Supporter's Etiquette

[Deleted User] · September 2002

We've done moans & heckles but put the Nike on the other foot -

if you see someone running past (training or in a race) and want to show support/encouragement what should you shout.

I can't imagine anything worse than running FLM in front of a silent audience.

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Could try being truthfull.
In my case it would be:
'hurry up you've ages yet' or 'you look terrible do you need a doctor?'

Jonathan · September 2002

I live near Richmond Park and popped in to cheer on all runners at the Nike 10k.

I stood on a log by the 9k mark, clapped and stuck to the diplomatic 'Well done.' for everyone.

I get annoyed by the people telling you to 'speed up', 'come on', or offering not so helpful advice.

I have to admit my favourite supporters are those lifesavers with sweets for the long distance runs!

Nessie · September 2002

I think "well done" is probably best in a race, especially near the end, as it implies that, however bad you look, you look as if you will still make it all the way.

When out training, however, a "well done" implies "well done for getting off the couch but you're still not all that good", so if I pass anyone, particularly anyone who appears to be struggling, I find that "nice night for a run" or "a bit hot tonight" suggests that the runner looks like they have lots of other runs to compare it with.

Ratcatcher · September 2002

My favourite comeback to a roadside supporter was towards the end of a particularly long and gruelling race. Someone was standing shouting 'Keep it up!' to all the runners, until someone came back with the inevitable 'Darling, at this stage I can't even get it up'.

Mike S · September 2002

suggestion - "keep working" - encouraging, also not patronising

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Well done would probably suffice. Someone shouted "to the trees" the other day. Anyone any wiser?

Jonathan · September 2002

Anyone ever had 'run rage' due to an annoying spectator?

WildWill · September 2002

I quite like it if they shout "nice @rse"

Glenn · September 2002

Will, sorry to ask, but does that happen often?

[Deleted User] · September 2002

A smile and an acknowledgement of my presence will do nicely - comments on the quality of my running or, indeed, my anatomy are superfluous to requirements. I always say hello to people I meet when running, and try to shout something cheerful to another runner ("good night for a run" or "it's easier in THIS direction"), but end up feeling as if there's a conspiracy to make me feel invisible. I'm not very big, but I'm not as small as all that!

[Deleted User] · September 2002

...When someone does bother to say "I wish I had your energy" or even "Cheers, luv", I get an energy boost and run the next stretch a bit faster.

Glenn · September 2002

Just remembered one nice comment on a training run "I need to do that"

[Deleted User] · September 2002

I like "Well done" myself.

And of course "Nice ar$e!"

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Oh and if I REALLY am near the end "Not far now" and "You're nearly there"

[Deleted User] · September 2002

On a recent 5 miler I speeded up near the finish but mis judged it and started to fade until a marshall stepped into the road and shouted 'Dig in' and 'Keep going'. I didn't know him but it had an effect and I speeded up again and got a PB.

I don't think it's what is said so much as the conviction with which it is said.

Having said that, anything in a race is better than nothing..

jenks

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Its not the crowd that anoys me but when the finnish anouncer fancies his chances as a comedian just as i aproach the line. what makes their witless babble worse is that they know your name.

[Deleted User] · September 2002

The best I've heard to date is whislt taking a walk break and feeling a bit sorry for myself and lonely in the New Forest marathon, a car slowed down to pass me and a bloke stuck his head out of the window and said "Don't worry mate, there are loads behind you!". That kept me going for ages!

[Deleted User] · September 2002

I had an interesting encounter with a taxi driver while out running, he drove slowly beside me , wound down his window and said "Can you run along side me for a bit mate?, I've got a noisy wheel bearing and I can't tell if its the front or the back,"
Not exactly encouragement but it made a change !

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Referring to my butt, a guy on a pushbike said to me once "you need lights' Wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment (ie that I should draw more attention to it coz it is so taut and goregeous) or if he meant it was the size of a car.

[Deleted User] · September 2002

as I trudged up the portway the other day if someone coming down had said "Its a bloody long way but you're right, it is ever so slightly downhill this way....

[Deleted User] · September 2002

... and yes, the wind is behind me..

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Dont do " your nearly there" unless you are 10 feet from the last corner before the finish!

I supose "wow! Paula could I get your autograph at the finish?" would be pretty inspiring? Even for a bloke!!

[Deleted User] · September 2002

A few weeks ago, I was asked, "what are you training for? London?" Thought that was nice.
"You're looking strong," is a good comment.

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Awwww, Ep , got a lump in my throat
Had a nice "Keep going" out of a car tonight, nearly fainted in shock!!

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