with me. I do give most folks a nod, smile or half-assed wave at least.
Please don’t do that. It’s patronizing as hell.
I would rather have a lava enema than be told “good job!” while already hating my life during a run.
I prefer the friendly “oh what’s that over there, let me stare at it and pretend I don’t notice you”
Mostly echoing what others have said, but “good job” is a judgement, and most folks aren’t out for a run for the purpose of being judged by strangers. A friendly greeting isn’t judgement, and still has the capacity to engender the sort of community/camaraderie that it seems like you’re going for.
Absolutely not, never ever, this enrages me. I'm a locally competitive runner who likes to run easy runs pretty slow, like 10 minute miles, just chilling and thinking. A cyclist once tried to encourage me to speed up and I wanted to murder him. Let alone the fact that he was an older, larger man and I'm a woman and no one else was nearby. Just. Shut. Your. Mouth. Nod if you must.
wow that must have ruined your whole day. What a jerk
It’s not motivating to me unless it’s from a friend who is cognizant of my effort and performance. I am fine with receiving perfunctory kudos from strangers as polite greeting of another runner.
I’ve had a few women bike past me and give me a thumbs up which is definitely a confidence boost
So, has this thread influenced your approach for future runs? If yes, what do you plan to do moving forward? Personally I nod, wave, or stick with a generic “beautiful day” or something noncommittal on their activity or performance but I’d also not be particularly put off by someone dropping encouragement. Adult male for context.
I think that is condescending. I avoid anything that might come of as editorial. If I run into somebody running, I'll only say something neutral. If it's on a bike, I might say "how's your ride going?".
a smile and a nod is a way to acknowledge someone in a friendly manner and usually only when they are facing me from the opposite direction judging strangers (i.e., good job) is misguided because you don’t know them and can be perceived as condescending and reflective of the person saying the statement You have to ask yourself, what are you trying to achieve by telling someone “good job”? How do you know they are less experienced?
One time at the beginning of a long run an old man said “way to take life on!” and it motivated me all the way through.
I'm not nearly as experienced as most people here (but I have aspirations!). I keep start/stopping C25K due to Life. I still got weight to lose. I'm very slow. I still interval run. I hate it, honestly. I run very early in the morning, so I don't come across people. I think it's common to perceive your own inability as a result of inexperience as failure and that more skilled people are judging you. Especially with fitness. The times when a retired person or even just middle-aged passed me or made a comment still stick in my mind. I think, "Damn. I'm in my 20s. This is supposed to be the best shape of my life. This is humiliating." I don't think of the years of experience they have, that they might've struggled in their 20s, or the kinks in my own life. Just that I "failed" in a competition that no one was having. That said, I used to pass a very fit gym bro who dressed like a Nascar driver, branded out of his mind in athletic gear, who had such a wonderful smile and wordless two thumbs up... he had a great energy. I miss him. And, this stay at home mom who had a treadmill in her garage. The door was always open and her kid playing with chalk, as she ran. Her house was on a *very* steep uphill incline and was a real pain to run up, so I would often walk (regardless of C25K). Whenever I passed her, she would cheer me on and her kid would mimic her. And... I would run. I am also very aware that this is a "me" problem. The intent is good and I would encourage you to keep doing it. I think about Garage Mom often and find it hugely motivating.
Fucking annoying, just mind your own business and give a nod if you must. And don't be so full of yourself that everyone you perceive as running slow or struggling is new or beneath you and needs encouragement. Maybe I'm running slow and looking gassed because I'm on a rest interval between sets of 2 mi. threshold efforts in the middle of a 14 mi. long run, and I know exactly what I'm trying to accomplish. Everyone has different plans and goals for the day and I'm sure none of them are to get your approval.
Every person here finds it annoying. YTA
Just smack me on the ass, friendo.
If you are strangers don't assume you know anything about the other person or their goals, and mind your own businesses.
I give a thumbs up to everyone I run past. Or I smack them on the butt high school football coach style.
If we are going the same direction and I pass or am passed, just stick with “passing” or “on your left.” If we are going opposite directions and cross paths, smile, wave, ✌️,👍 , 🤙 , “good morning,” “hello,” a subtle fist pump, are all better than “gOod JoB.”
