For me the answer is "depends on who you compare me to". My best PR is a 1:22 half marathon, so I'm not fast compared to some people on this board, but I am fast compared to the masses at most road races.
For me the answer is "depends on who you compare me to". My best PR is a 1:22 half marathon, so I'm not fast compared to some people on this board, but I am fast compared to the masses at most road races.
Seems like a fair answer for 65 minute half marathoners to 95 minute half marathoners.
For me the answer is "depends on who you compare me to". My best PR is a 1:22 half marathon, so I'm not fast compared to some people on this board, but I am fast compared to the masses at most road races.
For me the answer is "depends on who you compare me to". My best PR is a 1:22 half marathon, so I'm not fast compared to some people on this board, but I am fast compared to the masses at most road races.
Seems like a fair answer for 65 minute half marathoners to 95 minute half marathoners.
A 64:59 male half marathoner runs a slower pace than the women's marathon pace. He's not fast.
fast is normally top speed but you are pretty fast in distance soooo it depends
There will always be context. Otherwise maybe they could be asking about anything. Fast at digging a hole with a spoon? Fast taking you turn in the porta potty? Fast at peeling potatoes?
For me the answer is "depends on who you compare me to". My best PR is a 1:22 half marathon, so I'm not fast compared to some people on this board, but I am fast compared to the masses at most road races.
Something similar. "Fast is a relative term. What do you consider fast? Am i fast compared to a college runner? No. But im pretty fast for a random guy on a construction site that tells you he runs."
I usually just respond with "I'm not that fast". If they ask me my best times for the marathon(low 6 min pace) most people think I'm Olympic qualifier good. In which I have to explain I'm over 20 minutes away from qualifying for the Olympic marathon trials.
I usually just respond with "I'm not that fast". If they ask me my best times for the marathon(low 6 min pace) most people think I'm Olympic qualifier good. In which I have to explain I'm over 20 minutes away from qualifying for the Olympic marathon trials.
It's hard to grasp just how elite world class performers are in any discipline if you're not a fan. I have no concept of how good the best poker player is. I just know I'd get smoked.
Seems like a fair answer for 65 minute half marathoners to 95 minute half marathoners.
A 64:59 male half marathoner runs a slower pace than the women's marathon pace. He's not fast.
64:59 seems pretty fast to me. But you’re absolutely right, this question is all relative. If some 4:06 miler entered in heat 12 at BU is asked by his conference’s standout 1500 champ, “Are you fast,” he might answer bashfully “Not really, my mile PR is only 4:06.” That same 4:06 guy goes to his local Turkey Trot 5k and he looks like a freak, winning by a quarter mile, and some woman says to him “Wow, you’re fast!”…if he tries to explain “Actually I’m not” he probably seems socially awkward or even like a prick. You could make the example even more extreme if you want to. It’s the nature of the sport.
A 64:59 male half marathoner runs a slower pace than the women's marathon pace. He's not fast.
64:59 seems pretty fast to me. But you’re absolutely right, this question is all relative. If some 4:06 miler entered in heat 12 at BU is asked by his conference’s standout 1500 champ, “Are you fast,” he might answer bashfully “Not really, my mile PR is only 4:06.” That same 4:06 guy goes to his local Turkey Trot 5k and he looks like a freak, winning by a quarter mile, and some woman says to him “Wow, you’re fast!”…if he tries to explain “Actually I’m not” he probably seems socially awkward or even like a prick. You could make the example even more extreme if you want to. It’s the nature of the sport.
I hear what you're saying, but to me that does a disservice to the intended question. OP's intent was to imagine a gen pop person asking the question. You're speaking of social etiquette and common sense.
I hear what you're saying, but to me that does a disservice to the intended question. OP's intent was to imagine a gen pop person asking the question. You're speaking of social etiquette and common sense.
Sure, but if we imagine a gen pop person asking a 64 minute half guy if they’re fast, “Yeah, I’m pretty fast” delivered with a hint of modesty seems like a fair and appropriate answer.