Just about every run I do outside includes some instance of catcalling, honking, or other rude remarks. These are generally offered by men or teenage boys, and I deal with these incidents by ignoring them. However, the other day, a couple of middle school girls hurled an insult my way, and something inside me just snapped.

“Run, you skinny b_____! RUN!”

I stopped, turned around, and glared at my assailants, who were across the street.

“CAN I HELP YOU??” one of the girls demanded. Clearly, my stink-eye glare was not at all threatening.

I was so shocked by their brazen attitudes that I just turned and kept running. But I wondered if I should have said something. But what would have helped? I’m not sure I could have taught them the value of respecting other people or treating people how you would like to be treated. So what was the point?

Shortly after, I was catcalled by a group of men standing around on the sidewalk, and then after that, someone yelled something unrecognizable (probably a good thing I didn’t understand) out their window as they sped by.

It’s funny because I recently came across this post on Runner’s World which talks about interactions with drivers/pedestrians and runners. That article also linked to a post about kids yelling “Run, Forest, run!” at runners. (Which DID happen to me last year, also by a group of middle school girls. I ignored them.)

Ah… the joys of running!