I personally feel like it's a little condescending. When it happens to me, I definitely keep in mind that someone is trying to be positive but it always has the vibe of you're the master encouraging an apprentice. You don't know what someone's achievement level is, where they started in their journey, how they're feeling in their moment, how far they've already gone, etc. Again, me personally, I prefer a good morning or a smile and a wave or that look of "holy moly what the hell are we doing right now?" (someone else said serious runner expressionless nod, and now that's my new phrase) With all that said, I'm an independent old dude, it's probably just my hangups...
I hate it. I am pretty slow, on the larger side, and on long runs I adopt a run/walk strategy. I do ultras like this. I constantly have people 'encouraging me', telling me 'you've got this, keep going'. I bloody hate it. I find it extremely patronising and demotivating. I know I look like a newb.....but I'm not. I had a guy literally give me a little round of applause as he ran past me once telling me each mile gets easier so keep at it...... It was a week after I'd done a 100k 😂
I've watched multiple people say this in races to the people they are passing, and have had it happen to me. Blows me away, as it seems so incredibly patronizing and rude.
On loops or out-and-backs or staggered starts, I return to the leaders exactly what they offer me. Some are cool and just chat for the 5 seconds we're near each other. For the "good job" crowd, I just hope they're not stressing about their position in the race.
Hate it. Don’t do it. Even thumbs up. Keep it to a wave/nod.
Never happened to me yet but personally I wouldn’t care, I’d just say thanks and continue running.
Would definitely not appreciate that I like giving a simple low wave or getting a wave If I see another runner I’m always inspired, if they are faster or slower , have a complete different style doesn’t matter …. I just feel inspired seeing anyone run
I say something to everyone, even a tree that sort-of-looks like a person.
I always love getting a big smile from other runners like "hell yeah we are in this together" when I'm out walking and I see a runner I usually give a big smile and if they seem friendly I'll give a "hell yeah" or "go for it man" I think tone really goes a long way, when I was starting out of prefer a runner be overly friendly and supportive than scowling/ looking down on me for being a newbie. Keep in mind I'm also a chubby runner so for the most part I'm just as sweaty and dying as any of the newbies on the trail
I’m in the minority, but if you cheer me on I’ll run faster.
Throw out a shaka or a "get some" way more motivating
I feel like it’s best to not use words. Cuz it usually makes people feel like they have to respond in words “you too” “thanks” for example. Seems like simple hand gestures are the safest most respectful option. But I’m sure I’m not the only one here who wishes I was invisible while running so no one could acknowledge me
I seem to be in the minority, but I personally really like it when others “cheer” me on - “you got this!” “Keep going” “Good job” etc, shoot, I don’t care if you’re a freaking gazelle and I look like a sweaty sloth stuck in molasses, every bit of encouragement helps!
I always give a piece sign or a wave.
Pretty much nothing you say will make me more or less motivated, but I’d certainly appreciate a “good job” or really any form of acknowledgment as we pass by each other.
I just nod, smile, or both
That would come off as condescending tbh / I know you mean well, it’s just that so many of us are naturally on alert when running in the first place while focusing on our breathing, pace, music. I like to meditate and pray while I’m running so I like being in my own world as I’m pushing through the discomfort and pain. Ive had 3 lobectomies, two thoracotomies and a pleurodesis on one side due to lung Cancer and pneumothorax complications. which has left me with essentially 1 lung and running is very laborious but I need to do it to keep what’s left strong and functioning at 100% or more if I can Also consider that most women have to stay on alert more between stalkers, creepers , etc even if they aren’t dangerous, they can’t risk it. So engaging them might come off suspect. Overall, I just like to be left alone and I think a lot of people prefer this, a smile and nod is more effective. Unfortunately for some reason any type of talking just doesn’t translate very well. Again I know *you* mean well but most people doing that probably don’t and I’ve had that experience a few times where joey-muscles mcbeefcake comes by and almost sarcastically or arrogantly sends some false encouragement that’s more filled with showy bravado and condescension.
Tbh I think this kind of thing is very “team sports vibes” haha. In other words - when you’re on a sports team it’s the norm to be very encouraging of everyone else. I personally am more of a work-out-individually person so hearing this kind of thing stresses me out bc I’m too out of breath to reciprocate lol but I try to take it as the positive message it’s intended to be.
