That’s the question I always ask myself – am I a real runner? Because in the world of Strava statistics and running influencers (let’s call them “Runfluencers”), it’s almost impossible not to compare yourself. And it makes you feel like it’s not close to the norms of becoming a runner.
I’ve been running for nine years now. And during that time I ended up doing 5K, 10K, half marathons from a completely running beginner. Last year, we completed a few days of ultra marathon events. I currently run 3 times a week regularly and am a qualified run leader in my local running group.
And yet, despite all this achievement, I still ask myself regularly. I’m a real runner!
I know I’m not alone with this kind of feeling. The question is that many people, often women, hang up, and that’s why I want to look into the idea of running in a bit more detail. Plus, I share those negative thinking patterns and how I crush what I do to feel more like a runner.
What it means to be a runner
Yes, let’s break it down. Make it very clear. When you run, you are a runner. right? In the most basic term that defines a runner, the runner.
The problem is that it’s not that simple.
We compare ourselves to others and set parameters about what the runner thinks is. It could be run based on a particular distance, a particular speed, or the expectations of what a “real” runner should look like.
And if we don’t fit into the supple, light frame, gazelle-like stereotypical image of runners seen on social media, then it’s no surprise that we’re wondering if we’re real runners! ? !
I don’t fit this stereotype. I’m not fast, my body shape doesn’t seem to look like I should run, I have a very strange running walk, and I still have to force myself with the running. Still, I’m here. runner. The person who runs.
Some of the things I do to stop negative chatting have been running consistently over the past nine years.
Dress up the parts
Even when you feel like an absolute con man, if you dress like a runner, you will feel like a runner. And for me, it’s a female hoodie with Lycra leggings and a slogan that creates a change in mindset.
In my role as an Adidas Blogger, I get the opportunity to choose what I like from their website and write about it. It’s not a bad gig, is it? And as I was putting together the latest adidas fate, I quickly found something that caught my eye.
This gender neutral runner hoodie is everything I want in a hoodie. It’s comfortable, cozy and most importantly…it has a zip-up pocket (it won’t lie. Even if you get excited by a pocket with a zip, you’re 100% runner!). But what caught my attention was a slogan printed on my back. “Every pace has a place.”
And it sums it up completely. It doesn’t matter how slow you are, whether you need to stop and walk a little from time to time, or whether you’re very fast. You guys who slap the pavement of road shoes or hit the trails with a waterproof trainer, you are all runners. And don’t let anyone say something different (including yourself!).
For example, if you feel “me” about your run that makes you feel good like this hoodie, you only need occasionally to take that spring down and leave the door. And that’s really everything. Small actions to make you feel good about yourself.
I’ll change the story
If you are asking, if I’m a real runner, it probably means you need a change in your way of thinking. And if you want to create a healthy relationship with running, it’s up to you to change the story.
There’s no doubt that we’re influenced by what we see online, but much of what we say can run far deeper than that. A really useful phrase to want to repeat yourself when you enter this negative headspace is “My thoughts are not true.” This helps to root me out and streamline my uninvited ideas.
Here are a few other changes you can make to help you reconstruct your ideas:
Changes – “I finished at the last place” – “I finished a strong change” – “People may laugh at me” – “People are we honoured to me” – If I need to stop and walk, I must be doing it wrong. ” to – “I listen to my body and do what it needs to be “change” – “I’m too slow” – “There’s a place at every pace.”
It’s all about taking that positive mental attitude. I believe in myself. Go out there and do it. And no matter what you do, you know that it’s always enough.
Stop the comparison
I’m often caught up in a comparison spiral. Not only does I compare myself to what others do, but I also look back at my achievements in the “past.” I know it’s not healthy, but still I can’t seem to stop myself. When this happens, I know there’s only one for it. Stop recording runs and get off all tracking apps. This means that I can’t see their run and therefore I can’t compare myself to the pace and distance that others are doing. But more importantly, it means that I can’t even look back and compare myself to my own orchid.
Because everything is unique. How you feel and run one day will not be the same as when you do it on another day. And it certainly won’t be the same as anyone else running. We need to step away from statistics, stop being obsessed with numbers and instead celebrate all the runs we do.
There are so many factors that can affect the way we run – not eating enough sleep, not drinking enough water, not drinking enough time in the month, it’s raining, too hot – the list is endless. Most importantly, you get out and you enjoy yourself. Certainly, you may not always enjoy it forever (hills never get easy), but if you run with a smile on your face and feel like you can take to the world, then it’s a victory.
Give up the guilt
If you don’t want to run one day, it’s easy… don’t go. There are no rules for when and how often to run. Unless you’re training for something, that’s not the case, and you need to stick to your training plan! But if not, you need to be 100% listening to what your body is telling you.
It adjusts how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally when you run. These are the best markers of progress, not statistics. I treat the run as a chance to create headspace. Time to reconnect with yourself, process thoughts, and deal with stuck or tricky feelings. Sometimes I cry on the run, and sometimes I come up with my most creative ideas. But no matter what’s going on, I always make my run feel better and my head feel more clear.
Break days are just as important as run dates and should always be considered in your training plan. Getting rest doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Similarly, if you need to walk while running, it’s fine. Most ultra runners, run flats walking down the hills, so if you need to walk from time to time, you’re in a very good companion. Every movement is important.
Final Thoughts
The moral of the story, if you run, you are a runner. No one can set rules about what makes a “real” runner. As Adidas’ Parker states, “Every pace has a place,” you deserve to have the title of runner just like anyone who can run the Sub30 5K!
So, if you realize you’re asking me if I’m a real runner, I want you to reread this blog post and remind me that you don’t need to compare yourself to others, you just need to believe in yourself a little more, wear those trainers and go out and run there.
*Cooperation with Adidas
Have you ever wondered if you’re a real runner? What helps you stay motivated?
Author’s Bio
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher and blog coach. She continues to strive to promote a realistic, sustainable and positive image of how to live a healthy life. When she’s not writing or reading a teenage diary, she’s dependent on it to run through muddy puddles, hiking through forests, making lists, having good old moans, renovating her brand new homes across the country, squatting like her life. She is also the owner of Blogwell, a blog coaching company that teaches small business owners how to use blogs to sell their businesses.
