I hate running with people

[Virginia Plain]

Specifically during the week, in the a.m. I have to go to work. I just want to get my run in and go.
Plus, I run w/my dog and he's a hound and difficult enough to maneuver through the streets.

There's a guy down the street from me who I've been chatting with in the a.m.s when I get back from my run. He vapes, but that's neither here nor there. He mentioned once that he's going to join me on one of my runs.  That happened to day.  I'm jogging down the street and he comes trotting up, asking me if he can join me.  I agree (reluctantly b/c I just want to be alone in my run).  I'm also thinking that b/c he vapes, he won't make it out my neighborhood (I was doing 5 miles today). He hangs in for 2 miles and heads back home b/c he has to get to work. 

I really don't want this to become a thing. Plus, DH doesn't like it b/c he doesn't even know the guy. I've only chatted w/him a handful of times, so I don't know him well.

[Handsome Jack]

I run with people once a week on Saturdays, otherwise I prefer to be by myself.

I cant imagine asking some random woman around here if it would be OK to run with her - weird. If he tries to join you again let him know you run by usually yourself and the dog can be a PITA with someone else running nearby.

[Fast Eddie]

I'm a fan of the loneliness of the long distance runner as well.   At least you now have an excuse to do some tempo work to drop the guy ASAP. 

[Coyote Mas Loco]

Girls who wanted to date me when I was in college would ask if I could take them out for a run.

I don't mind running with other people, especially for tempo runs, long runs, or workouts but this year I haven't done much of that--just every month or so.

[Belgian Lace]

"No, thanks!" and then keep running.

I would follow up later, though.  "Sorry, man. Running's my (training, therapy, personal time, dog bonding time, catch up on podcasts...) and I've gotten pretty protective of it.  Thanks for understanding!"

This is almost verbatim the conversation I had with a relative who insists on coming with me on my track runs even though she doesn't run.  She'd expect me to stop and talk to her each lap.   

[BonitaApplebum]

I can think of a hundred reasons I don't want to run with someone else. (My husband not approving isn't one of them, though.)

I like LoG's suggestions.

[El Chupacabra]

If I do, it's never with women. I can only imagine how happy my wife would be if I was out running with someone and came back looking happy and describing how much fun it was.

I think it's funny that you have to be blunt and explain this to some women.

[BonitaApplebum]

Mike Pence, is that you?

[witchypoo]

me, too.

years ago, i ran every tuesday evening with a coworker.  and then i moved away.  she was and will remain the only person with whom i could run without wanting to strangle someone.

[Virginia Plain]

me, too.

years ago, i ran every tuesday evening with a coworker.  and then i moved away.  she was and will remain the only person with whom i could run without wanting to strangle someone.

   I have one of those too.  My old neighbor Deeanna. 

[nadra's babydaddy]

Running with (pre-planned) groups I like.  Running with random weirdos who take it upon themselves to join me? 

[El Chupacabra]

Mike Pence, is that you?

When Harry Met Sally Men And Women Cannot Be Friends

[Coyote Mas Loco]

Running with (pre-planned) groups I like.  Running with random weirdos who take it upon themselves to join me? 

Definitely this. I've seen/experienced many sides to the situation, but more on an acquaintance basis not someone who happens to live/hang out down the street. One of the oddest though was with my wife, before we were married in fact. This older guy (ha my age now, or maybe younger) from the Denver area always seemed to be at the races we did down there and he'd always try to run with her in the race and talk to her in the middle of a freaking 8K at sub 6 minute pace. It was a little bit ish! 

But by all means carry on BA and El C while I munch on my virtual popcorn.

[Handsome Jack]

I was out for my Sunday long run a couple of weekends ago on a quiet trail. The place is frequented by mountain bikers but for whatever reason it was silent that morning.

Lost in my thoughts for a long stretch when someone suddenly came up on my right and passed me with the usual greeting (passing on your right!) but not until they were right on top of me.

Scared the Dickens out of me and I let out a huge Jesus-yelp. He stayed with me for a bit but I made it clear I wanted to be lost in my thoughts again.

Damn runners.

[Rochey]

I'm not taking any side, but I have seen more than my fair share of marriages/relationships crumble as a result of opposite sex running partners engaging in extracurricular activities while doing their extracurricular activities. My training partner is male but he's like a part of the family. Occasionally my husband will make a comment when I go meet a group, and I normally blow it off. But I could understand his concern, I suppose.

[Suesquatch]

Yup. I think Mike might be perturbed if I started spending a lot of time, ed ven running, with another man. And I would respect that.

I think that's weird, the vaper, and I'd tell him no. Nicely, like the girl I was socialized to be.

[diablita]

I got to run with Virginia Plain and she liked it 

I would not be ok with that neighbor dude joining again.  "Thanks but I'm kind of set in my ways."  I wouldn't even tell him you like to run alone that early in the am -- he may know but why confirm.

