There’s been quite a bit of social media buzz, and media in general, dedicated to the topic of what makes someone a “real runner.”
It’s clearly something that many runners grapple with.
Am I a runner or a jogger, and what is the difference between running and jogging?
For many wondering what makes a good runner, the idea that if you aren’t running sub-6s (on an easy day at that!) you aren’t an athlete.
You’re a wanna be.
The truth couldn’t be further from that, though.
In my opinion, if you run on any sort of regular basis, you’re a runner.
It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. On the roads or on the treadmill. With music or without. If you put one foot in front of the other and get after it week after week, trust me, you’re an athlete.
But perhaps it’s hard to trust me on this one and you need something to reinforce this self image before you can move from am I a runner to I AM a runner.
I get that.
However, I want to erase your self doubt and help you formulate a belief and acceptance of yourself as an athlete.
Here are 10 ways to start reframing things for yourself:
Stop Comparing Your Running to Other Runners
You know this. I know this.
Yet we all have our moments where we fall into the comparison trap.
Maybe your running partner just crushed you at a 5k.
Maybe you struggled to keep up on your last group run.
Or maybe your co worker who barely trained just ran your goal time in a marathon while you missed it by 15 minutes.
Or perhaps you feel you don’t look like an athlete, all lean and mean like Shalane Flanagan.
Whatever the case might be, stop yourself right there and back up.
You can, and should, only compare you to you.
Your success as an athlete has nothing to do with someone else’s success.
Set your own goals and see them through.
That’s where your measurement is—not how it compares to someone else.
Phoebe Wright talked about zooming in and zooming out during those moments, and this may be just what you need to get your mind away from others success, and onto yours.
Determining whether or not you’re an athlete by comparing your performance or even your training paces will never get you in the right headspace.
Remember How Committed to Running You Are
I’m guessing if you’re reading this blog post, you’re already a fairly dedicated athlete.
And my friends, that’s a pretty big definition right there.
Do you get up early to fit in runs?
Do you sacrifice social activities so that you can make that early alarm?
Do you religiously do all the small, behind-the-scene things that make running without ending up injured all the time possible?
Is your diet centered around whole foods that will boost your ability to perform?
I’d bet the answer to these questions is yes.
Guess what?
That means you are dedicated to your sport. Just like an athlete.
Ready to Race?
Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve entered a race.
Or maybe you never have.
Either way, there’s nothing like pinning a bib onto your shirt and driving to a race venue on an early morning to feel like an athlete.
You’ll be surrounded by like-minded, positive people.
You’ll get butterflies before the gun goes off.
You’ll sweat and work hard to earn that finisher’s medal (or maybe even an age-group award?).
You’ll celebrate your accomplishment at the race after-party.
You’ll look up your results on the computer.
And when you pull on that race shirt the next day, I dare you not to feel like an athlete.
Speed Training Workouts Will Make You Believe
If speed workouts are not yet part of your routine and you have laid a solid base on which to build, it is time to go for it.
It doesn’t have to be anything formalized.
Try out some short strides, about four to six, of hard running for 20 to 30 seconds, while recovering between.
Or you could run traditional fartlek and turn on the gas from one telephone pole to the next, taking somewhat equal rest breaks.
As you get more comfortable moving at a faster pace, consider taking on a tempo run or a track workout.
Oh, and remember:
Just cause you are a masters runner, doesn’t mean you can’t run track workouts! If you need more convincing, our track guide for masters runners will convince you.
If you’re a seasoned veteran, try adding on an extra interval or cruising just a tad faster next time you do a hard workout.
Here’s the deal:
Running fast—your fast—goes a long way toward making you feel like a badass, real athlete.
Give it a try.
Fit Running in, No Matter How Busy You Are
This means setting aside time in your busy schedule to ensure your runs take priority.
If it means setting the alarm an extra hour early, then so be it.
Skipping your favorite Bravo show?
Do it.
Pulling the plug on the office happy hour?
You really won’t miss it.
Making time on vacation for that important race pace run?
There’s a free slot on the schedule somewhere.
The point is, if running is a not-to-miss part of your life, there’s no way you won’t feel like an athlete.
It’s what athletes do, and so do you.
Follow an Athlete Diet Plan
Athletes are focused on what they put in their bodies because eating a healthy, whole foods diet not only helps their performance, but leads to a healthier, higher quality of life.
This doesn’t mean picking a “diet” or style of eating, but rather ensuring foods are from natural, close-to-the-ground sources.
Try hitting up your local farmer’s market for fresh, local foods.
Cook at home more often than not.
It’s pretty simple, really, and it will all serve as a reminder that you’re an athlete, someone who benefits from eating a nutrient dense diet.
Goal Setting Activities for Athletes
There are so many ways to go about this.
You could make it a vow to try a new, longer race distance; your first ultra perhaps?
Or maybe you want to shatter a previous PR at the 5k.
Try a triathlon.
Become more consistent and progress gradually with your long run.
The possibilities are endless.
See where you can stretch yourself with your running and then go after it.
Make a plan to take small steps toward the bigger goal.
Before you know it you’ll be making checkmarks next to those columns in your training journal.
That’s a pretty satisfying feeling and hitting new goals is sure to help you feel more like an athlete.
Start a Personal Training Journal
Speaking of setting goals…keep a training journal.
Write down the distances run, the pace, the time and place.
Then look back over it as time progresses.
Life is busy and it can be hard to remember all the little accomplishments along the way.
When you’ve written it down in a journal, a quick review will remind you that you’ve come a long way.
Whether it’s seeing that today you can run 10 miles comfortably when a month ago it was eight, or if you can see the weekly dedication to speedwork, having a record of the work will be like a pat on the back from a coach.
Hire a Running Coach
Olympians wouldn’t be where they are without a coach guiding them along the way.
You don’t have to be an elite to hire a coach and having one to hold you accountable and help you chase down your own dreams.
A coach will take your goals seriously and put time and effort into tailoring your marathon training schedule or running program to your unique needs and goals.
Follow his or her advice, report back in, and see where it takes you.
If that doesn’t make you an athlete, I’m not sure what does.
If you want to hear more about why a coach is so important, Coach Jeff explains why having a coach is so helpful in this free podcast.
Run With Other People
Heading out on a run with a partner or a big group of runners is not only fun, but ego boosting.
That might sound crazy, but when you have a “squad” with which to add up the miles, it’s incredibly motivating and empowering.
Think about it:
When you see a group out there getting it done together, it never crosses your mind to consider whether or not they’re athletes, does it?
The same assumption will be made of you.
But more importantly, you will feel like the athlete you are when you’re surrounded by a posse.
Not sure where to find this group?
Check the Internet for running clubs near you—most have group runs or programs on a regular basis. Black Girls Run have great suggestions for how to find a group near you that does not leave you feeling like an outsider if you are worried you are the slowest one there.
Or try your local running store, another spot runners regularly gather to head out together.
You might even find a partner or two at the gym you attend, either on the next treadmill over or in a strength and conditioning class.
What’s the bottom line?
It’s inevitable that you’ll have lows over the course of your running career, but that never means you aren’t an athlete.
Assess, rub some dirt in it, and move on, focusing on the next run at hand.
Keep up one, two, or all of the habits above and it’s inevitable that sooner or later, you’ll grow more comfortable in your athletic skin.
When you do?
Don’t be surprised if others don’t notice that new-found confidence and start turning to you for running tips and advice to start their own running habit.
