It’s a thought that often crosses my mind: Am I truly a runner? In a world dominated by Strava metrics and the curated lives of “runfluencers,” it’s challenging to avoid the temptation of comparison. This ongoing contrast frequently leads me to the uneasy feeling that I don’t quite meet the conventional standard of what being a runner entails.
For the past nine years, I’ve been lacing up my sneakers and hitting the streets. Throughout this journey, I’ve evolved from a raw beginner into someone who consistently competes in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, even tackling a multi-day ultra marathon challenge last year. I run three times weekly and proudly act as a certified run leader in my community. Yet, despite these achievements, I still grapple with that persistent question: Am I a genuine runner?
I know I’m not alone in this. Many, especially women, wrestle with this sentiment, which is why I’d like to delve into the mindset associated with running. My aim is to reveal how I combat those doubts and embrace my path as a runner.
What It Means To Be A Runner
Let’s break it down: If you run, you are a runner. Simple, right? But it’s rarely that straightforward.
We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, creating criteria for what we perceive constitutes a “real” runner. For some, it may involve running specific distances, achieving certain speeds, or conforming to a particular image of what a runner looks like. And when you don’t fit the mold of the slender, agile figures commonly portrayed on social media, it’s no surprise you might question your place in this community.
I don’t embody that ideal either. I’m not the quickest out there, I don’t have the “ideal” runner’s build, my running form is a bit unconventional, and many days, I have to push myself just to put on my shoes. Yet here I am, an authentic runner—a person who runs.
Here are some tactics I employ to counter those negative feelings and sustain my love for running year after year:
Dress The Part
Even on days when I feel like a fraud, donning attire that feels like “running gear” can alter my mindset. For me, it’s all about my lycra leggings and a snug hoodie with a motivational saying.
As an adidas blogger, I have the unique opportunity to curate my favorites from their site to share. Recently, while selecting items for my latest adidas haul, I stumbled upon a hoodie that resonated with me. This gender-neutral runner’s hoodie is everything I’ve ever wanted—ultra-comfortable, cozy, and it even features a zip-up pocket. And if you find joy in pockets, you might just be a runner yourself! However, what truly connected with me was the phrase on the back: “Every Pace Has A Place.”
That statement encapsulates the essence of running. It doesn’t matter if you’re slow or fast, or if you need to pause occasionally. If you’re out there moving in your trainers, you’re a runner. Don’t let anyone—especially not yourself—convince you otherwise.
On days when my motivation dips, slipping into something that uplifts me, like this hoodie, can be all I need to regain my enthusiasm and step out the door. These small actions can significantly influence how you perceive yourself.
Change The Narrative
If you find yourself questioning your identity as a runner, it might be time for a mindset overhaul. Altering the narrative is crucial if we want to foster a healthy relationship with running.
While social media can skew our views, the negative self-perceptions we hold often run much deeper. A mantra I frequently repeat during low moments is, “My thoughts are not facts.” This phrase grounds me and helps provide perspective on those intrusive doubts.
Here are some reframing techniques you can apply to shift your mindset:
- Change – “I finished in last place.”
- To – “I finished strong.”
- Change – “People might laugh at me.”
- To – “People are motivated by my tenacity.”
- Change – “If I have to stop and walk, I must be doing it wrong.”
- To – “I’m listening to my body and looking after myself.”
- Change – “I’m too slow.”
- To – “Every pace has a place.”
It’s all about cultivating a positive mindset, believing in yourself, getting out there, and realizing that every bit of effort is valid.
Stop Comparing
I often find myself caught in comparison traps—not only with fellow runners but also with my past self. While I recognize this isn’t healthy, breaking the cycle can seem daunting. In such moments, I take action: I refrain from recording my runs and logging into tracking apps. This prevents me from seeing someone else’s stats and averting the temptation to compare my current performance with my past.
Every single run is distinct. How you feel on one day is likely to differ from another, or from someone else’s experience. We need to prioritize cherishing every run we complete over fixating on numbers.
Numerous factors can affect our performance—such as sleep quality, nutrition, hydration, or even the weather. Ultimately, what counts is simply getting out there and savoring the experience. Certainly, not every run will be exhilarating (those hills will never be our allies), but finishing a session with a smile and the sense that you can conquer anything is an achievement in itself.
Ditch The Guilt
On days when running feels unappealing, a straightforward solution exists: Don’t go. There’s no strict guideline dictating when or how often you should run, unless you’re preparing for a specific event—then, by all means, stick to your plan! Otherwise, listen to your body’s signals.
Tune into how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally while running. These sensations are the true indicators of your progress—not numbers. I see running as a means to clear my mind. It’s my time to reconnect, process thoughts, and sort through complex emotions. Some runs may leave me in tears, while others ignite my most creative ideas, and some morph into heated emotional battles (which, by the way, often result in my fastest miles!).
Regardless of life’s circumstances, I always complete my run feeling uplifted and mentally clearer, as if a burden has been lifted. Those moments spent on the trail or pavement? They’re my personal slice of therapy.
Rest days deserve attention—yes, they hold equal importance as days when you lace up and run. It can be tempting to view resting as slacking off or a sign of weak commitment. However, taking breaks signifies strength and wisdom. Your body requires time to recover and grow, and respecting those rest days is crucial in becoming a better runner.
And if you find yourself needing to walk during your run, don’t worry. You’re in good company. Even seasoned ultra runners often opt to walk up steep inclines and shuffle the flats. So, if you’re feeling tired or just want to catch your breath, embrace it. Remember, all movement counts. It’s about being active and enjoying each step.
When you lace up your shoes and put one foot in front of the other, you’re already a runner. No one can dictate what qualifies someone as a ‘real’ runner—it’s not merely about speed or distance. As one inspirational adidas hoodie puts it, “every pace has a place.” Whether you sprint through a 5K or jog leisurely around your neighborhood, you deserve the title of runner just as much as anyone else.
So, the next time that familiar thought arises—am I really a runner?—take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and revisit this message. You don’t need to compare yourself to others. What matters is believing in yourself, even a little more than before. Slide on those trainers, step outside, and relish the experience.
*in partnership with adidas*
If you’ve ever pondered whether you truly belong in the running community or what inspires your motivation, I’d love to hear your insights.
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**Author Bio**
Becky Stafferton is a devoted content creator, web publisher, and blog coach focused on fostering a realistic and sustainable approach to healthy living. When she’s not immersed in writing or reflective journaling, you can find her splashing through puddles, hiking in nature, managing her extensive to-do lists, or passionately debating her viewpoints. She’s also in the midst of renovating her new home in the countryside while integrating squats into her daily routine! As the founder of BlogWell, she empowers small business owners to utilize blogging for effective marketing.
