WEEKLY CHAT 11-17 APRIL: Do you have ... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

Fun Beyond 10K & Race Support

2,633 members7,996 posts

WEEKLY CHAT 11-17 APRIL: Do you have runner’s envy?

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon
57 Replies

Hello intrepid runners 🙂 How are you doing? How’s the running? What are you up to?

I started to think about envy after a visit to my dentist! I’ve been having a tooth problem and so have seen quite a bit of him recently. We always spend at least five minutes beforehand just chatting about running because he discovered running at the start of lockdown and he’s now as hooked as the rest of us 🙂

He had entered his first HM a few weeks ago and so when I saw him the other day he was telling me all about it. He wasn’t keen on the crowds, he didn’t really enjoy it, he hadn’t trained, he wasn’t feeling 100% on the day and he stopped four times on the way around. BUT, he finished it in around 1:45!!! (he’s not particularly “young” so he hasn’t got that in his favour).

Was I envious? No, I honestly wasn’t. I was thrilled for him and I was probably more pleased about his time than he was! He was a bit meh!

But on the way home I was thinking about any time when I felt envious of another runner for whatever reason. And I honestly couldn’t think of any. According to this article in Runner’s World runnersworld.com/runners-st... there are two types of envy, benign and malicious. I don’t think I’ve got either but what about you? Have you ever felt even a tiny bit envious of another runner? I admire others’ achievements as I know the amount of hard work that’s usually gone into them but they inspire me, not make me feel envious.

Tell us your thoughts on this. We’d love to hear them 🙂

Have a great week everyone!

From The Marathon Team x

————

🥳 If you have a race coming up in April then let us know and we can give you a pom pom send-off:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

🏅If you have earned a badge (10 miles, HM, Metric Marathon, Marathon, Ultra) then go here:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Written by
Irishprincess profile image
Irishprincess
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
57 Replies
TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon

At the moment I’m envious of anyone who looks effortless, gliding along the road as if they’re on wheels. I’ve been watching far too many London Marathon YouTube videos recently and the latest one was a Vlog. He and everyone around him seemed to be going at the pace I do but he was chatting away without a bead of sweat on his brow, not a wince of pain crossed his face, and he came in at sub 4 hours. It was a really good video though!!

I tried to replicate his ease on my training run yesterday but I still looked like a sweaty, pained, stressed bunny by the time I’d finished. I don’t know how I’m going to look after 26.2 miles but it won’t be pretty!!

As a Scorpio, I’m afraid envy comes with the territory 🦂♏️😫

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toTailChaser

You’re going to be awesome TailChaser & we are going to keep reminding you as you train for London 😍

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toRunWillie

Thank you RW, that will really help 😍🤗

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

Who cares what we look like TC. When you cross that finish line you’ll look epic 💪

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toIrishprincess

I’ll try 🤣

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon in reply toTailChaser

No one looks pretty after 26.2 miles. I also think that there are plenty of people who will look at you and think the same. When is your marathon? It’s just maranoia. You’d totally got this💪🏽

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toTasha99

Thanks Tasha. I know and tbh I don’t really care, I just might be a bit smelly on the train home... As long as i’m still on my feet i’ll be happy. It’s 2nd October, so quite a way to go yet. I was fairly paranoid when I trained for my first HM and I’m approaching this in a similar way. I’m mainly paranoid that it will be cancelled or postponed just before like they keep doing with Bath!

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon

Hi Irishprincess & other running superheroes,

I’m still in shock that I can call myself a runner! The only competition I have is with myself so I can honestly say that I don’t really envy anyone. I’m also the slowest person that I know on Strava so it would be foolish to play the comparison game 🤣

There’s so many different types of runners who all run for different reasons which is what I love about running.

Happy week everyone! ❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

Today’s run
Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toRunWillie

Your photos are always so gorgeous 😍

You’re right about the different types of runners. We’re a very diverse lot!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toRunWillie

Come follow me on Strava and I think you'll find I'm way slower RunWillie !

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toCmoi

You’re also climbing mountains Cmoi 😍

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toRunWillie

I run more hills that most people on here RunWillie , rarely proper mountains! You, however, are a much stronger runner than you give yourself credit for 👍😀

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseHalf Marathon10 Miles in reply toRunWillie

I've already said in reply to your anniversary posts that your PBs aren't too far off mine and a fair bit faster than my usual more relaxed solo lollops when all I'm really doing is just pootling along enjoying being out doors and covering however much ground I do on any particular outing. I save my speedy stuff for Parkrun and any actual events that I'm entered into; the rest I just do whatever my legs decide they want to do on the day.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toRunWillie

You are very speedy from what I’ve seen on the parkrun posts RW. I think you need to follow more people on Strava (including me, I’m getting slower all the time trying to build these slow twitch muscles!).And if anything can make us envious it’s those gorgeous photos! 😍🌞

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

Hi Irishprincess, lol, I am envious of runners who lap me at parkrun 🏃🏾😀😂

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

You’re still having a ball Al 🤗

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

I am indeed having a ball, especially at parkrun, it doesn't really matter if I am lapped, as long as I enjoy the run that is the main thing, I have noticed that at my home parkrun with the 3 laps the runners who come in sub 23 minutes lap me, my average time is around 33 minutes, I have noticed that runners who are +43 minutes are the ones I lap but I always say to them "keep going you are running so well".

