I often find myself pondering the question – am I truly a runner? In an era dominated by Strava metrics and social media running influencers (let’s call them ‘runfluencers’), it’s challenging to avoid comparing ourselves. This often leads to self-doubt about whether we meet the standards of what it means to be a runner.
I’ve been running for 9 years, transitioning from a complete beginner to participating in 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and even completing a multi-day ultra marathon last year. Now, I run three times a week and serve as a qualified run leader for my local running group.
Yet, despite all of these accomplishments, I still frequently question whether I am a ‘real’ runner!
I know I’m not alone in this. Many others, particularly women, grapple with similar feelings. That’s why I want to explore the mindset of running more deeply. Furthermore, I’ll share how I combat those negative thoughts and cultivate a stronger runner identity.
Defining What It Means to Be a Runner
Let’s clarify things: if you run, you’re a runner. This is the most straightforward definition – anyone who runs is a runner.
However, it’s not that simple.
We tend to quickly compare ourselves to others and create our own definitions of what a runner should look like. This might involve specific distances, speeds, or even societal expectations of a ‘typical’ runner.
If you don’t fit the conventional image of a runner — the lean, gazelle-like figures often showcased on social media — it’s no wonder you might question your own legitimacy as a runner!
I don’t conform to this stereotype. I’m not particularly fast, my body doesn’t fit the mold of a stereotypical runner, my running gait is unique, and I often have to motivate myself to get out and run. Yet, here I am, identifying as a runner. Someone who runs.
Here are some strategies I use to challenge negative self-talk that have helped me remain a consistent runner for the past nine years:
Dress the Part
Even when I feel like a total imposter, wearing running attire helps me embrace the runner mindset. For me, it’s all about stylish lycra leggings and a woman’s hoodie adorned with an empowering slogan.
As a blogger for adidas, I have the privilege of selecting items from their collection to showcase. While curating my latest adidas haul, I came across a gorgeous gender-neutral runners hoodie that completely caught my attention.
This hoodie is not only cozy and comfortable, but it also features a zip-up pocket (seriously, if you appreciate a good pocket, you’re definitely a runner!). The message on the back – ‘Every Pace Has A Place’ – resonated deeply with me.
That phrase captures the essence of running perfectly. It doesn’t matter if you’re slow, need to walk occasionally, or run at lightning speed; anyone out there pounding the pavement or tackling trails in their trainers is indeed a runner. Don’t let anyone (yourself included) convince you otherwise.
On days when I feel ‘meh’ about my runs, putting on something that boosts my confidence, like this hoodie, can reignite my motivation to hit the pavement. It’s about taking small actions to elevate your self-esteem.
Transform the Narrative
If you’re questioning whether you’re a genuine runner, it likely indicates that you need a mindset shift. It’s crucial to change the narrative to foster a healthy relationship with running.
While external influences certainly affect us, much of the discouragement we face comes from within. A useful mantra that I repeat when in a negative mindset is ‘my thoughts are not facts’. This helps anchor me and provides perspective on intrusive negative thoughts.
Here are some reframing exercises to consider:
- Change – ‘I finished last’ To – ‘I finished strong’
- Change – ‘People might laugh at me’ To – ‘People admire my efforts’
- Change – ‘If I need to walk, I must be doing it wrong’ To – ‘I’m listening to my body’
- Change – ‘I’m too slow’ To – ‘Every pace has a place’
Embracing positivity is paramount. Believe in yourself. Get out there and realize that whatever effort you put in is valid.
Let Go of Comparisons
I often find myself caught in a comparison trap, not just measuring myself against others but also reflecting on my previous accomplishments. I recognize it’s unhealthy but oftentimes feel unable to break the cycle. When this happens, I stop recording my runs and disconnect from tracking apps. This prevents me from comparing myself to others or even to my past performances.
The reality is that every run is distinct. Your feelings and performance one day won’t mirror another day or someone else’s experience. We need to shift focus away from statistics, move past the numbers, and celebrate every run we complete.
Many factors can influence your running performance – sleep disturbance, nutrition, hydration, weather conditions, and even hormonal changes – the list is exhaustive. What matters most is simply getting out there and enjoying the journey. While hills may not be enjoyable, finishing a workout with a smile and a sense of accomplishment is a victory in itself.
Release the Guilt
If one day you don’t feel like running, it’s perfectly okay to skip it. There aren’t rigid guidelines concerning how often or when you should run – unless preparing for an event where a training plan exists, in which case you should adhere to it! Otherwise, listen to your body’s signals.
Pay attention to your physical, mental, and emotional state while running; these are the true indicators of progress, not mere numbers. For me, running is a chance to clear my mind and reflect on thoughts and emotions. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I generate creative ideas, or even experience moments of frustration (often resulting in my fastest runs!). Regardless of the circumstances, I always finish feeling better and with a clearer mind.
Rest days hold equal importance to running days and should be factored into training routines. Taking a break doesn’t mean you’ve failed; in fact, it reflects strength. Similarly, if you need to walk sometimes, that’s perfectly acceptable. Many ultra-runners incorporate walking on inclines, and if you need to walk occasionally, you’re in great company. Every bit of movement counts.
Final Thoughts
The takeaway is simple: if you run, you are a runner. No one gets to define what makes a ‘real’ runner. As the adidas hoodie says, ‘every pace has a place,’ and you deserve the title of runner just as much as someone who can complete a 5K under 30 minutes!
So, the next time you find yourself questioning if you’re a real runner, remember to revisit this post. Remind yourself that you don’t need to measure yourself against others; you just need to believe in yourself a bit more, lace up those shoes, and hit the ground running.
*Collaborating with adidas
Do you sometimes wonder if you’re a real runner? What keeps you motivated?
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher, and blog coach. She strives to foster a realistic, sustainable, and positive image of a healthy lifestyle. When she’s not writing or sifting through her teenage diary, you can find her running through muddy puddles, hiking in the woods, making lists upon lists, renovating her new countryside home, and doing squats with gusto. She also runs BlogWell, a blog coaching enterprise teaching small business owners how to effectively use blogging as a marketing tool.
