if you look at their likes and dislikes in the details screen, you will see that some of your villagers like running

they are rare, so cherish them

ither villagers run when they are running away from something they dislike

the quickest way to a master farmer (without having to baby sit) is to train someone as a farmer, and then turn the game off

the villager will continue to farm and gain points while you are away

otherwise, if youare prepared to babysit, the skill points are gained as soon as the villagers captures (or picks) the food

instead of letting them go all the way to the food bin, pick them up, and put them back in the ocean, or other area--keep in mind they will gain skill, and you will NOT gain food points