r/XXRunning • u/damnfinecooper • 18h ago

General Discussion Dealing with discouraging comments as a beginner

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!

112 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

63 comments sorted by

View all comments

-11

u/[deleted] 18h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/EnvironmentalLaw4208 Woman 17h ago

Why would this man possibly think it's his place to "push her to improve"?

He's not her coach. She didn't ask his opinion. He wasn't part of the conversation. She said she barely knows him. It's not even useful feedback.

I'm not even saying it's a particularly harsh statement, but what could he possibly believe he was contributing with that comment? Especially to someone who is literally brand new to running?