While running is great, there are some things that female runners hate. These are things that come up that can make training and races awkward, uncomfortable, or, in some cases, hostile experiences. Obviously, I can only speak for myself, but these are the things I want no part of as a female runner.
Here they are, presented in no particular order.
Periods
I said what I said. Running during that time of the month can be straight-up horrific. While not every woman is afflicted (due to age or for other medical reasons), those who are deal with things like cramps, bloating, ravenous hunger, GI issues, and other miserable effects. That’s not even taking into account the logistics of sanitary products during runs or workouts. Ugh.
Cat Calls
For the folks in back who think it’s flattering to whistle, holler, or otherwise catcall at women out running (or walking or just out and about minding their own damn business), stop. It. Right. Now. Female runners generally do not appreciate being distracted from their activities by strangers. For one thing, it’s rude. It can also lead to those females feeling unsafe, which is absolutely unacceptable.
Honking Car Horns
See “cat calls”. Honking can also lead to accidents as it’s so loud and jarring. More than once I’ve been startled by a car horn and tripped or stumbled as I tried to prepare myself for an emergency. Spoiler alert: it’s never been an emergency, but always someone trying to get my attention so they can then cat call me.
Being Followed
Whether in person or in vehicle, being followed is a truly terrifying experience for any female runner. Unless you are trying to return something a woman might have dropped, or need to give her some form of warning, there is zero reason to follow her. Don’t do it.
Having To Create Safety Plans
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just want to run without worrying about the time, location, or my personal safety. Yes, it’s smart to tell someone where we will be running and to stick to well-populated, well-lit areas, but it’s a hassle that I, for one, despise. I don’t let it hold me back, but I wish I could just hop out the door and go without a list of considerations. (Here are some additional safety tips).
Comments On Our Clothes
Do I like wearing cute clothes? Yes. Do I need people making unnecessary remarks about the length of my shorts or how my butt looks in my tights? Nope. I’m trying to get my run in, and if my shorts are short, it’s because I’m 5’10” with long legs. If my clothes are form fitting, it’s because baggy clothes suck for running, and if I’m wearing just a sports bra on top, it’s because I live in Florida and it’s 90 something degrees. There is no need to make any comments about our appearance, other than “OMG, I love that {article of clothing}! Where did you get it?” I’m always happy to share that info.
Unwelcome Physical Interaction
While I am personally willing to return most polite high-fives from strangers (at least during non-COVID times), I am not down for hugs, butt slaps, or physical crowding from anyone who’s not my husband or my friend. If you want to run WITH me, cool, let’s do it, but if our hands keep brushing, even if I keep inching away, you’re too close. Please remember, running is NOT a contact sport.
As a female runner, what do you absolutely hate?
Join the Runner’s Roundup!
Great points, Jenn! Being followed would freak me out, especially on a lonely trail.
Fortunately, the only thing I have had to deal with are catcalls (which I usually ignore). Interestingly, I get these much less here in South Africa compared to Europe.
I was out on a trail race when a man physically intimidated me at night. It was a relay, and I was on a night leg. Since it was near Halloween, he and his buddies thought it would be HILARIOUS to dress up like movie serial killers. He was Jason. I heard him coming (because he had a speaker playing the Jason theme music) so I got out of the way, because I didn’t want to be near him. Instead of being a good running citizen, he came right into my space, got in my face, and then continued his run. I reported his ass to the RD because if he took someone by surprise and scared them in the dark, it could have led to an accident. I was so pissed about the whole thing.
When I lived in NY I dealt with so many of those issues. For whatever reason now I don’t get much of it. Some horn honking, which I agree is startling and annoying. The one thing I wish is that I didn’t have to be so concerned with safety. My husband goes out for a run whenever and wherever he feels like it, by himself, in the dark… I’m like “that must be nice!”
I do wish I could run in the dark without being nervous. It’s probably for the better, I would probably trip and fall. 🙂
Honking horns are startling, and I’m never sure if it’s someone I know and if I should wave.
I give nasty looks or ignore. Honking is so rude.
That’s what I’m saying! I just want to go run. I don’t want to have to text and drop a pin and call when I’m leaving and make sure no one’s too close to me, etc. Just let me do my thing!
I’ve been lucky — almost no cat calls, ne er been followed. Still, there are areas I don’t run alone because there have been attacks. There are areas I do run alone where there’ve been attacks, too.
Periods are not so I have e to worry about any more, but lemme tell you it was no fun towards the end there. Never knew when Optique would strike or how long it would last. I was surprised on race day more than once. It was so frustrating no longer being regular!
Then there was the time I thought I was in menopause because it had literally been a year & yup, on race day it hit! I had to ALWAYS travel with tampons. Plus I was in my mid 50s when that finally ended!
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…I’ve missed you, Spring Running!
Mine has shown up with a vengeance at some big races (two weeks early for my marathon and my husband had to beg First Aid for some supplies that I had to tuck in my bra for the run). Come on, body! Do better!
I’m not going to be sorry when that’s all done.
since I normally run with other women, people don’t seem to bother us too much out there. The period thing is always super annoying but once I start running it feels better.
I do always run through my period, but I’m at that fun age where now it’s just out of control when it starts, and it’s caught me off guard at some races. Good times. Really.
Yes, all of the above. Thankfully, a perk to (somewhat) small town living is that I feel safe most of the time. Also, though not mentioned, is the care & maintenance of my longish hair after a run …I don’t have the luxury of just wash & wear (but that’s on me LOL).
Same here, but things can happen anywhere.
Hair is super annoying. I can wash and wear, thank goodness, but I’ve fully embraced the messy top knot.
Totally agree! I hate that we have SO much to think about. Running shouldn’t be so complicated!
It really shouldn’t. Obviously, I always try to be prepared, but sometimes, I don’t want to spend the energy.
All good points.
I feel lucky not to having to deal with anything you mentioned.
Too old I guess. Lol.
I wouldn’t say “too old.” Maybe people are just better behaved where you live. I’m glad you haven’t dealt with these things. It can be unnerving.
Yes, to all of this! And on the horn honking – this also goes for people who know you. There are some routes I run where people who know me will honk and frantically wave from their cars. So it’s clearly meant to be positive and friendly, BUT it’s always sooo startling. I’d rather they just waved.
My husband honked at me once. ONCE. He will never do it again lol.
I jumped out of on a standing recovery between hill sprints the other day when someone honked at me. Honking bothers me so much!
Once I passed a male runner during a progression long run and he tailed me for almost two miles. I came very close to macing him, but the trail was crowded and I didn’t want to get charged with assault. Fortunately he fell off pace well before I got to my car, because I was worried about what would happen then.
That’s really scary. We shouldn’t have to deal with unsafe situations, but here we are. Stay safe <3
If I’m still running when I hit menopause I’m going to love a week of chafe free running from pads. Is there really TMI among runners? LOL
and yes, the fit comments drive me nuts. Part of what I loved about More than an Ornament podcast episode. Our body is a tool, not something pretty to be commented at by strangers