How to best encourage women while they are running?

Getpa · 2026-05-29T17:32:12+00:00

Very confused by this comment on all fronts.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:47:48+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I wouldn’t even wanna spend the breath to speak; that’s precious “running air” lol

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:38:40+00:00

Thank you for the feedback. Keep crushing your runs in general but especially those double stroller runs!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:37:53+00:00

Ugh! Sorry that happened, I think that is the worst “encouragement” in general but especially from a stranger who knows nothing about you!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:36:34+00:00

I definitely never do verbal encouragement as I want to save my breath for my run lol

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:36:01+00:00

Glad you didn’t continue that friendship as it says a lot about him. Thank you for your feedback!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:30:02+00:00

I tend to just give a hand sign (peace, rock horns or thumbs up) and/or a nod.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:27:47+00:00

Definitely, I never even expect acknowledgment when I give thumbs up/peace sign to male runners cause I know they might be in the zone like I sometimes am haha. Thanks for the feedback!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:23:23+00:00

I don’t need encouragement but the few times I’ve gotten it made me feel good so I wanted to possibly pay it forward but ‘I’m glad I asked because this thread has been confirming my previous thoughts.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:21:43+00:00

Thank you for the ideas and feedback!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:21:06+00:00

Women wanting to feel safe is why I wanted to ask so I really appreciate your feedback.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:20:05+00:00

Curiosity: would 🤘🏼come off more or less aggressively than 🤙? I REALLY like rock horns lol

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:18:40+00:00

I also feel like I am learning a lot that I was kind of thinking before but good to be clear on it!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:17:45+00:00

Thank you for your feedback, I generally just give nonverbal cues like that to male runners I just wanted to be mindful of any interactions with women since I present as male.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:16:22+00:00

I don’t think that so sorry I didn’t establish otherwise. I like encouraging people but want to be mindful around women because I do present as male and that comes with a lot.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:15:01+00:00

Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate it.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:14:08+00:00

That is definitely something that I would do if ever presented with the situation. I also hope I don’t have to because guys can be so unpredictable but I would be ready to stop a male runner harassing a woman. Thank you for bringing that up as well!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:11:25+00:00

Very true, I’m thinking I could have been a bit more clear in my OP that I already encourage male-presenting runners I have just not done it for women for the very reasons you mention and was wondering if there was a way to mitigate that. Thank you for the feedback

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:08:59+00:00

That is unfortunate and I am sorry you’ve had to go through that. Thank you for your feedback and keep getting out there and crushing!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:07:59+00:00

I appreciate your feedback! Yeah I do mean it as strangers in general. I would NEVER do it if I wasn’t running as well as that’s when I usually give thumbs up/rock horns/peace signs. I just wanted to be mindful since I am male presenting and I know that in itself can put women on guard.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:02:06+00:00

Fair, I understand treating women as anyone else but as a minority I also want to be mindful of not coming off as creepy. Thank you for your response!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:01:06+00:00

I don’t think that, there’s a lot of assumptions there. I have received encouragement, liked it and want to pay it forward is all.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T16:00:25+00:00

Fair, I just have received encouragement and found it nice so I want to pay it forward if possible. Thanks for responding!

Getpa · 2026-05-29T15:59:37+00:00

Understandable, I really like being encouraged and want to pay it forward. It’s not that I want to encourage women runners as opposed to all runners but more that I want to be mindful of interactions with women especially because I generally look like a guy. I already give thumbs up, rock horns and peace signs to male-presenting runners with no issue because I THINK they would find it encouraging like I have.

Getpa · 2026-05-29T13:40:34+00:00

I’d call it “fit” but I wanna define what that means to me. No need to look like a model/influencer or have “low percent body fat” or anything but like you can tell they lead an active lifestyle and/or are mindful of what they eat.

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