only problem i have with "Adult Onset Athlete" is that it seems meant to mock a really good impulse, which is to try to get fit after, often, a lifetime of being sedentary. i'm cool with basically anything that gets people motivated and working hard. i certainly have views about what would be more or less optimal for different people, but the specifics are far less important than just putting in some kind of work. people who aren't fit are often self-conscious about it, especially around people who are. gyms can be intimidating. jumping into something new can be intimidating. positive reinforcement is everything IME.
that said, coges, i'm with you: it'd be better for people to run a few 5ks until they've improved a fair amount, then move up to 10k, etc., and probably never to run a marathon. if people ask me, that's what i say. (on the other hand, "happy to finish" would not describe my virginity-losing experience, because i think it took me about 45 seconds, hahaha
).
body-shaming people is gross and mean.
also, maxent, what would be an acceptable marathon time for a marathon-running love interest? if this woman has run more than one then she's probably pretty fit and committed. if you're attracted mainly to super competitive people, then i can see why you'd care. but if not, what's the difference if she runs them in 3 or 4 hours, or if she's improving her times? not everyone is crazy competitive or motivated to improve and improve.