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.

I did my fastest park run on New Year’s Day. Just over 35 mins. Have been running for 2 months so am pleased! Not running today as have norovirus

Well done for continuing!

I just happened upon this thread this morning and it's a brilliantly inspiring thread! I'm so glad you've been able to keep going with Parkrun SlowStarters and that you have now signed up for a 10k!

My advice on your first 10k is to set off at a comfortable pace that you feel you can maintain (and that you will enjoy running at to take in the atmosphere), and then when you get into the last 2-3 kilometres, see how you feel then about whether you can step it up or just wait for the last half a km and then push for the finish line.

You must be so proud of yourself!

Fantastic job Op! Are you doing Park runs? They'll only encourage you (and 39 mins isn't a bad time TBH)

She isn't a friend. She's a mean spirited CF.

Aw @SlowStarters what a great update! So pleased you've kept at it. Did your friend ever come round?

Did your friend ever come round?

She ghosted me! I never heard back from her since that last text; haven't even bumped into her - I do think of her now and then - usually as motivation to keep going on my 9-mile runs!

I'm still slow, I'll always be slow, but I love it and to anyone considering trying something new or pushing themselves out their comfort zone, please just do it. I've put off so much, for so long, due to anxiety and not being confident - running has made me realise I'm capable of so much more than I thought. So do it! Don't over-think it, like I did.

I'm well on my way to my 50th Parkrun now, I'll post a pic when I manage to get that amazing red T-shirt! I plan on getting my 50 and then doing 25 volunteering stints to celebrate and give back. :)

Well done 💐, next time invite said “friend “ to run with you. I bet she soon chickens out 🤦‍♀️

@SlowStarters are you a member of "Slow Runners Community" on Facebook? I can highly recommend it - very supportive group!

Haha, sounds like she wasn't quite the friend she should have been. Onwards and upwards!

It'll be great to see you get your red though, what a long way you've come! I really need to get back on it. Wedding this year... should be my motivation (in theory at least!)

I remember reading this thread last year, and it was so inspiring that I started looking up park runs near me, even though I hadn't actually run properly for almost 10 years...and then I did nothing about it.

Read it again today and was re-inspired, deciding that tomorrow I was actually going to drag myself outside and attempt to jog/walk/stagger 5k. Thought I'd better check if any of my work out clothes still fit (it's been a long while since I've put them to use), and I thankfully managed to shoehorn myself into an outfit, thinking 'all good for tomorrow' (and thank god for lycra!).

Then I remembered that I'd done exactly the same thing last time, only 'tomorrow' never actually appeared. So I thought fuck it, you're already dressed for it, just get your trainers on and get outside. And that's how I ended up walking/jogging 5k today!

It took me almost 45 minutes, walking far more of it than I jogged, and the parts I did jog were with all the grace and light-footedness of a baby elephant, but I sucessfully put one foot in front of the other for 5k.

Well done on your progress @SlowStarters, you're an absolute inspiration, and I can only hope to come as far as you have!

Firstly, I'm so sorry for resurrecting my old thread!

I just wanted to update for all those that offered amazing support, that I carried on doing Parkrun until they stopped with lockdown.

But...I just kept running. I've gotten through many pairs of running trainers now! I want to thank everyone for their support encourgaing me not to give up because running has truly kept me sane and well throughout this past difficult year.

How is everyone else doing?

Also, it took me months and months but I'm not so slow anymore! Certainly not fast by any means but my 5k PB is 27:45 and 10K FB is 58:50, very very hard earned as I'm still not a natural!

Happy New Year everyone, here's hoping 2021 brings much better news and many PBs. And if you're even thinking of starting couch to 5k, DO IT! If I can run and get fitter, honestly ANYONE can. :)

Hey OP congratulations, I actually think that's a good time, I know people that have been running for years who can't manage that. But anyway that's not the point, the point is you've done something really positive to change your life and stuck at it, that's amazing

I’m size 10, used to have a personal trainer three times a week and the first time I ran 3k it took 20 minutes. Quite frankly, she’s a jealous and nasty so and so.

Wow OP - those PBs are fantastic, for someone who took up running as an adult to have improved so quickly shows how dedicated you've been!

How awesome happy new year x

What a fantastic update! I’ve slacked off a bit recently with one thing and another, but you’ve reinvigorated me with this post! Thanks and congratulations 😁

That's brilliant well done. I am also not a natural at any kind of sport. I started a running club a couple of years ago and have been very start/stop. I'm pregnant but definitely would like to try again when I've had the baby. Op do you run with friends? I find it so hard to run alone, really lose my motivation and keep stopping x

Wow that’s amazing OP! Well done!
I started running in September and could barely managed 2km, but now I can do 5, but it takes me 41 minutes! I don’t mind, just going to keep plodding on!
Would like to eventually knock a few minutes off!

She's a cow. Challenge her to do 5k faster.

@Asdfghjklll

A quick Google says no you can't walk 5k in that time. At a typical walking pace, you can walk it in 45 minutes to 60 minutes That was very mean of your friend to say that. I hate running and downloaded a coach to 5k and couldn't even do the first one without walking more. Friends that run say once you start it gets easier and quicker really quickly. Keep running and well done you. X

Actually some people can perfectly well walk 5k in that time. DH racewalks 10k inside an hour and he's 74. Having said that, ignore this person OP and carry on running.

@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.

It’s a fabulous achievement, and this person is no friend. Keep running! 🏃🏽‍♀️

While the gym has been closed I've been walking (normally just over 3km), but DH and I recently walked a 5K for charity - it took us around 56 minutes - and we weren't hanging about.

DH did Couch to 5K years ago and still regularly runs 5K, but still takes around 30 minutes to run that distance so, for your first 5K run I'd say you're doing pretty well!

Keep at it!

You should be so proud of yourself! Your friend sounds like a jealous bitch and I’d be cutting ties with her.
Please don’t give up!!

What a brilliant thread! Thanks OP :) And yes, I really should start doing some cardio...

Please don't be sorry for resurrecting the thread, I'm relatively new to MN and hadn't seen it, and it's a beautiful and inspiring one. I did C25K during the first lockdown having never been a running type of person - and it was absolutely great, I would recommend it to anyone. I couldn't believe it when I did my first 5k! Unfortunately I got a bit lost after the structure and stopped in september, but was planning to start again tomorrow. Thanks for the extra impetus!

Actually signed in for the first time in a year to reply to this. Go. You. Really pleased for your achievements. Please, in the unkindest possible way, tell your 'friend' to FUCK OFF!