Runners that take themselves too Seriously (Read 1533 times)

This is a pet peeve of mine lately. I belong to a running group and when we started out, most of us were newer runners who were working on completing their first marathons. but now it's 4 years later and people have progressively gotten faster, whereas, I'm about the same or slower. I run about 25 miles a week and occasionally do speedwork. Sometimes, I can eek out a decent race time, but most of the time, I finish around the middle of the pack and I'm OK with that. But what I don't understand is how SOME of the people in my group just don't seem to enjoy it anymore. After a race is over, sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm not happy, it depends. But it seems like lately, after a race, these runners are NEVER happy. They're always talking about how they could have done better. I'll give you an example: On 3/16 , I ran a 10 miler. Now, my 10 mile PR is 1:24, but that was on a greater weekly mileage that just isn't realistic for me to maintain. So, this day was raining and i just went to see what I could do- ended up finishing in 1:30. I was happy. I hadn't been training all that seriously and I was proud of myself for surviving the hills and the rain and still not doing too shabby for me. The people in my group ran in the 1:15 range and my one friend ran a 1:20, I think. I cross the finish totally happy and she says to me "You and I have to start doing more speedwork." And then she continues to talk about how the others were so much faster. Kind of killed my vibe a little bit. So, this past weekend, 3/22, I ran another 10 miler. It was so much fun and I finished about 1:31. So, still no PR, but I met some amazing people, ran a negative split, and really enjoyed the scenery. And not to be mean, but I was kind of glad that no one from my running group was there. So, what's the deal with people being negative? I mean, what's the point of running if you're only going to critique yourself constantly and want to get faster. I get the competitive drive. I am competitive too.... up to a point. As for me, I do have a secret ambition to BQ. I've given up analyzing why I'm getting slower instead of faster. I really do think it's a weekly mileage thing. And, unless I sacrifice more sleep or more time away from my family, it's probably not going to happen for me. Part of me thinks that if I BQ, then that still won't be good enough, I will just have to get faster. I mean, if we're all recreational runners, what's the point of being so hard on yourself? Ok, rant over.... I just don't want people in the group to feel sorry for me that I'm not as fast as them or as fast as I used to be. And I want them to have fun with their running. I feel like I'm the only one who ends up happy after a race. (Just so I don't sound too negative myself, I'm basically venting here. I do think the people in my group are nice and I love the benefits of running with a group. )

I run with someone who is a natural runner and is much faster than me. Fortunately for me he is always the first one to notice when I've improved. If your running club is not being supportive of you and is not running for the same reasons you are maybe it is time to either find a new club or start your own.

A quick observation. Running in groups works for some and not others. If all are "aerobically equal" it probably works the best. Often when several folks of different ability and motivation run together, either some run too fast and others may run too slow--if there is such a thing. Running is pretty much an individual sport. Stay focused on what works for you. Allow others to be where they are. Makes life more interesting. Continue to have fun. Nick

I think I may come across too harshly on my group and possibly just need to focus on how to get everyone to lighten up a little bit. I do like my group and they have helped with motivation and consistency. Maybe I should start another thread, titled, Why am I getting slower? Thanks for letting me vent.

I'd often wondered about this (not racing, but just running) but my bad days are behind me. Once I ran a4 miles after having 4 Guinness (I had interviewed a Guinness dude whose job it was to teach bars how to properly serve the stout.) Didn't do bad.

I hear exactly what you are saying...one of my original running buddies is not only never happy, she is down right miserable most of the time. I remember one race where she was predicting she would run I think it was a 2:05 best case scenario, she ran a 2:04 which was a 9 minute PR and she was seriously pissed that she didnt break 2:00. Moped about it for weeks. Eventually I had to quit running with her because it was too miserable to be around her. I understand wanting to do better all the time, but celebrate where you are! I wanted to break 4:00 last year in PDX but knew it was a very long shot. I hit 4:02:53. I was thrilled. Before I got pg I was on track to do a 4:18-4:20 so hitting 4:02 a year after my ds was born was awesome. I also know some mistakes I made that would have made 4:00 more likely so that is still there to analyze and act on, but you can still be happy while wanting to improve. I honestly struggle with people who PR and then say "I sucked" Next time someone comments on how you should be running faster say point blank that you are happy with your race and have no plans to go faster. I think some people cant understand not wanting to improve.

ok, sorry for the post above..... I guess I'm still figuring out how to quote. Ennay.... I like you!

Kimmie, I feel you on the original post. That's exactly why I never have, and probably never will enter a race. It's just not what running is about for me.