[Virginia Plain]

I'm not taking any side, but I have seen more than my fair share of marriages/relationships crumble as a result of opposite sex running partners engaging in extracurricular activities while doing their extracurricular activities. My training partner is male but he's like a part of the family. Occasionally my husband will make a comment when I go meet a group, and I normally blow it off. But I could understand his concern, I suppose.

I totally agree.  There's NOTHING to do but get to know each other real well. 

BTW, he did it again today.  I really need to do something about this. He vapes, so don't see it lasting for too long.  But he hung in for 5 miles today.

[radial]

I'm not usually one to suggest running away from a problem, but in this case, that's just what I would do.  Whenever he shows up to stalk you, just accelerate until he can't keep up.  As he drops away, throw a little see-ya wave over your shoulder and keep accelerating. 

[Virginia Plain]

I'm not usually one to suggest running away from a problem, but in this case, that's just what I would do.  Whenever he shows up to stalk you, just accelerate until he can't keep up.  As he drops away, throw a little see-ya wave over your shoulder and keep accelerating. 

I totally tried to do that this a.m. when he stopped to take a few walk breaks.  He totally caught up to me every time.

[radial]

I totally tried to do that this a.m. when he stopped to take a few walk breaks.  He totally caught up to me every time.

That fat beagle is slowing you down, girl!   

[Virginia Plain]

That fat beagle is slowing you down, girl!   

 

[Rochey]

That fat beagle is slowing you down, girl!   

 

You need to be direct with this guy.  This is getting weird. 

[RandMart]

Stay safe, Sara

https://www.runnersworld.com/running-while-female

****

It might be wise to switch your running time, or route, or something?

I know that your immediate response would be "Oh no! I'm not letting this creep make me change! I'm not gonna let him control me!"

But, with it getting lighter later [=staying darker longer], and since he showed you that yeah, he can catch you anytime he wants, maybe you should exercise a little extra caution

Do you run an out & back or a loop? If you run a loop, you could go the opposite way [clockwise vs. counterclockwise, for instance], so that when he runs with/chases you, you're running back into your neighborhood; where a nice large friendly man could meet you and perhaps escort the vapo-stalker back his own way?

Since you already know where the guy lives, perhaps some helpful local law enforcement could check things out for you? A quick public records search, perhaps?

[Virginia Plain]

So, instead of running from my house, I drove to the Y and ran from the parking lot.  Totally new route.  And I got chased and barked at my a dog. 

I really hate this guy now.

Hey Rando!!     Good to see you!!!!

[nadra's babydaddy]

Good plan.  I love driving places to run!  Beats running through the 2 miles of construction and lame utah traffic to get to the bike path. 

[Mrtambourineman]

I had a friend that I ran with a lot - we were pretty evenly matched - and I've run with MrsT, and that's gone ok. I do think its best to just do your own thing though.   

[RandMart]

Hey Rando!!     Good to see you!!!!

Thanks, babe

Just wanted to come over for half a sec to show my concern & support

Plus, it's the Running Forum, so I figured no one would see me here

See ya later

[nadra's babydaddy]

But we need you to give us the righteous indignation report from slowtwitch the next time someone gets 'punched' in a triathlon!

[Virginia Plain]

But we need you to give us the righteous indignation report from slowtwitch the next time someone gets 'punched' in a triathlon!

 

[RandMart]

But we need you to give us the righteous indignation report from slowtwitch the next time someone gets 'punched' in a triathlon!

Yeah, I should probably go update the Mike Rossi thread

[Coyote Mas Loco]

Yeah, I should probably go update the Mike Rossi thread

That thread was deleted. It became useless after the first month/20000 posts or so, with crazy talk by a bunch of conspiracy theorists and such. However there is a new one that appeared last month after Rossi was arrested on assault charges, apparently striking his wife in a domestic dispute. A real peach. But he promises to become a better man.

Good to see you and even though you hate us, nice that you dropped by.

[RandMart]

Good to see you and even though you hate us, nice that you dropped by.

Hahahahaha!

Thanks, but let's not make this about me. It's Sara's thread; I just popped over to show support & concern

[siamesedream]

Hahahahaha!

Thanks, but let's not make this about me. It's Sara's thread; I just popped over to show support & concern

The only thing that can defeat you is Haddonite.

[Coyote Mas Loco]

Hahahahaha!

Thanks, but let's not make this about me. It's Sara's thread; I just popped over to show support & concern

It's always all about you!

(I'm kidding)

[Rochey]

VP, you can tell your sis that I've started running some with my pup to keep his weight in check.  He's 9 months and can go about 1.5 miles at a time.  He loves it!  Now he sleeps by the front door and waits for me in the mornings!

[Virginia Plain]

VP, you can tell your sis that I've started running some with my pup to keep his weight in check.  He's 9 months and can go about 1.5 miles at a time.  He loves it!  Now he sleeps by the front door and waits for me in the mornings!

I bet he's really fat.