a question for good runners...

no real reason for this question, just something I wonder about...

 I compete in races and usually come in the last 10%. When the races are multiple laps I always get lapped, sometimes when I feel like I've only just started....I did a half marathon once and got lapped by the winner when I was only just at Mile 6! lol

 Anyway, my question is this...if you're a good runner and you lap the slower runners what do you think about them? Do you think 'good for you' or do you feel a bit sorry for them when they are obviously finding it harder than you? Do you get a sense of achievement/target in catching the back runners? Or do you have no opinion whatsoever cos you're wrapped up in your own race?

By the way, I've not got a chip on my shoulder about it, I've actually found running to be a very supportive sport to get into and I'm fine plodding my way round on my own. Just wondered what goes through other runners heads as they whizz by....

I'm by no means a front runner but I'd usually finish in the top quarter (so top 25 in a field of 100).

I always think 'good for you', and I'm often in 2 minds about whether to try and say anything to encourage the slower ones as I pass - just like a 'well done' or something. But I often don't cos I think it might come across as being really patronising, so I quite often just tootle on.

Good for you everytime. Anyone that thinks, what's the point, is an idiot.

Whether they run or not isn't important. They will be an idiot in all the other areas of their life too.

It's the runner that is just starting out, maybe a little overweight, going at at slower pace that always gets my praise, because despite how difficult they are finding it they have still put on their trainers and done it.

I respect both end's of the running spectrum because I appreciate what ability it takes to run a marathon in just over 2 hours and the effort,courage and strength  it takes to finish one in 6 hours.

Personally I`m against races that have laps.

I competed in a 10k recently where you had to run a two lap circuit. The 2nd lap you had to overtake those who are at jogging pace, some with their ipods stuck to their ears. Its a problem because you have to duck and dive round them which makes it harder for a faster runner.

But I always support those on the 2nd lap by giving them words of encouragement. They are doing something good for themselves like myself.  Races with laps are OK as long as slower runners keep to one side for the faster runners to come through.

Not a great lover of lap races either (another reason to hate Bath HM) but always give support / keep going to runners I overtake no matter where on the course I am.

My HM was 2 laps, TBH, I was suprised I didn't get lapped!!!!!.

As for ipods in races, don't get me started, I've done races where there is big signs with "NO IPODS OR HEADPHONES", and low and behold, people STILL have them.

Even at GNR the IPODs were abundant!

There's a bloody enormous crowd and live bands FFS! Why block it all out?

Anyway back to the point - I'm a mid pack runner and nobody cares about US!

I think once you have an appreciation of what it takes to actually run in the first place only an idiot would have detremental thoughts to someone being lapped. Its the same if I am in the car and see someone running, I think well done and then look forward to my next session. Or similarly if someone is on the large side and is clearly trying to improve and make a difference to themselves I again think well done. I would imagine the psychological barrier for putting themselves on show is almost as hard as the running. Again that gets my respect everytime.

Oh and races with laps are a bad idea, unavoidable maybe but certainly not ideal.

I was mid pack in GNR!

Cheeky bugger..... There were some really slow people there - honest!