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.

Sorry, not a Zombie but an update. Now I feel rather inadequate compared to

OP

Well done for getting out there. Your friend is a cow.

She’s a bitch. Tell her to put her money where her mouth is and meet you at a park run next Saturday where you can both compare! Regardless of how fast you’ve done it, you’ve done it!! Well done and keep going x

I need to motivate myself to restart running, OP. Your update here is absolutely brilliant.

Any tips to get me restarted would be very welcome!

You should be proud. Well done.

3 mile/5k would take 45-60 mins at fairly brisk pace. 25-30 is a pretty quick 5k. I last did 33 and DH who is fit does 24/25. I’ve never got below 30 even after running for years.
I think that you’re amazing with your weight loss and hikes and now getting into running. Your friend in ten other hand is very unpleasant and probably uncomfortable with your new active life.

@iRun2eatCake

I commented on your original thread under a different name.

Back then l did no exercise, was obese and pre-diabetic.

I have now lost 3 stone, attend Parkrun each week and have just signed up for Runfestrun in May!!

Who am l???!!!

You are utterly amazing! I know big changes don't happen overnight, and sometimes it feels like such an impossible slog, so that's incredible you're a new you!

@swampytiggaa I am so glad you're still here and I hope all is well with you - I often think of you and still wish I was closer to join your happy running club! :)

And I wanted to say - I agree with PP, whatever time anyone runs in - there is no slow. Go at your pace, enjoy it, do it for you. And get rid of any toxic 'friends!'.

Did you ever have contact with her @SlowStarters? Or has she still ghosted you?!

Well done you for keeping your running going! Amazing

39 mins is great, when I did mine was over 40min

Agggghhh ZOMBIE

@Benjispruce5

Agggghhh ZOMBIE

Not a zombie OP has updated

I hadn't read your previous posts but a big well done from me. So glad you didn't message the 'friend'. She was obviously jealous.

I'm fancying starting the C25K. You've inspired me! I do hike and do long distance walks. But running is different. There's plenty of places to run near me.

Looks like you need a new thread soon

To anyone running, or starting to run - I can't recommend Parkrun enough - or just getting out there and starting to jog - it might just save you, as it did me.

You'd probably already saved yourself with your previous weight loss @SlowStarters . The running is just an above and beyond bonus.

Well done. x

My Son is fit and loves running, he completed his first 5k last weekend in 27 mins so i think your time is fantastic, keep going, don't let the not-so- friend ruin your good work, she is just jealous x

Well I’m not overweight and medically fit and I couldn’t manage to run 5k so well done OP, be proud of your achievement and pay no attention to your socially challenged friend

@ShittyFingers

Well I’m not overweight and medically fit and I couldn’t manage to run 5k so well done OP, be proud of your achievement and pay no attention to your socially challenged friend

Read the Op's update.

Hi OP. read this first thing this morning and was outraged but wanted to go out and do my 5k this morning before posting. I was chronically unfit and decided to do something about it. I started running (plodding) about six weeks ago and have only just managed to do 5k without stopping. This morning was 36 minutes so about the same as you. Def faster than a walk.

I'd be fu**ING livid if someone said this to me. I'd be tempted to go back with a passive aggressive 'ive thought about what you said and maybe your right, I should challenge myself, will you come out with me next time to see if I can keep up with you walking??'

For all us that are trying with you. Don't give up. Get the trainers back on, get out there and beat your PB for you, if you want to. F**k her.

I had a ‘friend’ like that and once I realised that all she was doing was putting me down she soon became an ex-friend.

Your ‘friend’ is vile. Massive congratulations to your for running 5K in 39 minutes - excellent time for a beginner!

Horrible of her. The hardest thing about endurance running is keeping going over the chosen distance without stopping. You did it!!! Well done.

@SlowStarters just seen it was an update sorry!! You are amazing! I only hope I can stick at it like you have! If I ever manage 10k I'm having a f**king party!! Xx

Oh how refreshing that a zombie has been updated, my apologies op.I’ve just read your posts and I think you’re amazing. Firstly for achieving what you have and secondly for coming back and sharing it. Sub 30?? You must be so proud. I stopped running a couple of years ago because I started to feel I had to go faster, further(some running friends did) and just lately I’ve started to feel the urge to run again as DH does park run. I’m 50 and although I’ve always been able to pick up and run 5k in 32/33ish that might not always be the case as I lose fitness and muscle tone with age. You’ve inspire me! I’m going to run this week.

Great update! I started running last May and yesterday ran 5k in 35 minutes! I am slow and not really getting any quicker, I'm happy just ro be able to complete it! First half marathon booked for October. We'll done, you've inspired me to get over my nerves and try a park run.