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.

Just read thread. Op you and everyone else who is getting out and doing it are amazing!

I started c25k last summer and have built up to running 10k like it's just regular run. I never would have thought that possible year ago. Frustratingly l'm injured at the mo so can't run and I'm finding it really really difficult. But I'll get back there!

Keep going, but don't push yourself TOO hard with the speed/distance improvements, I think that's part of what contributed to my injury. No more than 10% increase in distance per week is what I was told.

Hope you don't think I'm posting on your chips, just don't want you to be in my position after how well you've done!

That will be PISSING on your chips, not posting thanks autocorrect!!!

Your friend is a bitch. Do your thing and enjoy it

OP that’s amazing, good for you! You’re making me want to run more now, my PB is slightly better than yours but I’ve gone down to 33 minutes now, so you’ve spurred me on!

Ah bless you and well done.
Don`t throw your trainers away,throw your so-called friend.
Sounds jealous to me.
Keep it up,it makes you happy and keeps you healthy.
HAPPY DAYS.

I did 11 miles on Sunday @SlowStarters then did a day at work 😂😂😂 I’m running with a couple of ladies who are slower than me so we are aiming at under 3 hours for the half allowing for the giant boobs on our backs 😂😂😂

I did parkrun on Saturday at Tamar Lakes which is on the Devon/Cornwall border and got absolutely soaked 😂😂😂 ended up running with a lady who had slipped and hurt herself and was a bit shaken so I stayed with her.

Well done on your distances and times... I agree with PP that you mustn’t overdo it. Although I am positive you could train up for a half by October 😉

Your time was fine! Your friend was being bitchy.

I run, and am slow. I used to get upset about my speed until I read a motivational quote that said " a fast mile is the same distance as a slow mile" it really helped me to remember that.

Well done on getting that 5k run done. It's a big achievement. I remember how I felt. Now am training for a half marathon know I will be slow but don't care!

a fast mile is the same distance as a slow mile

Love that!

This is the first time I have seen this thread and have been sat here reading my way through it all, enjoying all your positive updates, inspirational.
Regarding that half, go for it! I am doing Cardiff half at the beginning of October and my longest run so far is 10km so I have done less distance than you and have less time.

Only just found this thread, but I’m seriously impressed slowstarters good on you for cracking on in the face of your bitchy friend! I can’t believe the progress you’ve made in your time in the last three months! You’re a bloody inspiration to me to keep hauling my arse round the 5k - and that I might actually manage 10k at some point...

Your friend is jealous. Any more comments like that and I’d be finding myself too busy to meet up with her.

Haven't read the thread in its entirety but well done!! You're doing amazing. Have you joined Run Mummy Run on Facebook? It's an amazingly supportive community for runners of every ability

Not rtft, just your first and most recent post - try it, it shows how far you've come and how inspiring you are. Have you ditched the frenemy?

a fast mile is the same distance as a slow mile

That's brilliant (and true!)

Well I'm 14 Parkruns in now, on my way to getting my 25 T-shirt. I took part on my first ever RACE today - it was a local 5k, and I managed it in 31.07. I've been wearing my medal and smile all day! 🏅

Sadly I've got an operation booked in Sept so I might be out of action for a few weeks but I'm hoping everyone (looking at you, Swampy) doing half marathons (or any races 1km, 5km etc) updates here, hopefully with pics!

And I won't out anyone but I've loved, loved, loved the PMs telling me you've tried your first Parkrun after following the thread. Everyone is so inspiring. :)

Woohoo! Did 8 miles this morning as a training run... last Sunday we did 13.1 in preparation for the half! 4 weeks today I’ll be running dressed as an enormous boob 😂😂

Well done @SlowStarters you have been amazing! And I bet in lots of ways you are grateful to your nasty friend now for accidentally pushing you on!

Maybe you should have invited her on your next jog?? You could say 'maybe you can come with me on X day and you can inspire me to up my step' I think you'd get a lot of satisfaction from watching her squirm BTW good on you.

It’s parkrunday 😁 I’m RD again so no run for me today but I hope everyone has an amazing morning!

Morning all. I’m getting ready to go.

I’ve been going backwards a bit recently so I’m going to try and push it and see if I can get me a pb.

Wish me luck. Enjoy everyone.

I think 39 mins is amazing for your first 5k. Your friend sounds very jealous and a bit of a bitch tbh.

How is everyone getting on? I did my last Sunday run with my buddies before our half 2 weeks today 😲 next Sunday I’m doing a 10k race which has amazing chocolate cake 😁 I will report back with photos after the half marathon 😁

Shits getting real! Getting my name on this was harder work than running 13 miles the other week! 9 days to go...

My friend said the exact same thing to me when I used to run. Thought it was hilarious that I was so slow.

When I first started 5k took me about 45 minutes. I was elated when I could eventually do it in 39/40

Well done and keep going

She's just jelly

How lovely for this to pop up on Trending threads.

I am a runner and I really love supporting people new or returning to the sport and seeing the buzz they get. I find it really rewarding to pace people at races.

I've only done 2 parkruns but I absolutely love the ethos. I think the model of volunteers either being runners or keen supporters is one of the reasons it's been so successful. The people encouraging you round and cheering you at the end GET IT!

It also helps that many runners are a bit bonkers and love to hang out and talk shit with kindred spirits.

Your friend was incredibly rude. I'd go as far as to ask who needs friends like that? You should be proud of your achievement and your improved health and continue to focus on that. Plenty of people wouldn't be able to complete a 5k, let alone in 39 minutes. Of course there are plenty of people who could do it a lot faster. That's not the point. You're point of comparison should be yourself and how YOU are improving. Don't let a bitchy comment from someone throw you off your game.