For Avid Runners....?

Question

Do competitive runners feel superior to amateurs who enter 5ks and such?

I am curious- I plan to enter a 5k a few months after having my baby- I don't expect to win, I'd just like a reason to get into shape and something to work for. I just don't want to be laughed at if I finish dead last.

Answer 1

Nope. I've been in a few summer 5k's and everyone is friendly. A lot of people are serious runners, but many run just for fun. I think you should do it. Good luck :)

Answer 2

The easiest way to answer this question is to ask yourself if you've ever laughed/ridiculed someone who wasn't as good as you. You probably answered "no." People don't care what anyone else is doing if it's not effecting them.

Answer 3

I run a lot cross country and track i do a lot of off runs, and actually with as much as i run i'm not the best.. i believe no matter how hard you work it's still god given talent.

I don't believe and compoetitive runners look down on others- actually even if you finish last there is still a respect between runners there is no reason for one runner to be rude to another

even if you finished last you just finished a 5k which is more then some people do their entire lives! it's awesome be proud ! have fun!

Answer 4

when I did my first 5k I pretty much finished last and they were all saying good Job just do your best

Answer 5

well they are superior in running..you wont be laughed atunless they're mean lol

Answer 6

I don't think Running is exactly an elitist sport, since pretty much anyone can do it.  Most elite runners I have met are always very friendly.  You'll always get a few s****. seeds, but that shouldn't dissuade you from running.

That's great that you're getting back into some competitive running after having a baby.  Rock on!

Answer 7

The answer is NO! If anyone acts like that they are total asswipes! You should just be proud you are able to run start to finish. I've been doing 5k's and 10k's for years, and I have won a few, but never have I nor any of my friends made fun of anybody. just go out and run to the best of your ability.

Answer 8

Be sure to finish. Try hard and have fun all the runners I have competed against always encouraged the ones that put effort into finishing even if it is last. No one will laugh at you the will laugh at the kid that drops out or is giving you **** on the side line that would loose their breath walking to the refrigerator.

Answer 9

im sure no one will laugh, as long as you enjoy yourself and are meeting your own goals (times or just finishing) then why worry about anyone else.

im a noob and im trying to get my body to adapt to the stresses of running so ive been gradualy walking more often, and jogging a bit further everyday because i dont want to get injured because its so frustrating. so i would say build up to it gradualy or risk geting injured like my dumb ***.

Answer 10

i do a 5k every year just for fun. I'm not the fastest, not the slowest. don't worry you won't finish dead last.  The point of running is to get yourself in shape. and you'll feel very proud of yourself when you finish. just do it for the experience.

Answer 11

Trust me, even if you just had a baby you won't finish last and even if you do nobody is going to care. I have entered a few 5ks myself and even my first 5k i didn't come close to last and i was 10! So even if a superior runner does look down on you don't think anything of it because not many new moms can even say they completed a 5k.

Answer 12

The running community is very welcoming and encouraging to first-timers and amateurs. Check out http://www.runnersworld.com/ for good tips and advice!