General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement. Rss Feed  
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2013-08-28 7:51 AM

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Subject: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
This past weekend I was running a race and saw some folks walking near the end and as I was passing them (I wasn't flying by....just a nice easy pass) I didn't say anything, but just gave them a pat on the back/shoulder for some encouragement and a "hang in there" fist pump. All seemed to have a nice smile and didn't mind the gesture.

Thoughts?


2013-08-28 7:54 AM
in reply to: FurnaceM3

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
Words of encouragement are great, and very often appreciated, but I would tend to keep my hands to myself in this situation.

2013-08-28 8:03 AM
in reply to: Goosedog

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
Unless you know them I would avoid any back pats even for encouragement it can throw off the runner.

A "good job, keep it up" is always appreciated.
2013-08-28 9:21 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.

Originally posted by Jtiger Unless you know them I would avoid any back pats even for encouragement it can throw off the runner. A "good job, keep it up" is always appreciated.

Fist bumps/high fives are OK, but I'd limit any physical contact to that. 

Mark



Edited by RedCorvette 2013-08-28 9:22 AM
2013-08-28 9:31 AM
in reply to: FurnaceM3


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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
I practically dragged a guy up a hill in a race last year. He was a larger fellow so I thought i'd keep him going to the top and then say my goodbyes and get on with it. We got to the top and he had a strange look on his face, turned out he wasn't in the race at all and was just out for a jog!!
2013-08-28 11:16 AM
in reply to: Goosedog

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
People just tell me "nice swim".


2013-08-28 2:22 PM
in reply to: FurnaceM3

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
In a tri, I always say "keep it up" or "nice job" to anyone I pass, or get passed by (that happens more frequently). Thinking about it now though, I relized that I don't say anything to other participants in stand alone run races that I do...weird.
2013-08-28 8:31 PM
in reply to: blbriley

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
Originally posted by blbriley

People just tell me "nice swim".
That is one of my favorites ! Then there's the old -wait a minute???

In my 4th race, a guy that I had been leapfrogging on the bike, came out of T-2 next to me and he says, well I hope you aren't a strong runner too....

So encouragement in a positive manner is always appreciated when passing or being passed, especially on a quiet or stretched out course. I usually say something like -latch on, let's go. And when getting passed, usually say something to the effect of - chase em down or go get em. The comments that get old though is, you're almost there....duh !
2013-08-28 8:42 PM
in reply to: FurnaceM3

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.

Words of encouragment: Definitely

High Fives / fist bumps: Definitely

Touching other random people (especially from behind): I would not recommend it.  If it was outside of a race I would say definitely not, in a race it's more ok though.   ...but I could see this being different in different countries/regions.

 

2013-08-29 7:45 AM
in reply to: Chillin

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.

x2 words of encouragement, high fives, i'm all for. 

I would think it very weird to be touched/pushed from behind. 

2013-08-29 7:58 AM
in reply to: Shortyy

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
I do it sometimes. It's situational.


2013-08-29 11:17 AM
in reply to: blbriley

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.

Originally posted by blbriley People just tell me "nice swim".

Hmmm...  Someone said this to me as he passed me near the start of the bike in a recent race.  Thought he was just being nice, as I actually had a nice swim for me, but am now wondering if maybe not so much(?).

Is this a backhanded compliment/forehanded nastygram? 

Never thought about it that way, as I pretty much always say something nice (not snarky) to people I pass or that pass me (and rarely get a response, but that's cuz I'm in New England, I think).  Wink

Matt

2013-08-29 2:56 PM
in reply to: Shortyy

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
Originally posted by Shortyy

x2 words of encouragement, high fives, i'm all for. 

I would think it very weird to be touched/pushed from behind. 




This. I don't like it when strangers touch me. High fives in races can be fun, but if someone just patted me on the back, it would bother me.
2013-08-29 3:06 PM
in reply to: happyscientist


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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
yeah, i'd prefer not to be patted

....unless it is by a pretty woman.
2013-08-30 9:45 PM
in reply to: TriTC

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
I have a strong aversion to being touched by strangers.
2013-08-31 6:48 AM
in reply to: FurnaceM3

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
I would probably ignore you. Unless it's the very beginning of the run, pretty much the only thing in my brain is "don't walk, don't walk don't walk don't walk, can I go faster? No? Ok, just don't walk."
I don't generally get passed by that many people on the run (combination of good runner and terrible swimmer), but if you were passing me and said something "great job" or "keep it up" and patted me on the back, what I would hear is "You look terrible, you look like you're about to give up, and look at me, I'm passing you because I feel great" and I would probably make it my goal just to beat you for being so condescending.... It's possible I'm a little competitive.

The only people I usually acknowledge on the course are a) team mates going the opposite direction on an out and back, they will get a head nod or a fist pump, no words, or b) people who I'm leapfrogging, because that's just funny.


2013-08-31 7:50 AM
in reply to: FurnaceM3

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
Interesting question- it would completely depend on the person being passed. I'm sure some people would think "Awesome! That guy patted me on the shoulder for encouragement, I'm going to dig deep now and push myself! Triathlon sure is a supportive community!", while other people might think- "Jerk! Yeah, I know I'm slow, you don't have to rub it in with your condescending gestures- God I hate show offs, I hope he trips and rolls an ankle!" So, I think I would keep my hands to myself and just say "Almost there!" or "Good job!" or "Keep it up!" or just a simple thumbs up as you pass.
2013-08-31 8:11 AM
in reply to: johnmoran

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
I'm so clumsy, if you patted me on the back, I'd fall down.
2013-08-31 9:03 AM
in reply to: FurnaceM3

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
It sounds like your gesture was well-received.  But I guess you never know until afterwards if it wouldn't be.  In the sue-happy world we live in, maybe it's best I guess to keep it non-contact.  Doesn't sound like anybody was bothered, though.  Good for you providing the encouragement.
2013-09-02 1:46 PM
in reply to: #4840901

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Subject: RE: Pats on the back/shoulder for encouragement.
I come from an Italian family and an Italian town. Everyone touches. wouldn't have bothered me,
Nancy
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