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.

Doesn’t even matter if she could, or if your time was slow or whatever, what an utter cow!

And huge, huge well done on your weight loss and exercise!

You are doing amazingly, and your friend is very rude. When I was running, that was the time bracket I was in - but fortunately I was with a group that was supportive. If you've never run before, just not stopping for that long is a real achievement. Even if some people can do it better, that's irrelevant - it's only about you and what you can do now that you couldn't before.

She is no friend! You are doing amazingly and you give people like me something to aim for!

Smacks of jealousy. That is a fantastic achievement and she probably doesn't like the fact you have done something so well for yourself. It would take me an hour to walk 5k. I wouldn't even do such a hike as you can, as I'd probably need a defibrillator! As for running, I tried the c25k but struggled so gave it up. You have achieved it, doesn't matter in what time. Well done. Keep it Up!

She's a cunt and you are doing fabulously.

Ditch her and keep running.

Well done on your 5k!! Your friend sounds like a right cheeky bitch. Get her out on one of your hikes and she how she manages that!! She'd get a bloody shock I imagine

I'm really overwhelmed - honestly I was half-expecting a flaming for expecting my friend to be happy with/for me; I know she's entitled to her opinion.

But thank you so much. It took me two years to lose the weight and get to a healthy BMI. Being able to run 5k felt like an impossible goal, I can't believe I did it. I didn't worry about the 39 mins until she said that.

I don't have many local friends, it would be a shame to cut contact but then again I'd be really hesitant to share anything with her in the future. I felt really ashamed.

Ignore her. The weight loss and the running is a massive achievement. Be proud of what you have achieved and don’t let people’s nastiness take anything away from you.

What she said was literally untrue unless she does that weird walking sport that they have in the Olympics. What an utter cow. You don’t need friends line that.

My average 5k time when i used to do them never got much below 32 mins or so. 38 is completely normal for a first one and I am sure that there are many people who run them even more slowly.

My body shape sounds like you tho no asthma and at my fittest when running regularly my best 10k was 1hr and at less fit eg when kids came and had less time it was 1hr ten. So I think you’ve done terrifically way and well done you for taking up running as well as keeping up and enjoying hiking.
Ditch the friend - but after you challenge her to a 5 k.....
You’ve motivated me to take up running again which I’ve been debating recently

feel like throwing my running trainers away

Please don't do that. She's not worth it. It should be her you are throwing away if anything!

Do you have a local parkrun? I hear those are really supportive of beginners and maybe that will help you find some more friends. This woman is not worth your headspace.

Can you see I’d ther is a beginners running club or park run in area? Might find more supportive folk

You are doing brilliantly. Be proud of your achievements and please don't let her comments put you off. Keep on running and definitely don't throw those trainers away.

someone is jealous and not a true friend. That's a fantastic achievement all round . I cant even run for 5 minutes and it took me an hour to do a fund raising obstacle course . I have never been so pleased to finish anything in my life.

I used to volunteer at park run that is not a Walkers pace!! That’s actually a busy time for scanning which means for your first parkrun that’s bloody good!

Don't throw your trainers away, throw them at her instead You've done amazing and should be so, so proud of yourself! Well Done!

Wow well done op you've done amazingly well. Be proud of your achievements and ditch your bitchy jealous friend.

@JessieMcJessie

Do you have a local parkrun?

Yes! Every Saturday morning, only 10 mins away from me. I'm dying to participate but I'm really shy and I don't know how it operates or if I'd be left behind not knowing where to go!

What a cow bag! And also what an idiot she is 38mins is bloody great!

She’s jel/insecure.

Let it wash over you.

Your friend is a bitch and not a friend. I’ve been running on and off for a couple of years and never got past 33 mins. You are amazing and lapping everyone on the couch - do not let her negativity bring you down!

I can do 7k on treadmill in 52 minutes, on pavement no chance!!
Someone once told me you're a lot faster than the person sat on the sofa!!

She's a frenemy. Distance yourself, there'll be more hurtful comments to come I'm sure.

Well done. I think that's about my best time too, not a natural runner but very determined.