If you are passing someone in a race - should you say something or not? (Read 1608 times)

I know when I am passed I appreciate it when they say something encouraging - however are others offended? What do you think?

I like it when people say a little something-usually something that'll make me chuckle or just about the race! I'm there to enjoy the people! Kathy

If there's something funny to say, sure.

I don't mind when somebody says something encouraging to me, and I'll usually encourage somebody as I pass them by, but there are definitely some people that would rather be left alone and I won't say nice pace or something like that to somebody that looks like they are about to die.

Encouraging remarks by a passing runner are always patronizing, regardless of the intentions of the runner who is passing. Their practical consequences are either to break the spirit of the runner that is being passed or to piss them off in such a way that they decide they have to beat you. If you decide to employ this tactic in your next race, it is important to reflect upon the character of the person you are passing in order to achieve the desired effect. MTA: I know that the positive experiences of some of the posters who have given or received such remarks seem to belie the categorical statement I made in my first sentence. But it is worthwhile to reflect on how and why the runners they passed were friendly to them after the race. Were they sizing these unsuspecting souls up for the next race? Looking for psychological weaknesses? Attempting to regain some dignity by pretending not to be offended by the passing runner's remarks? Were they uniquely gracious souls who do not let one patronizing remark tarnish their view of the whole person? Can we be so sure that the OP herself was encouraged by the remarks of the runners who passed her--or did the resentment foisted upon her those remarks lead her to post this thread in the hope that the controversy, disagreement, and vitriol provoked therein will provide the comforting thought that other lost souls share in the secret and burning shame those very remarks provoked?

Encouraging remarks by a passing runner are always patronizing, regardless of the intentions of the runner who is passing.

Actually, its never patronizing when I do it. It's only patronizing when someone does it to me. Weird, huh? Okay, there is one time its not patronizing: when its a far superior runner. Of course, they're not passing me; they usually finished the race an hour before and are hanging by the side of the road. But suppose you (to use a random example) were pacing somebody, and you passed me. And commented on how lithe and handsome I was. In that case, I would not feel patronized. The rest of the time, yeah. It just makes me want to throw baseball bats at peoples knees.

heh...it doesnt usually bother me. But one time I got thanked by a 60 yr old man for holding a nice pace for him for my 10K (major PR and breakthrough) race....as he peeled off to start loop 2 of his 30K race. Ouch. I guess if someone looks like they are really struggling near the end I will say something like "you got it" Usually near the end I am too blown to talk or hear.

I chat with almost everyone I pass and vice-versa... sometimes I'll even slow down and talk to them for 5-10 minutes... but ultrarunners are super friendly like that.