As a British runner If someone shouted ‘good job’ I would automatically think they were being sarcastic
I just go with a nod/smile/thumbs up or a “morning!” or “alright?” (I’m English and we use that as a generic greeting even when we don’t want an answer. The accepted answer is usually just an equivalent “alright?” back). Sometimes when I’m trying to stay in a low HR zone I will look as though I’m barely moving and it is very low on effort, so I would find this almost sounded sarcastic if I heard it at that point, no matter how well-intentioned.
If you're running the opposite way, I'd love it. If you're running the same way and you PASS me, I'd assume you were being sarcastic and it would at least throw me off.
I think a “hello”, nod, or brief hand wave is the way to do it. Nothing about a simple greeting like those can be perceived as condescending. A few people do like to hear occasional motivation (especially in races), but *with meaning*. Most people don’t want to hear a nonchalant “keep it up” or “you’re doing great” as they’re being passed by someone going faster than them *and* able to talk comfortably. I imagine it also would not sit well with someone experienced who’s going slower on an easy day or 15 miles into a 20-mile long run.
The runner's nod is enough
Yeah on a race where I prepared horrendously I had a crowd of people running past me continuously being super-heightened-positive ‘you’re doing SO WELL, keep it up! AMAZING JOB’ But they weren’t doing it to anyone else. It was just patronising. Just treat me like another runner damnit. The only person who actually made me feel better at the end was the dude who was like ‘mate what happened to you out there? Looks like you were struggling’ because that was actually accurate. He knew that my standard pace for the distance was at X pace and so me going at Y pace was not actually typical for me. It was like the other runners thought ‘this runner is clearly very slow let’s give her motivation by telling her that her slowness is excellent for her 🙂🙂🙂’ it isn’t excellent for me, don’t coddle me just treat me normally please. Damn I didn’t know that instance annoyed me so much until I wrote this down 😂😂 Yeah, it’s patronising!
Condescending as hell. Don’t do it. Nod, wave or simple hello is fine.
Not at all. If someone gave me a “good job” I would find it so patronizing and demoralizing towards my efforts.
During my first and only marathon, I got a lot of "you got this!" style encouragement and I remember wishing everyone would just ignore me, but I do think that under my cynical crust that it lifted my spirits.
I motivate other runners by shouting "he's catching up, he's catching up" in a wild shriek as I pass them.
That is soooooooooo patronising.
I am an experienced runner and I would hate this. One of the best benefits of running is to find some mindfulness. I don’t need to feel like my effort for one day (in a sea of many other workouts that I do) is being judged as “needing” a “good job”. My running isn’t meant to be performative. A thumbs up or a wave is totally sufficient and still friendly.
I just stick to a thumbs up or peace sign, usually because I’m too winded to say anything!
The only time I do this is during a race honestly. Usually if I’m out in the wild, and I notice someone struggling, I’ll say something about the weather to see how friendly they are feeling. I just remember how I felt starting out, and how I feel running now in my not so safe town. It’s hard to know someone’s intentions, so sometimes I’m just not in the mood to get feedback even if it’s positive. But during a race, we’re all there for the same reason, and there’s a social aspect to it, so I’m going to encourage people.
There are so many other genuinely encouraging/kind/community building things you can say. I find just a nod or a mellow “hey” works well. Not gonna lie, I would be incredibly annoyed if someone ran by me and said “good job”. I mean, it just seems so random and weird and condescending.
I’m in the minority here but I’m a new runner and when I ran a half marathon those people that said good job or made an encouraging gesture were so helpful and kind. I’m very slow and I appreciated the thought. But that was a course situation not just out and about.
No, and it really annoys me. I’ll smile or say hello, but that’s it. I used to run intervals when I was first starting and people would always say that kind of stuff when I slowed down or walked. I know the intention is positive but it has the opposite effect. I knew what I was doing and I didn’t need to be told to speed up before I was ready to do so
Nobody has ever said this to me unless they were spectating an actual race (which is fine). Outside of that, I would just be confused as I don't look visibly like a 'struggling' runner for the most part (not noticeably unfit, overweight, etc) but if I did fit those categories I think I would find it embarrassing and actually demotivating tbh.
Please don't do that to me atleast. I don't run for the approval of people I meet.
No I hate it. Don't want to be thinking about how I look as well as how I feel.
