We are as the Gods wrote:
That's right. We serious runners are like Gods. How could anyone ever think to lie to Us?
The OP's point is not that we are gods or any better then them. The OP seems to be asking why do non-runners or novices feel the need to pull stuff out of their @ss to impress a serious runner?
You wouldn't try to brag about the time you scored 50 points in a JV basketball game when you talk with a legitimate baller. You wouldn't brag about the 86 you shot [from the short tees] at a muni course to your local range pro/4 handicapper. Obviously certain people will brag/BS about anything, but it seems to be prolific with running.
I would agree with the OP: why do a lot of people feel the need or license to make bogus stuff up with regards to running? 3Min miles, 1:30 800m, 90min marathons; it doesn't make sense. Are numbers that hard to remember? Math fail?