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.

@MissFitton aw thank you! It has been an emotional thread - I've lost a friend (she never did reply and she hasn't asked how it went, so sad but maybe she didn't care as much as I did about her, so I'm pulling right back) BUT I've gained a whole heap of confidence, and a new hobby with Parkrun.

@swampytiggaa absolutely! I'll make a very firm mental note

@Standingonlego oh wow congratulations!! SUB-32 mins, you must be absolutely delighted. I'm so proud of us all, it's celebration Saturday

Op your friend is a dick. That's incredible! I started couch to 5k in January and totally lost my momentum so you have inspired me to start again! My husband has been running for years and does 10k in 40mins and when I said I'd love to do 5k in that time he was nothing but encouraging. I had a look recently at our local Parkrun site and that would be a totally respectable time to finish in! Well done x

@SlowStarters thank you . What a chain of positivity your friend inadvertently started when she was so rude to you.

Everyone always welcome here at Northampton parkrun as well, albeit not quite so scenic as Devon! Welcome to the parkrun family .

Oh well done OP faster than me today at 36min 50s and it's number 76 !
Warning parkrun is seriously addictive !

Well done Op - that's fantastic!

Ignore her! I'm a 50 year old and hate running. I've tried it a few times and I'm quite tall 5'9. But I can't run for long and have to alternate with walking.
Even then I can only manage 35 mins.
So....WELL DONE YOU!

My DH surprised me by sticking around (I only asked for a lift) and cheering me on and videoing me as I passed him and at the end, he insisted I take a very embaressing thumbs up picture by the finish

Aww. That made me well up a little. He sounds so lovely and supportive. I’ve been doing nothing but work since losing my darling, four years ago. I’ve went from being fit and slim to gaining two stone. I keep making excuses for not doing anything outside of work. You’ve really given me the kick up the arse I need. I’m going to join park run next sat on a very very slow walk. I’m built more for walking than running.

🏅 My favourite thread. That's a bloody fantastic time especially as it's not flat. Well done on that and inspiring others. Running is a slippery slope and so easy to get hooked but I notice those who do always grab others on the way down and we all enjoy the ride!!!

OP I’m properly, properly chuffed for you. You are absolutely the type of woman I’d want as a friend, you’re bloody amazing!

Magic, OP, welcome to the new you ! 🏅

and well done everyone else inspired by this thread to get out & run

I only read your post, I just wanted to say well done you. Don’t give up, especially as you sound like you enjoy it so much. I hope your ‘friend’ wasn’t being a completely self centred bitch (because that’s what she sounds like), and it was just a thoughtless throw away comment.

You are an inspiration 💐

It's addictive, trust me - I got my 250 shirt in the post today!

At a run that I did a few weeks ago in 37 mins, and today did in 34 mins. Now, in running terms those aren't fast, so I'm just highlighting that even us parkrun veterans aren't all speedy gonazales! The time really really doesn't matter.

Good on ya!

I'm in awe of all you runners, irrespective of times etc., you've all got up and out there.

Just told DH I'm going to the ParkRun next Saturday. I'll be walking it, but I'll be there thanks to you SlowStarters

Inspirational! Well done X

Not only did you smash the park run and get a PB you have also got a load of people on this thread to get their trainers on and go out for a run. Including me, just downloaded the C25K app and did run 1. Thank you

SlowStarters that's a brilliant time. You're an inspiration!

Oh what a lovely thread! Fab time OP well done you. Sad about your friend, you never know she may come round, has her own issues obviously.

S1naidSucks hope you manage to get back out there running soon, so sorry for your loss

OP you are bloody awesome!!!! Well done!!!!

36 mins is fabulous!! Well done

Crack on girl! Be proud of yourself and enjoy the results.

I love this thread. What a brilliant troupe of cheerleaders you have! This is the side of Mumsnet I love - women supporting a stranger on the internet and lifting her up to do great things!👏🏼👏🏼

Massive well done on your PB @SlowStarters, may it be the first of many!

Running is quite addictive - or is it the PBs that are addictive?! Or the new trainers? Ooh, buying new running kit is fun too!

You'll soon be too busy entering races to ever meet your "friend" for coffee again! Way to go!

Your post parkrun updates got me a little teary, OP.
I'm so glad you went along, with such a fabulous time too! Well done you!

I’m off to do a 10k this morning 😁 it will be very slow and steady but I’m running with an amazing group of people and we all support each other. So we will have fun and then go to the pub 😂😂😂

Thank you so much everyone. I haven't got many people in my life (recovering from anxiety/agoraphobia) apart from DH so it means a great deal to have the well wishes from so many lovely people. I've been quite teary!

Still feeling delighted and very proud this morning. Even the fact I coped with doing something new, with 600 people there, is a huge step for my mental as well as physical health. I wouldn't have done it without the support here, quite genuinely.

@S1naidSucks I'm so sorry for your loss I can't image how that feels for you. There were so many people walking at my parkrun, you'll have lots of company. Update when you've done it!

@SingingSands well you're right, I've been (online) window shopping new running trousers, I feel I need a treat after my PB achievement...right?

@swampytiggaa Wishing you the best of luck today, it's a gorgeous day for it, I can't even image the willpower to make it a whole 10k. You're really inspiring, I'm imaging in a few several months' time maybe updating with my first 10k pipedream Please let us know how you get on.

@incrediblysadtoo. Just read back the thread and just wanted to say...you were spot on with this ! Lots of parkrun advocates and cheerleaders on this thread. We just want to reassure people that it is inclusive and to just give it a go.

Also, I meant to say before (and I’m sure I speak for at least almost everyone, if not everyone) we are looking forward to your report from Park Run next week because we are impressed with your first 5km, impressed with you keeping the weight off and being so fit (& hot!) but mostly because we like you 😊. None of us want to put any pressure on you at all. Jog it, walk it, crawl it...take an hour, we don’t care, we just want you to enjoy it and be happy that you did it 💕🌷

This is one of the best things I’ve ever read. I assume the Dailyfail will dig this up and your stupid ex friend will be reading about herself and all your new online and real-life park friends now! Congratulations!!!! I couldn’t be prouder of you!!!!!!!