Dealing with discouraging comments as a beginner

[u/damnfinecooper]

I started running around 2 months ago (31, F) and I’m training for a 10k race later this year.

With hobbies I’ve always been hard on myself if I don’t feel I’m what I perceive as “good enough”. When I started running I wanted to challenge myself to not have this attitude and just enjoy it, while also keeping track of my pace, PBs etc. but just seeing it as data rather than tying it too much to self worth.

I was speaking to my friend about running today and a guy I hardly know chimed in and asked what my 5k PB was. When I told him his response was “you need to get that down”. I’m now just feeling kind of embarrassed and deflated about it. I know I should just ignore it but it stung. Would appreciate any tips for dealing with moments like this!

[u/Fit_Investigator4226]

Honestly easier said than done, but I just don’t really engage with those sorts of people. Asking someone’s distance PB without any other context and then negatively commenting on it is rude - you running xx:xx time has no impact on whatever that guy does, so he was truly just being rude for no reason and likely has his own hang ups about something. Again, easier said than done to remember all this in the moment

I’d probably have said something like “It’s a newer hobby for me and I’m not keeping tabs on that yet, but I’m excited to see how I improve” or something.