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

How many have you done now? I’ve lost track!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

The big four O, Irishprincess, I have run 40 official parkruns and 95 (not) parkruns, although I 'only' run two times a week, on a Wednesday and Saturday, the Wednesday longer runs are 10K's, I use my 5K split time for sending the (not) parkrun time to my home parkrun website which is Dunfermline,

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

That’s amazing Al! You’re a real experienced parkrun runner 🏃

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon

1h45 for a HM? I'd be incredibly pleased with that. That would mean I would have beaten my 10km PB twice!

I'm also envious of the gazelles and gliders who make it all look effortless.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply tonowster

From what I’ve seen of your recent speeds nowster you’ll soon be up there with the gazelles!

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon in reply toTailChaser

It certainly isn't effortless! Maybe at some point someone will observe me running and be able to declare a verdict.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply tonowster

I think we all feel like that though 🤔

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tonowster

Although he said he didn't enjoy the experience and probably wouldn’t enter another race, while I was heading out the door he muttered something about what his time would be if he trained properly….. 🤔

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

... and so it begins! 🤣

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tonowster

A friend encouraged him to enter the HM and his wife ran too so perhaps there’s an element of peer pressure….

Kalessin profile image
KalessinHalf Marathon

I'm envious of everyone who took part in the Bungay Black Dog running festival yesterday. I signed up for the Half Marathon and actually did almost every run in my training plan, which was much more than I did for the Chelmsford HM last October. Then late last week I developed what seemed to be a cold, and after I got chesty I very reluctantly decided not to go along on Sunday. This morning (Monday) I have finally tested positive for Covid. So probably just as well I didn't give it a try!

And for those of you who think you are slow, I bet I'm slower, and there are no mountains and not many hills around here, so I have no excuse. It did dawn on me the other day that one reason I haven't started running until I'm in my sixties is that I feel people won't expect me to go fast at my age, but in fact I have never been able to run fast in my entire life.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toKalessin

Really sorry you missed out on the HM Kalessin , look after yourself.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toKalessin

Oh Kalessin, that’s a shame 😢 I hope you feel better very soon x

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toKalessin

That’s so disappointing ☹️ but your training is not wasted as you’ll be able to pick up where you left off much quicker when you return.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon .

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon

I can understand why your dentist might not be thrilled with his HM result Irishprincess . Personally I'd much rather enjoy the experience and end up with a slower time than run faster but without enjoying it.

As for that Runner's World article, I find it utterly infuriating. Yet again it's assumed that "faster" and "better" are synonymous. Other forms of challenge, let alone enjoyment, just don't figure. I guess that makes me maliciously envious because no, I can't see why I'd want to make myself miserable simply to beat someone else's time and get bragging rights for "better" numbers.

On the upside, I was so angry at the article that I went out and ran around randomly, mostly up and down fields (in the wrong shoes) for just over an hour, just because I can. See photo! 😄

Views across fields in mid-mountain France
sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseHalf Marathon10 Miles in reply toCmoi

Completely with you on the faster/better thing. Sometimes I run fast (for me), e.g. at Parkrun or an organised 5k/10k/HM event, but usually I'm just lolloping along at whatever pace my legs have settled on, taking in the countryside and the wildlife along the way, most often covering around 12-16k, sometimes more, sometimes less.

For me it's just about the activity itself as a way of unwinding and destressing after work; my pace (unless I'm specifically focusing on it, which I rarely am) is just whatever it happens to be when I press stop on Strava at the end of the run.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Yes, most articles and running magazines seem to be geared towards speedy runners.Perhaps we should start one for the rest of us!

I mentioned to nowster above that as I was leaving the dentist he wondered what his time would be if he trained properly so he may enter another event. Then again, maybe not.

That’s a gorgeous photo 🙂

And running just because you can is the best reason for doing it 😍

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

I’m envious if they’re running and I’m gazing out the window from the injury couch 😫

This week I am mostly walking the 🐕

Speaking of dentists IP, I’m going tomorrow. First time for 2 years 😬

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply tomisswobble

If it’s any consolation misswobble, Katnap is feeling just the same. He’s just been out to walk the eldest kitten (as we don’t have a dog) and he’s very fed up.Good luck with the dentist 🤞

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toTailChaser

Oh eck. Fingers crossed that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible 🤞🙂

AOK at the dentist thanks 🙂👍

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon in reply tomisswobble

😕

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tomisswobble

Oh yes I agree! I remember once sitting in a hospital bed waiting for a minor operation and I saw a runner run past the window. That was the running gods’ wicked sense of humour on full display 🤬😂

Hope you get on ok at the dentist and no further trips are required 🤞

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toIrishprincess

You’d want to open the window and leg it 😁🏃‍♀️🌪

I did fine at the dentist thank you . Phew😮‍💨

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tomisswobble

I did really really want to do that, yes 🏃‍♀️

Glad the dentist went ok 😀

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseHalf Marathon10 Miles

I have to say, I don't envy other runners achievements. We all different and we all have our own goals and targets. Yes, I'm slower than a lot of people, but I'm also faster than a lot of others too. I may consider myself slow compared to others but I know there are people who would love to be "as slow" as me. It's all relative. The only person I ever really compete with is myself.

