Have you every suffered from imposter syndrome? The phrase is usually used in a professional context – when someone finds themselves in a position that they don’t feel qualified for and have to “fake it until they make it”. But the same can be said for runners. Sometimes I ask myself what they heck I’m doing giving others advice on running. I’m not a professional trainer or coach. I don’t have a list of letters after my name saying that I’m a qualified authority on the subject. But at the end of the day I AM a runner. I have run my share of races – some while I was fat, others while I was skinny and each and every one of them have given me insight that I can share.
IF YOU RUN – YOUR’RE A RUNNER. This is a modification of a quote from one of my favourite Hallmark holiday movies. You don’t have to be an expert on something to BE that thing. Whether you have run 1,000 races or are still getting your courage up to do you first one – you ARE a runner. And you have insight to share. Each of our experiences are very different. Each story varies a little. And while I relate so much to what others say, taking that and making it my own is what brings me strength. So if sharing my experience motivates you, gives you a little extra insight or answers a question that you may have, then I have met my goal. And I hope that each one of you will share your own experiences so that I can learn from you as well. Lets all inspire each other.
The first time I registered for a race I was terrified. I had been running on my own for several months at that point and I knew that I could do the distance (5km). I had picked a race in one of my very favourite locations (Whistler) and for all intents and purposes I WAS ready. But I didn’t feel ready. I wasn’t a seasoned runner. I didn’t have a dozen or more 5ks under my belt. And I definitely wasn’t fast. What the heck was I thinking?
When race day rolled around I had worked myself into a bundle of nerves. I arrived at the race starting point with my running gear and water bottle and nervously checked in. I pinned and repinned my race bib (attempting to get it perfectly alinged on my shirt) more times than I can count. I had to pee 4 or 5 times in the hour leading up to the race start. I was a wreck.
When it came time to line up I headed to the back of the pack. I knew I was a slow runner and had no business being at the front where I may slow others down. I nervously shifted my weight from one foot to the other and wondered if I had time for one more pee break (where was all that liquid coming from?!?) Then the starting horn went off and we were off. I confess the first 500 meters or so weren’t awesome. I started out too fast and was pushing too hard for the start of the race – wanting to keep up with the pack. My friend who was running with me looked over and said “slow down – run your own race”. I took his words to heart. I slowed my pace, got into my zone and just went for it.
I couldn’t tell you where I finished in the pack that day. I wasn’t anywhere near the front, but I wasn’t the last either (although that IS something I have experienced). But the feeling of joy I felt when I crossed the finish line was indescribable. I had accomplished something. That feeling carried me for days following the event I.Had.Done.It.
So if you have been hesitating to click that “register now” button for your first race because you aren’t sure if you belong – let me be the first to tell you that you DO. You have been out there working it with your training and you are just as much of a runner as that person standing next to you at the starting line. Whether you finish in the top third, or at the back of the pack doesn’t matter. You put in the effort, you signed up and this is YOUR day. And I can promise you that others at the race will be cheering you on.
Do you have a first race story that you would like to share? Whether it is good, bad or ugly, share it with us – I can guarantee that I, and many others, will relate to all of it! And remember – you are stronger than you realize and YOU’VE GOT THIS.
