Also, just want to point out your peacock comment is kinda out of place. I am saying I act in the opposite way of being a peacock in the sense that I "downplay" my abilities because I have a realistic view of how "good" I am in the context of the sport overall, rather than puffing myself up and acting as if I am some elite athlete.
Sub-sub-elite guy (2:29 marathon, 1:11 half) — been training in a major U.S. metro area for about a year now, and 10+ years total beyond that. I go out of my way to wave or say hello to every single runner/jogger I pass, but mayyyybe two or three in every 60+ that I see on a normal run do anything but outright ignore me. When people *do* wave back, it’s almost always faster, or at least more serious-looking, guys and girls.
I’ve also had a casual runner comment on one of my Strava posts saying that calling my 7:00 pace run “easy” offends them because “that’s faster than [their] sprint speed.”
Sounds ridiculous, but between things like this and that new debate over the Tracksmith BQ-exclusive singlets, does anyone else feel sorta out of place as a faster runner?
well, you being a 2:29 guy eliminated at least 95% of the LRC message board participants here, so no telling how the responses will help you. you would probably do just as well, if not better, going to a local running shop, if possible, and asking the same questions.
well, you being a 2:29 guy eliminated at least 95% of the LRC message board participants here, so no telling how the responses will help you. you would probably do just as well, if not better, going to a local running shop, if possible, and asking the same questions.
95%?
More like 99.9%. A lot of runners here have a track background. Probably 80% have never run a Marathon nor they are planning to do so in the future.
I do wonder this. I'm not a fast runner but realistically at casual open entry events there's going to be significant gaps between anyone who's running 70%+ of WR. Seen a few videos where essentially sub-elite/sub-sub-elite people basically are doing regional 10Ks, HMs on their own or maybe trading with one or two other people.
However if you're doing say 27/60 minutes/2/4 for 5k/10k/HM/Marathon then you have a lot of people around you to pace off. Basically just means the faster ones miss a lot of the group atmosphere and are doing a time trial on closed roads with a few spectators.
For meeting other runners in public I do a quick acknowledgement nod. Sometimes get a response, sometimes not. If I saw someone do a full wave I'd probably look behind me instead of thinking it was for me!
Rolled out of bed for parkrun this morning. Started at the back and jogged with the masses for an 8:45 first mile. Enjoying the scenery. Everyone slowed as they got to the hill so I started passing people and turned it into a progression run. Second mile 6:35. I'm enjoying it now as I pick them off one by one. Starting to sweat a bit with my jacket on. A few more hills and the masses are long gone. Must have moved up 250 places at least. Final mile ticks over as 5:41. In typical parkrun style, I hear someone behind me making very loud, exaggerated breathing noises as they give one final push. Do they do this for attention or to psych themselves up? I throttle down and move to the side whilst the others go through the funnel (I had no intention of scanning my barcode).
Rolled out of bed for parkrun this morning. Started at the back and jogged with the masses for an 8:45 first mile. Enjoying the scenery. Everyone slowed as they got to the hill so I started passing people and turned it into a progression run. Second mile 6:35. I'm enjoying it now as I pick them off one by one. Starting to sweat a bit with my jacket on. A few more hills and the masses are long gone. Must have moved up 250 places at least. Final mile ticks over as 5:41. In typical parkrun style, I hear someone behind me making very loud, exaggerated breathing noises as they give one final push. Do they do this for attention or to psych themselves up? I throttle down and move to the side whilst the others go through the funnel (I had no intention of scanning my barcode).
At my parkrun there would have been people running easy tempos and giving you words of encouragement as you passed them in the last 100 meters - or cheering you on as they cooled down.
well, you being a 2:29 guy eliminated at least 95% of the LRC message board participants here, so no telling how the responses will help you. you would probably do just as well, if not better, going to a local running shop, if possible, and asking the same questions.
95%?
More like 99.9%. A lot of runners here have a track background. Probably 80% have never run a Marathon nor they are planning to do so in the future.
2:35 guy here
I too am embarrassed to mention my times in group settings or social events, hobbyjoggers either tweak out or get weirdly defensive. I try to avoid talking about myself at all costs and if forced to, downplay everything and imply I just like to run sometimes.
I don't tell any work or family when I race to avoid annoying interrogations and proclamations of amazement. It's the worst after a sh*t race where you miss the podium and everyone is amazed because they can't imagine running more than a mile in the 5:XXs
If I said hi to everyone I passed I'd be singing a melody. Not my cup of tea. I usually wear sunglasses and a hat and look down when I pass anyone. Way to many people think it's time to chat and I'm out here getting a tempo in. haha
I’ve also had a casual runner comment on one of my Strava posts saying that calling my 7:00 pace run “easy” offends them because “that’s faster than [their] sprint speed.”
You're not unwelcome because you're "fast" (because you're not).
You're unwelcome because you are a self-involved twit.
Take this idiocy I have quoted above. If someone posts this on your Strava, they are not actually "offended"; they are simply noting that your easy pace is quick to them, in a humorous way.
When I post "Taking it easy" for a slow run on Strava, and someone says "That's 'easy' for you?? Wow," I have replied "It would be even easier for an actual fast runner, and your easy pace is probably fast to someone, too!" Because I know it's all relative.
Rolled out of bed for parkrun this morning. Started at the back and jogged with the masses for an 8:45 first mile. Enjoying the scenery. Everyone slowed as they got to the hill so I started passing people and turned it into a progression run. Second mile 6:35. I'm enjoying it now as I pick them off one by one. Starting to sweat a bit with my jacket on. A few more hills and the masses are long gone. Must have moved up 250 places at least. Final mile ticks over as 5:41. In typical parkrun style, I hear someone behind me making very loud, exaggerated breathing noises as they give one final push. Do they do this for attention or to psych themselves up? I throttle down and move to the side whilst the others go through the funnel (I had no intention of scanning my barcode).
Sub-sub-elite guy (2:29 marathon, 1:11 half) — been training in a major U.S. metro area for about a year now, and 10+ years total beyond that. I go out of my way to wave or say hello to every single runner/jogger I pass, but mayyyybe two or three in every 60+ that I see on a normal run do anything but outright ignore me. When people *do* wave back, it’s almost always faster, or at least more serious-looking, guys and girls.
I’ve also had a casual runner comment on one of my Strava posts saying that calling my 7:00 pace run “easy” offends them because “that’s faster than [their] sprint speed.”
Sounds ridiculous, but between things like this and that new debate over the Tracksmith BQ-exclusive singlets, does anyone else feel sorta out of place as a faster runner?
Congrats on still being in fantastic shape.
Wait 10 years. Perhaps have kids or get a harder job. You’ll slow down.
Sub-sub-elite guy (2:29 marathon, 1:11 half) — been training in a major U.S. metro area for about a year now, and 10+ years total beyond that. I go out of my way to wave or say hello to every single runner/jogger I pass, but mayyyybe two or three in every 60+ that I see on a normal run do anything but outright ignore me. When people *do* wave back, it’s almost always faster, or at least more serious-looking, guys and girls.
I’ve also had a casual runner comment on one of my Strava posts saying that calling my 7:00 pace run “easy” offends them because “that’s faster than [their] sprint speed.”
Sounds ridiculous, but between things like this and that new debate over the Tracksmith BQ-exclusive singlets, does anyone else feel sorta out of place as a faster runner?
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