I do, however, occasionally feel a twang of envy when I meet runners out doing their thing when I'm on a rest day, particularly if the weather is nice. I get that fleeting" maybe I could just... " thought, but then I remind myself that rest days are non-negotiable and that, anyway, tomorrow it'll be my turn to run again.

For me, running is largely a meditative process. I don't concern myself with pace. I have a vague notion of what route I might take and I just head off, leaving my pace to be whatever it is when I hit save on my watch at the end of the run.

It's a very personal thing for me, so I really don't worry about what others do.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply tosTrongFuse

Whoever said “Comparison is the thief of joy” was very wise (Teddy Roosevelt apparently).

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon in reply tosTrongFuse

This exactly 😍

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tosTrongFuse

So true, especially about seeing runners on a day off ☹️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

It's been said so many times, usually by me.... Comparison really is the thief of joy, and I feel Envy comes in there somewhere.I can, I think honestly say, I have never envied anyone and their running achievements, the only twinges have been felt when sitting on the IC.

Thanks for the reminder too IP...need to book a check up at the dentist !

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toOldfloss

At least when we’re on the IC Floss we know it’s only temporary and that we’ll be back out again at some stage but it is still ☹️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toIrishprincess

True xxx

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon

1:45 with 4 stops! That’s obscene! 🤣

I don’t feel envy at all. When I see people out running, I will them on! Ok, so I do sometimes have FOMO though.

The only thing that does frustrate me is when some (and there are few and far between, luckily) speedier runners go on and on about how rubbish their run was when they’ve ‘only’ managed a 20 minute 5k etc etc. Yes, it’s all relative, but sometimes I just think 🙄

🤣

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toTasha99

I know! I was really excited for him and kept grinning but he was very laid back and “whatever” cool about it all. Perhaps he was secretly delighted but didn't show it. I did ask to see his medal 😂

I agree about some speedier runners. I’ve read so many running books from “ordinary” runners who go on about their slow runs but then mention these really fast times (to me anyway!)

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toTasha99

I have friends on Strava that post runs at 5.00/km pace as slow mo. That’s my park run pace on a good day 🤣(in my dreams!)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

Ooh. I have lots of runner envy! All pretty positive though I think. When I'm injured I envy every single person I see out for a run, in an event I envy all sorts of outfits, postures, styles of running. Often when I read posts here I envy the running location, or the weather conditions or maybe the boost the runner has felt. I'd say my envy tends to be inspirational though, more of a 'congratulations, lucky you' type of envy 😊. Oh, and don't even get me started on swishy ponytails .... 😍

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tolinda9389

Haha I love your honesty Linda! But just think of all the runners who are envious of you 🙂

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon

Ha maybe not envy but fascination and inspiration, yes. I see a runner and my mind is immediately working out where they are on their journey and their run. 🙂When I hear a friend has crossed a major milestone I am deeply happy for them because I know what it means for them and how hard they’ve worked. Running is intensely personal and most of my battles are for my future self. I’m old enough to know I can’t keep up with the young ones, but that is how it should be and it should not stop us from at least trying.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toDecker

Perfectly put Decker 🙂

Blackberrypie profile image
BlackberrypieHalf Marathon

I currently have run envy of my pre-COVID running self. Not too bad but definitely more effort required for a given pace.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toBlackberrypie

I totally get this run envy! Here’s wishing you a good recovery 🍀

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

WEEKLY CHAT 18-24 APRIL: Runniversary reminiscence 😎🤩🥳

Hello!!! Hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend, making the most of everything that spring has to...
linda9389 profile image
Administrator

WEEKLY CHAT 22-28 APRIL ☕️🫖🍰

Hello fellow runners 🙂 How are you? We can’t start this week’s chat without mentioning the London...
Irishprincess profile image
Administrator

WEEKLY CHAT 28 FEBRUARY - 6 MARCH: Do you check out other runners?

Hello fabulous runners. How’s it all going? Whether you’re running at the minute or not, one thing...
Irishprincess profile image
Administrator

WEEKLY CHAT 5 -11 SEPTEMBER ☕️🫖🍰

Hello lovely runners. Yet another week goes by, another excuse to sit down and have a wee chat 😍...
linda9389 profile image
Administrator

Weekly Chat: March 30th - April 5th 😊🏃‍♀‍🏃‍♂‍

Hi everybody! How's it all going? Are you managing to get out running? Are you working out in your...
roseabi profile image
Ultramarathon