Applause update.

[Sybilw]

I ran on the edge of town yesterday and got a round of applause from two walkers. 😁 It made my day. Today I walked into town and saw two ladies who looked familiar so I asked if they’d been out yesterday. Guess what? One of them WAS part of my fan club from yesterday. 🤣 How’s that for a coincidence - I didn’t think our town was that small!! Anyway it meant I was able to say a proper thank you and tell her how much it meant to me. She also said how impressed she was. I’m saying that not because I was impressive (unless hot, sweaty and red counts 🥵) but just to show that people are NOT seeing us run/jog/hobble/🐌 past and thinking the worst. Happy running folks - I 👏🏻 👏🏻 you all too.

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Imagine meeting her twice in 2 days. I like to think taking up running is impressive , hot, sweaty , red face and it hard work but so enjoyable 😊😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Amazing coincidence but so glad I approached her to ask. Think it’s all a reflection of a more friendly attitude by everyone just now. We were just saying how cars are happy to slow down or stop to allow walkers to cross the road. I agree though - running is all those things 😆

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Love this... that is such a lovely thing to do, and I bet that made your day!

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

It so did. 😆

[RunaroundSue Graduate10]

When I did my very first C25K run I passed a couple walking their dog as I went up and down our little park (now my 5 minute cool down walk!)

The man called out encouragement as we passed several times. Near the end I said "one more time then I finish"

When I approached the turning circle for the last time they had been joined by a lady and her dog.

As I came to a stop they applauded me. That gave me such a boost because I had never run before.

I still see the lady in the park from time to time and have stopped for a chat occasionally.

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to RunaroundSue]

Oh what a lovely start to your adventure (don’t like to use “journey” as I feel I need to get the violin out!! 😂). Also that you still see them and chat. I know people are wary to run in public but I’m sure most non runners are simply impressed we’re trying.

[RunaroundSue Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

I know what you mean about a journey. My running adventure has lasted nearly 4 years so far

And yes, most people round here will speak or at least nod a greeting.

Although I had a bizarre experience on Monday. I was running up the road and came up behind a woman with a dog and a couple were coming towards us.

I would have stepped round into the road to give them space but an ASDA van was heading down towards me. So I stopped in a driveway. The woman with dog stepped into the nextdoor driveway.

The woman coming down the hill smiled at woman with dog and thanked her, then turned her head to completely blank me! Her companion nodded his head at me, maybe a bit embarrassed-looking although that could have been my imagination. Odd!

Still, at least people like that are in the minority

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to RunaroundSue]

Oh how odd. Maybe she was shortsighted and could only see one driveway ahead! 🤣 I’m talking from the perspective of having a husband so deaf he always appears to ignore everyone - even me next to him on the sofa!! As you say - most people are nice.

[RunaroundSue Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

Maybe

[Hidden]

That's lovely. I received a cheery "Well done, keep going!" from a lovely old man this morning whilst he was out on his morning walk. Then an old lady cheered me on my way back. It makes such a difference 😀. I'm glad you had the opportunity to chat to your fan club!

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Unexpected but so glad I could! I’m happy you have encouraging neighbours too. It makes a huge difference.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

That was quite a coincidence for you Sybilw, being applauded on any run will make your day, I have only been applauded twice in all of the runs since I started C25K in April 2018, the rwo occasions were half way through run 3 of week 5 and half way through run 3 of week 9, however, near to where I live I walk 🚶 run🏃🏾 and 🚴 cycle, recently when walking people have been asking me, not running today?, I usually answer that my running days are Wednesday and Saturday, cycling day is usually a Sunday and I go walking every day although not always on that route that I 🏃🏾 run or cycle 🚴

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Well I wonder how they managed to applause your 2 most important runs?! Another coincidence. It seems we started this adventure the same month too! Here’s to more happy coincidences.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

On run 2 of week 9 someone I passed told me to slow down, lol, I have never ran a sub 30 minute 5k, I didn't think I was running all that fast that day. 😊 🏃🏾 👍

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

I’ve never been told to slow down 🤣 and will never crack 30 min but happy with what I’ve managed. 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

To them I looked as if I was running fast because as I passed them I reckon that they were walking at 90 minutes 5K pace.

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

As we know - it’s all relative! 😆

[RunaroundSue Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

I don't think anyone has ever told me to slow down

[RunaroundSue Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Yes, there is a woman near us who has been asking for nearly 4 years - oh are you not running today!

I was thinking of having a t-shirt made to say "no, today is not a running day"

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to RunaroundSue]

You could get an orange Contra one with that as your customisation!! 🤣

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Fantastic to re-meet your fan club. We moved to our new tiny village a week ago now and have done lots of standing chatting to people as everyone is so friendly. Today a mother and pram announced she seems to see us every day - oops, hubby and I are always out walking around, but it also is a very small village so great to be laying down connections during lockdown. Happy running 🤗

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Us Scots are very friendly! I’m sure you’ll settle in to your permanent new home just as quickly! 😆

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

Thank you

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

How lovely Sybilw, and great that you got the chance to say thank you.

When I as on couch25K I was cheered on by young lad in his push chair, saying well done. I suspect he had a running parent and had been to parkrun or races. It made my day.

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Little things make all the difference in life!

[Mum22boys Graduate10]

This is fab and brought a big smile to my face 😀 now you've seen her twice you'll probably see her all the time!

[Sybilw Graduate10]

I might well - I’ll certainly look out for her #newbestfriend 😆

[Allbarron 60minGraduate]

This happened to me too in the latter part of C25K. As I finished my first 25 min run in the park I ran up a hill and was so pleased I did the Rocky dance. As I turned a group of dog walkers were behind me and all applauding. 😌 It gives you such a boost. It's lovely to hear it's happening now when runners are sometimes getting a bad press. I think most people recognise that it's not easy. How nice though that you got to speak to them. Have a great weekend all 🏃

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Allbarron]

Thank you. It does help when others appreciate your efforts - even complete strangers! I’ve been lucky and never felt any hostility when I’m out running but realise that’s not always the case. Have a great (running) weekend.

[Hidden]

So true!! There are so many positive people out there. How lovely! Well done for letting her know.

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Surprised I recognised her but so glad I did!

[Jonno34 Graduate10]

I quite often give an applause to other runners, just a little clap, sometimes just a thumbs up. Never sure if it is patronising but I would like it Sometimes I see people with weight issues and just give a thumbs up or hand on heart sign just to say "I am with you guys" as have been there myself. Never sure if I should be though!

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Jonno34]

I’ve got that dilemma too - how good a runner do you need to be to find it an insult? All I know is I’ll never be that good!!! 😆

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Well done Sybilw , some people think runners are awesome....and they’re so right! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

We certainly are!! I think they need to make a patting-yourself-on-the-back emoji 😆 Not sure my outing this morning earned one but I was out there (insert excuse here!! 💨 🏔 😑)