Is it rude to ask a neighborhood runner if they mind you joining them?

Question

I'm an off/on runner (more off than on) who would like to get off the treadmill and out on the streets but a little afraid to run by myself since I'm normally on the treadmill around 5am. I've noticed this runner in the neighborhood that I'm tempted to ask if I can join him. Is it rude to ask him during his run since I don't know where he lives? Or should I just not bother?

Answer 1

It won't hurt to ask. Usually a "trial" run might be best, just to see if your paces and personilities match up. You might want to pick a central location to meet and run together, since it is not a good idea to tell people where you live untill you know more about them.

I would advise that you check to see if there are any local running clubs in your area. A lot of them have scheduled training runs and meet in "public" locations. You will be able to meet a lot of runners with different skill levels and most likely will get a lot of motivation from them. Running stores will usually be able to tell you who to contact and the internet can provide a lot of information as well.

Good luck. It is always more fun to do things together and you are more likely to become a consistent runner.

Answer 2

It's certainly not rude to ask if you can join him. Some runners, like myself, like to run alone but do not mind company occasionally.
What you should be more concerned with is whether or not you both have the same running pace and distance goals. If you are a faster runner or he wants to run farther (or vice versa) than it's not a good match regardless of the safety factor.

Answer 3

It's definitely not rude to ask. I also don't think it would be rude if they said they didn't want a partner. Because this runner runs more than you, they are undoubtedly in better shape. It would be rude to try forcing the other runner to go slower than they want to. Keep in mind that this runner may be more competitive than you realize and may be training, so you would likely interrupt that by joining. If they aren't competitive, I hope that they will enjoy your company and that you'll begin a nice friendship with this.

Answer 4

basically it isnt ruide but the runner might be annoyed because they would like to jog alone.

what you can do is just take a jog around the same time as them on the other side of the road to them so your basically next to them, if they get annoyed they will stop, slow down or go faster meaning they would rather you didnt run with them. if they stay at the same pace they may start talking or even join you!

Answer 5

He might appreciate the company - but then he might not.

Some runners like to set their own pace and not have to fall in with another person.

Ask anyway - he can only say no.

And, who knows, it could be the start of a great friendship.

Answer 6

Ask him. What's the worst that could happen? If he says "no" or that he prefers to run by himself (which is common, it might be his only alone time), no biggie. If he bites your head off for interrupting him for 2 seconds, which I doubt will happen, then he's an egotistical jerk and you wouldn't want to run with him anyway.

Answer 7

Not at all. Just mention you would like to have a running buddy and if he minds if you come along.

I know I'd prefer company myself.

Answer 8

Not rude at all. He'd probably love to have a running partner.

Answer 9

no it's not rude it's friendly

it also makes sense you don't want to run alone

if you can match his pace, it should be great

if you are slower then maybe it won't work out

either way it's totally not rude to ask

Answer 10

I think it is plenty ok to ask. Especially that early. It is much safer to have a partner with you. I would bet he would like to have someone with him.