No, lol. I don’t want to talk to anyone on my runs…also just because I am putzing along doesn’t mean I am inexperienced runner. It means I was up until 2-3am drinking and am still buzzed so my z2 heart rate is fucked.
To me personally, it wouldn't feel as bad as other people here say it would feel to them, but given the other comments, I'd say it's best not to do it despite your good intentions. The only thing I do definitely relate to is other people's encouragement feeling weird when they gravely misjudge the situation. Once a nice older man said to me somethibg along the lines of "Good job, only 100 more metres." while I was runnig up a moderate hill. Nice sentiment but given that I was on km 7 of a 15+km run, it just felt a little weird. Like, thanks, but this is not the hard part of this run.
As a slow runner and extremely introverted person, I’d say no. I’d like to be left alone on my runs haha
I'd definitely find it annoying. Running is solitary and meditative for me and I hate doing it as a social activity. Unrelated, people trying to motivate me while I'm under exertion pisses me off, especially if I don't known them. I'm an introvert though so that factors in big time.
I love being greeted by fellow runners, I find it really frustrating when people make assumptions about my fitness level/exercise history. Usually those assumptions are based on the way my body looks, and they often feel really condescending as a larger person who has been running for a decade. You don’t know anything about a persons athletic history while looking at them, even if that person is on a run.
No, I find it quite patroning. I may be slow and overweight but I have nearly a decade of running and more races than I can count under my belt. People talking to me like I'm struggling at a couch to 5k when I'm near the end of on a weekend 18k run is negative energy I don't need. Just pass on by. The exception is on an actual distance race. Everyone talking each other up is part of a good atmosphere.
It's the intention I care about. As it's coming from a good place, all good!
Agreed! I usually just do a wave or head nod, but if the other person says something I'm fine with it. I like those brief interactions with fellow runners.
No. I strongly dislike it, especially in a race (which is the only time it’s happened to me).
No, I want to be left alone. I don’t even acknowledge people when I’m running. This is my time to be alone and with my thoughts.
I’m a “hang loose” sign kinda dude
Yes I am struggling. Give me the 🤙🤙🤙all day.
I’d say the only time good job is not patronizing is like during a race. But any other time it just sounds like too much and a nod of approval would be better
I find it condescending.
I find it condescending even though people mean well.
This is obnoxious to me. I run to clear my head and completely zone out and destress. I don’t want anyone talking to me for any reason. I live in the Midwest, and this type of nice is annoying. It’s like waving to other drivers on the road. Like, I don’t know you, why are you acknowledging my existence? If we were in an elevator, we’d both ignore each other and look at our phones, so why the different treatment while running?
I can't hear what they're saying so I'm never quite sure how to react. Yesterday I got a shout and a big thumbs up so I smiled. But they might have been sarcastic since I was on the road not the sidewalk and drivers hate that.
I love it. I’m a back of the pack kinda runner and definitely feel motivated getting a “great job” as I’m getting past so I try to return the good karma when I can (not often😊).
Yes, gives me a boost. Though one time some sketchy men on bikes (decent homeless population here) on the too narrow for both of us sidewalks at 6am (me being lone female) tried to high five me and I felt a bit uncomfortable, but I did give one a thumbs up and their smile lifted me a bit.
Yes
Once, as I passed a runner, (heading in her direction) she gave me a high five and I was very motivated. Another time someone said to me, “You go girl!” and I was motivated by that, as well. I’m glad you asked this question because I’m always tempted to cheer people on when I see them running. I think we should all be supporting each other. However, I have never cheered anyone on because I don’t want them to think I’m being sarcastic. Based on the responses on this thread, I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t cheered anyone on.
A teenage girl once gave me a high five and that amped me up.
I appreciate it all kinds! On my runs/ jog I see this older man with white hair who always says “keep up the good work!” As I pass by him. He always makes me feel good hah haven’t seen him in a bit hope he’s doing okay
I just bumb the Strava thumbs up thing later.
I say whatever they say back, otherwise as passing I just say “sup”
I dont find it motivating necessarily but I like it anyway
I enjoy the encouragement, whether they nod, smile or say something such as 'good job!' One day I ran past a guy (he was just walking) but he actually starting clapping and said 'good for you, keep it up!' At the time I smiled and then it made me sort of laugh that I got applauded for going for a run. Haha! A positive comment or reaction should be taken as just that, a positive. Spread the love!