The question many of you have been confronted with, whether from an external or internal sources, is whether further reflection results in the fundamental truth being realized and accepted as reality by you.
For example, after further reflection, it would seem to be apparent that 18 minutes for a 5k is simply embarrassing, regardless of what spin may be spun. Fiction would have you believe that such a time is "great" and worthy of praise from one's peers; but further reflection reveals the truth as unwelcomed reality greets you.
Truth is fundamental as veracity is basic; fiction is a seemingly complex web of lies spun by the imaginative but unaccomplished dreamer; reality is only cold when the viewer wants make believe--the answer is not that you should stare away from the silver backed glass.
Like the exotic dancer, reality is that you can't resist truth; humans desire truth regardless of fictitious words to the contrary and the silver backed glass only meets our desires.