To be upset after comment from friend?

[SlowStarters]

For context, I used to be very overweight and unfit, mostly due to MH issues. I lost 38 kilos, and I've kept it off for 6 years now. I discovered I loved hiking and enjoy 10-15k hikes around the Brecon Beacons, for example.

I'm not a 'natural' sportsperson in any way. I'm very short, big bust, mild asthma, but I'm proud of my achievement and want to improve my fitness more so I recently started running. My legs are strong from the hikes but I am slow.

And I say running. Well. More sweaty, breathy jogging, really.

I ran jogged my first full non-stop 5k distance yesterday. I felt elated! I met a friend for coffee this afternoon and told her I'd managed my first 5k in 39 minutes and I was hoping next time I'd knock a minute or two off the time.

She actually scoffed and said she could walk 5k quicker than that. Then she changed the subject.

I can't believe I felt, and still feel, utterly deflated. I know it's really slow and an average time is 25-30 mins but is 39 mins embarrassingly awful?

I feel like throwing my running trainers away.

Wow SomersetS 7k! That's incredible progress - are you fancying a 10k?! Nice round number!

I'm so, so glad the thread has been positive not only for me but others too - honestly I'm almost glad my friend said what she did. It's done be a huge favour! I still haven't heard back from her since my last message; ball is in her court.

I'm doing well - after my sweaty 6k on Sunday I had two days' rest (knees were complaining) BUT I got back out in the rain this morning and managed a very steady 3k. I felt like a dedicated Olympic athlete actually running in the pouring rain

I'm planning a rest day tomorrow, a 10k walk on Friday and then ahhhh Parkrun Saturday morning! I'm so nervous 😬

That’s really good! My best time but 5k is still 33 mins so 39 for a first attempt is great!

@SlowStarters just tag along behind a friendly face on Saturday. I've done 2 now (veteran lol) & just realised someone was running/walking my pace & we sort of just egged each other on to keep going.
Make sure you've registered for parkrun online so you get a barcode. Print a few & take them with you (or better still laminate one if you can) so that you can get your official time at the end. Also, the newbie talk 10mins before is good & will help you spot the newbies further round.
Running in the rain is hardcore!

Be nervous but be excited!! I can't wait for the update.... I am excited for you.

Thank you! I'm excited to actually do it, barcode is ready printed. stuck to my fridge so can't ignore it

Is the newbie talk usually held at the start point? Or somewhere else? Will it be obvious

At ours they do a talk before each run for everyone. We have about 300-350 at ours so I suppose it depends how big the group is if they do it all together or separately.

I'm really pleased you're still planning on going. I've been thinking about how you were getting on.

You are such a inspiration, OP. Maybe I’ll work up the guts to go Park Run myself...

You are taking control of your life and health; that is very confronting and intimidating for people who don’t have to willpower or resilience (yet). Much easier to detract and deflate than face up to your own short comings.

Both ours were obvious. By the start line, the run director with a megaphone. Then goes on to do birthdays, anniversary runs - 50ths, 100s etc. At the end of the day, just follow everyone else!

It's obvious where it takes place at ours too Op. You'll be fine & I bet once you do it once, you'll do it regularly as they become a bit addictive!

It will be obvious OP, sometimes as big sign. Basically head towards venue, chat to anyone en route in Lycra and say “are you going to parkrun?”, find someone in a high vis and say it’s my first time! All work as strategies :)

Delighted to see your update, and those of others on the thread too. Inspiration everywhere !

I have done a few parkruns now but still get a buzz of excitement walking there and you see everyone converging from different directions and that “chatter” noise you get from groups of people. You will be great, and know you are encouraging others too

Great! I'll head towards the megaphone

Just hoping I don't stick out like a lonely Larry being there on my tod...

You've all been amazing, there's no way I'd even be considering it without this thread.

I was going most weeks on my own and now have a little group of park run friends who I see. It's such a wonderful and inclusive thing, I'm sure you'll love it!

I went on my own to start with, and just met people naturally who are now my running buddies. I am happy to rock up to parkrun anywhere now on my own as a tourist and always have a fab time!

I've text back saying really sorry but I'm busy doing my first 5k Parkrun
My petty self would have added "I'd offer to meet afterwards but I'm so slow I just don't know when I'll be finished"

You look bloody amazing OP and I'm so happy this has been a positive experience. You rock!

People always do this when they see you doing something that’s outside of their comfort zone. I’ve had similar comments in the past.

Just ignore the bitch, you’re doing brilliantly.

Seriously tell her to fuck off. You're doing brilliantly. I wish I could run a 5K in 39 mins!!

I did a 5k fun run for charity with my daughter and granddaughter (3) we were thrilled to come in under an hour, at 54 minutes!

We then found out that wasn’t a great time so said the three year old must have slowed us (in fairness we carried her part way)

You’re doing amazingly well and I wish you was my friend so we could hike around the Brecon Beacons together. Enjoy your hikes and congratulations on your first 5k run.

My petty self would have added "I'd offer to meet afterwards but I'm so slow I just don't know when I'll be finished"

I did resist the urge to add something along those lines!

But I wimped out and just stuck to apologising I am really surprised I've had no reply at all; if it was the other way round I'd have offered to come and cheer her on, she must be free otherwise she wouldn't have asked to meet. :(

But I'll go and cheer myself on, I'm looking forward to posting a post-race pic.

Just read the whole thread, well done and good luck for all future parkruns!

I haven’t read everything but I run 5k three times a week, sometimes more. It takes me 42-44 mins because I am very short legged and very slow. I have always been slow and IDGAF any more. I’m still doing it!

Feeling rather inspired by you, SlowStarters, you sound amazing!

Can anyone recommend a good C25K app? I’m not sure my knees can take it, but I think I’m going to give it another go...I used to absolutely love running as a teen (a long, long, long time ago)

Haven't RTFT but I wanted to add my 2p worth as a competitive club runner.

Your 'friend' can sod off!

1. She is wrong, unless she is an Olympic walker

2. Running 5K at any speed is something to be very proud of.

3. Building up to run 5K from hiking is tough both physically and mentally.

4. Our club runs a beginners course, building up to run the club 5K time trial. It is such a lovely event. The faster runners pace the 'graduates' (if they want), EVERYONE cheers everyone, whether they're a 17min runner or whether it's the first time someone has run/walked the distance.

You'll love Park Run.

Wish me luck, I'm racing 5K tomorrow

Well done, I wish I'd got your dedication. Couldn't even be bothered to drag myself out for a walk around the block today.

My friend has text to ask if I want to meet next Saturday morning for coffee. I've happily text back saying really sorry but I'm busy doing my first 5k Parkrun.
How about texting her to suggest she walks alongside you and you can go for that coffee afterwards. 🤣

What an absolute bitch. She is jealous that you’re doing so well - some people, even those who could do 5k faster than you, will still be mad as hell that you did it.

GO YOU! I couldn’t run 5k non stop to save my bloody life!