Am I a Real Runner? The Value of Every Pace

I often find myself pondering whether I truly qualify as a runner. In a landscape filled with Strava data and lively running influencers—often dubbed ‘runfluencers’—it’s easy to turn to comparisons. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy about meeting the so-called standards of what it means to be a runner.

Having spent nine years in the running realm, I’ve transitioned from a beginner to completing distances like 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons, culminating in an ultra marathon event last year. Currently, I run three times a week and am even a certified run leader in my local running community.

Nevertheless, amid all these victories, I still grapple with the question: am I a genuine runner?

This sentiment is far from unique. Many individuals, particularly women, share this concern. This is a key reason I want to delve deeper into the mindset surrounding running. Additionally, I will share my strategies for overcoming negative thought patterns and embracing my identity as a runner.

Defining a Runner

Let’s clarify: if you run, you are indeed a runner. At its core, this is the simplest definition of being a runner—someone who runs.

But the reality is more complex.

We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, creating our own criteria for what we think a runner should be. This may involve specific distances, paces, or simply the expectation of how a ‘real’ runner ought to look.

If we don’t align with the idealized figure of a slender, graceful runner often portrayed on social media, it’s natural to question our status as runners.

I don’t adhere to that stereotype. I don’t possess speed, my physique doesn’t fit an athletic mold, my running style is unorthodox, and some days I really have to push myself out for a run. Nevertheless, I am a runner. I am someone who runs.

To combat negative self-talk and maintain my consistent running routine over the past nine years, here’s what works for me:

Dress for Success

When feeling like an impostor, the right outfit can transform your mindset. For me, slipping into lycra leggings and a cozy hoodie with a motivating slogan helps me embrace my identity as a runner.

As an adidas blogger, I have the opportunity to select items from their collection to feature. While curating my latest adidas order, I discovered a gender-neutral hoodie that instantly captured my attention.

This hoodie is everything I look for: comfortable, warm, and—most importantly—equipped with a zip pocket (if you share my enthusiasm for zip pockets, you’re definitely a runner!). What really struck me was the slogan on the back: ‘Every Pace Has A Place’.

This encapsulates the essence of running perfectly. Your speed or need to take breaks doesn’t diminish your status; every individual running on the roads or trails is a runner. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, convince you otherwise.

On days when motivation wanes, putting on something that boosts my confidence, like this hoodie, often reignites my enthusiasm to hit the pavement. It’s about those small actions that elevate your self-perception.

Reframe Your Thoughts

If you’re questioning whether you’re a true runner, it’s time for a mental shift. It’s essential to redefine the narrative to cultivate a healthy relationship with running.

While social media influences our perceptions, many of our thoughts stem from deeper insecurities. A helpful mantra I often remind myself is ‘my thoughts are not facts.’ This simple reminder helps me ground myself amid negative spirals.

Here are some reframes to consider:

Transform – ‘I finished in last place’
Into – ‘I finished strong’

Transform – ‘People might laugh at me’
Into – ‘People admire my effort’

Transform – ‘If I need to stop and walk, I’m going wrong.’
Into – ‘I’m honoring my body’s needs’

Transform – ‘I’m too slow’
Into – ‘Every pace has a place’

It’s vital to maintain a positive mindset, to believe in yourself, and to appreciate that your efforts are more than sufficient.

Avoid Comparison

Often, I find myself spiraling into comparison, scrutinizing both my peers’ accomplishments and my own previous performances. I recognize that this is unhealthy. When I notice this pattern, I stop logging my runs and unplug from tracking apps. This disconnect prevents me from comparing my stats to others or even looking back on my own past performance.

Every run is unique. How you feel one day will invariably differ from another run, and it won’t mirror anyone else’s experience either. We must shift our focus away from statistics and instead celebrate each and every run.

Many factors influence our performance—sleep quality, nutrition, hydration, weather conditions, and more can impact our runs. More crucial than any number is simply getting outside and enjoying your time. You may not relish every moment (certainly not those uphill stretches), but if you complete your run with a smile and a sense of accomplishment, that’s a huge success.

Release the Guilt

If one day you’re not feeling up to running, it’s perfectly fine to skip it. There are no hard and fast rules regarding how frequently you should run—unless you’re training for a specific event, where adhering to a plan is necessary. Otherwise, listen to your body’s signals.

Pay attention to your physical, mental, and emotional state while running. These are the key indicators of your progress, far surpassing any numerical data. I view running as an opportunity to clear my mind—a moment to reflect, confront lingering emotions, or brainstorm creative ideas. Sometimes I’ll cry, sometimes I’ll come up with brilliant concepts, and other times I channel my frustrations into speed (often resulting in my fastest times!). Regardless, I consistently finish my run feeling refreshed and mentally clearer.

Rest days are equally vital as running days and should always be integrated into training schedules. Taking a break doesn’t signify weakness; rather, it highlights your resilience. Similarly, if you need to walk during your run, that’s completely acceptable. Many ultra runners adopt a strategy of walking during ascents and running flats, so you’re in good company. Remember, all movement counts.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that if you run, you’re a runner. There are no definitive rules dictating what qualifies as a ‘real’ runner. As the adidas hoodie points out, ‘every pace has a place,’ and you deserve to hold the title of runner as much as anyone who can complete a sub-30 minute 5K!

The next time you question your runner status, revisit this article and remind yourself that comparisons are unnecessary. Instead, focus on self-belief, lace up your shoes, and go for a run.

*In collaboration with adidas

Do you ever question if you’re a genuine runner? What motivates you to keep going?

About the Author

Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator, web publisher, and blog coach. She aims to embody a realistic and positive approach to living a healthy life. When she’s not writing or reminiscing over her teenage journal, you can find her running through muddy terrain, hiking in the forest, crafting extensive to-do lists, having candid conversations, renovating her new countryside home, or performing squats with determination. Additionally, she runs BlogWell, a coaching service that aids small business owners in leveraging blogging as a marketing tool.