I came into work this morning still buzzing from the VLM yesterday, I finished in a time of 5.32, which I know is slow, but I ran the whole way without stopping or walking despite starting to get tired at mile 14, which is a massive achievement for me. I also beat my PB from last year by 15 minutes.
No sooner had I said my time, someone said (joking, but still) that they could have walked it faster. He was swiftly told where to go and reminded that the ballot opens on Monday, so why not have a go.
But why do people think this comment is funny or even necessary? It's probably a throw-away comment but even so, it's really ruined my good mood, something I had to slog my guts out for over 26.2 miles and 5 and a half hours.
Comments
Adam Binnie
Well done you, a fantastic achievment. Not just doing it, but doing a PB by 15 mins!. Just ignore the sad muppets who make negative comments like that, they are not worth bothering about. You ran a marathon, that's something most can't do. Be very proud.
R Allen 2
thats goes for you too, and anyone else who has the guts to run a marathon.
i had "did you where lead boots?" and i did it in 4hr 33min, so i challenged him in front of the whole pub to do one and he soon shut his mouth lol!!
Only a proper race walker could walk a marathon faster than 5.32 as walking pace is around 15 minutes per mile so anyone who says that, even in jest is a numpty - Adam, WestBromton, you do exactly the right thing when you challenge these people to put their money where their mouths are.
Adam -well done!
Take no notice of these so called jokers. They're the ones who are usually envious and feel inadequate themselves. And as for being fragile - rubbish! You have every right to feel miffed when someone belittles your achievement.
Well done Adam and all those other runners who have finished a marathon (or any other race for that matter). You should be very proud of your achievement. Whether you're a 6 minute miler or a 13 minute minute miler - if you're giving it your all, you've done yourself proud
well done
Thanks everyone, guess I'm still a bit exhausted and emotional. I only started running in 2010 and that was to train for the 2011 Brighton Marathon, and then the VLM this year. I've only ever done 10ks as part of marathon training so they've been around the hour mark. I've always been a slow runner!
I've looked at my splits for yesterday and I started off at 12min/mile and held that until mile 15, slowed to 13min/mile until 24, dropped to 14min/mile for that mile, and then back to 12min/mile for the finish. At points I was running at a fast walking pace but because I'm stubborn and said I wanted to run the whole way I kept at it.
Next mission is faster 5 and 10km times, a fast half marathon and then a fast marathon. Probably the order I should have done things in the first place!
Well done on finishing. You're right, the only thing to do is call them out.
The one that's harder to refute is the comment that the front of the field can run twice as far in that time. I got that after my first half, fortunately no-one's yet thought of it (or maybe just not voiced it) after my first marathon...
I know what you mean, Screamy. I know how difficult it is to try and run even half a mile at 5 minute mile pace, so lord only knows how the front of the field manage to run 26 of them...
I take finishing in twice the time of the leading lady as a good target for any race. Although I am more sucessful at the shorter distances... H remarked that I got to half way in the marathon before the first lady finished, but I had a 'mareish second half and finished a bit outside that.
I keep being told by my physio mate that if I want as faster time I need to ditch the 70 mile a day commute, apparently that's why I always get bum cramp, because I sit on it too much.
Dunno how true that is but it's a nice excuse!
My friend who runs at 3:30 said there's no way he could run for 5:30, fast or slow, so I just keep reminding myself of that
We were talking marathons at work this morning and I was told my 3.32 from Nottingham a few years ago was a bit of a slow time, I shall be calling him out on it in the very near future, see if he can set a decent time...
Well Done for yesterday Adam and dont let anyone take away from your amazing acheivement.
I did it in 6.05 and did way more walking than expected due to hip and foot pain. The complete strangers that were shouting words of encouragement didn't appear to have a problem with my time and neither do I - I am exhausted but elated and already starting to think about the next one.
Congratulations and enjoy your moment!
Only the people who have ever put the time, effort and dedication into training to run a marathon truly know how tough it is, the ones making the comments will never get to experience that sense of personal achievemnet you had yesterday, today and I know from experience you'll have for a long time yet to come!!!
Be proud of what you acheived, there aren't many who can say they've done it!!
It all boils down to how much training you can manage and fit in.I only managed on average 25 miles a week due to work and other commitments so i new that i was never going to break 4 hrs so i was happy with 4 33 because id told everyone who had asked that it would be about 4 and half hours.
But to know that you will be out there 5 hours plus takes a lot of guts and mental strength in my opinion so fair play to ya!!
Whether it's easy or not is a different matter, but, actually, quite a lot of people can say they've done it.
And fair play to each and every one of them!
In a way it's good because it'll fuel my training for a faster time. The only thing that kept me going in the later miles yesterday was the thought that if I stopped then I wouldn't have improved on last year.
I think it's just "banter" which is of course a by-word for acceptable bullying. I notice neither of the commentors have sponsored me either. No loss.
Congrats on doing the marathon!!
As for the good mood being ruined, I think scroobius pip has got some good words on the subject -
"Now I'm sure you've had times when you've felt down or angry,
Wanted to lash out, punch a wall and be manly,
But the question I pose now will offer you a plan B,
And maybe some peace and quiet for your friends and family,
How hard is it to decide to be in a good mood,
And then just be.. in.. a good mood?
That's all I have to say because it's a straight up fact,
You control your emotions it's as simple as that"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8bCB7DHJts
Easier said than done though
Scroobius Pip is, like, the best name ever! I might start calling myself that actually.