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.

Whether you ran or jogged your first full non-stop 5k distance yesterday, you get a from me!

Congratulations on your achievements. And look forward to many more, because you deserve them.

OP what a lovely thread, I didn't see it first time round but I've read all your posts now. You're really inspirational. You also sound like a genuinely lovely person so it's your ex-friends big loss that she let her jealousy get in the way like that.

@SlowStarters

I DID IT! I did it! I did it!

Oh my God, it's probably the endorphins but that was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. The support, the atmosphere was amazing. I was toward the last of the group but I wasn't last-last!

I don't know my time yet but I think it was under 40 mins - I feel elated.

I very nearly wimped out but the thread pulled me through. You're all amazing. Thank you.

I'll update with my time once it's published :) eeeeeeeee!

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

One of the loveliest threads I’ve seen on here!

You have found your park run people OP! It’s a whole social life whether you run or marshal. Perfect!

Your friend preferred it when you were fat. Time for a new friend.

I’ve just read your updates and am really pleased! Also feeling a little bit inspired to get out there ….

Amazing achievement OP. When I started doing 5k I struggled to do it in under 45 minutes! Wonderful to hear how you’ve progressed onto longer distances, it’s actually very inspiring.

YANBU! What a mean thing to say.
Well done for reaching 5k, it's a big milestone. There is all the time in the world to worry about how long it takes you and possibly jog faster IF that's what YOU want to do.

Proud of you Op I know how hard it is to lose weight for a start that’s a big improvement, your friend is certainly no friend, reeks of jealousy. What a stupid thing to say to you! She’s trying to put you down, you need to get rid of her, and only surround yourself with positive likeminded people

@GertrudeCB

You have done amazingly well and your so called friend is a bitch.

100% this.

Well done. BTW A running coach once told me once you can run 20 mins continuously you have it cracked. I think there is truth in that.

Perhaps she is jealous... if one of my friends said that when I had shared something I was obviously proud of, I would seriously consider ditching them. Friends should be supportive.

She’s horrible, ignore.

I did C25K for months and kept up my old lady jogging but my best time ever was 36 minutes- you’ve done amazingly! In fact, I’m a bit jealous tbh 🤣

This thread has inspired me to go for a run this morning, I managed 2 miles, slow and steady - so really pleased with that!

I love cycling but struggle with running - but `I know its good for the bones.

Might try a local park run

I remember your post first time round, it's so motivating to hear others experiences.

I used to run a lot, I was generally really fit but the first time I ran 5k it still took me about 35 mins. Its like anything, it takes practice. Within a year I got my 5k around 22 mins and 19k under 47 mins.

Sadly several years on I am back to square 1. I could probably drag my way round 5k just about but I want to stay injury free.

I am going to download couch to 5k tomorrow and get my backside moving. This post has really given me a kick up the backside.

Keep your trainers and chuck the bitchy friend!!!

Well over ten years ago I noticed a lady running as I went to work, each day I would see her huffing puffing walking boobs all over the place. Each week she got thinner and fitter. I now catch her running up that road like a true professional she looks ten years younger instead of ten years older. I think good for you girl, every time I see her. Sod your jealous mate, you keep at it and I think your time is already bloody great x

Well done! I couldnt I’d that, you must be so proud.

I shan’t comment on what your friend said, it’s simply so mean (is she perhaps jealous?) that it isn’t worth the time xx

Ahhh, this update has inspired me! A 'friend' said exactly the same to me a couple of years ago! I was running a similar time to you; yes they could probably walk a single km faster than my averaged pace over 5k, but they weren't taking into account the cumulative stamina required. Even so, it knocked my confidence as I just wasn't getting better, and I quit after a very ploddy half marathon.

Right - I'm off to find my trainers!

She is horrible and you are brilliant. You ARE a runner & you are a fit and healthy person. It's never about the pace. (E.g. me and a friend took up running at the same time. She used to do 5k in about 40 minutes and I did it in just under 30. We were both rightly proud of ourselves. These days she runs marathons and I puff round a 5k in 40+ minutes. I still feel proud of myself for getting out there & proud of her for all she's achieved).

Horrible 'friend' - ditch her! She's probably jealous.

If you look at ParkRun stats for 5K you will find lots of people every week who run 5K in about the same time.

The point is that you DID it - and it made YOU feel great! Nothing else matters. x

Well done you 👏

She’s jealous. And mean.

It is a case of the green eyed monster from your friend for sure. She knows exactly how much you have achieved and feels insecure as a result because she could never do it herself.

Congratulations. What a great achievement. I've been running 5ks after doing c25k after pregnancy. I'm not very fast but you've inspired me to go and do the local parkrun that I've been putting off.

Congratulations op! 39 mins isn’t slow! I ran my first in around 45. I think my best was only ever 32. Like you I am not a fast runner.
Great achievement. Don’t listen to your friend.
(And no, she couldn’t walk it faster than that!)

I commented on your original thread and have just spent a few mins reading it again. Well done you, what an amazing achievment. I have stalled with my running again, (I've had another baby since you started your thread) butI did run a half marathon in Oct 2019. The best 5k time I managed was 32.33 but I would hazard a guess I am a good 10 mins on top of that currently.

I do love running so you have inspired me to get back out there. I'm going to do a run today!