And it's not just from men. 

A woman called my teammate a choice five-letter word that starts with “B” for running in a sports bra without a shirt on campus. While I was studying abroad in Berlin this summer, a lady called me a “Schlampe” (the German word for slut) because of my running attire. 

I don’t run in a sports bra and spandex shorts because I want to show off my body or invite sexual comments. I run in a sports bra and shorts because in the summer it is hot, and running generally makes people sweaty. 

On a muggy, 95-degree afternoon, I have to pick between wearing extra layers that could potentially lead to heat exhaustion, or wearing minimal clothing which inevitably generates undesired comments. I figure the comments are going to happen no matter what I wear, so I choose the option with the lower risk of passing out. 

I've received derogatory remarks from high schoolers. I've been followed by a car of jeering international students down a neighborhood street a block from campus. Once, a young man filmed my teammates and I on his iPhone while following us in his car for two blocks. 

During a run one of my closest friends and teammates was grabbed by a man and, although she pushed him off her as hard as she could before sprinting away, looking back on the incident scares her to this day. 

This friend was physically attacked by a stranger, but legally, sexual harassment also includes obscene words. 

The scope of sexual harassment in the workplace legally includes unwanted advancements or derogatory comments towards a specific person or about women (or men) in general. The streets I run on aren’t a workplace, but the same idea of mutual respect should apply to all men and women in public areas. 

However, unlike the workplace, I can’t file a complaint or approach my boss about this issue. 

I feel annoyed when I am verbally harassed while biking to work or running. Oftentimes, I’ll yell back, “Out of your league!” 

I have been told these responses are dangerous and, to be honest, they probably are, but I need to do something, even if that something is a quick, brash comment to save face. 

If you want to yell at me, or any other woman on the streets of East Lansing, do it. Yell that we look pretty today, or you like that dress with those shoes, or I am running 8 mph according to your speedometer, or to keep up the exercise! 

Keep the comments clean and kind. Keep them well-intentioned. 

Not everyone who yells out the window is a jerk. One time a guy’s jaw literally dropped when he spoke with all sincerity to a friend of mine from the anonymity of his car window, “My God, you’re beautiful." 

Unfortunately, the kind remarks are often overshadowed by the intrusive ones. We need to bring more courtesy to the streets of East Lansing. 

To those who already politely share the streets and sidewalks, I thank you. To those making inappropriate comments to a cyclist, runner, or walker, please — show some respect. 

Melanie Brender is a State News reporter. Reach her at mbrender@statenews.com.