Feel like an imposter?

Just run W6R3 ! Thrilled but still feeling that I’m not a “proper “ runner .

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done!

well, what is a proper runner then?! You are a runner! Make no bones about it! Keep it up, you're doing great!

[janevine Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thanks for that. I’ll try to remember!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

I understand that feeling completely. I’m not built like a runner at all - short and overweight, and I run very slowly.

This is my third full month of running. Never once have I had a stare, call, honk on the horn, anything negative.

But I have had several (male) runners speed up and vanish, and several other runners nod, wave, give a thumbs up, say “keep going” as we’ve passed.

You are a runner because you are running. There is no more to it.

[janevine Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you and congratulations on getting through to the end. That’s very inspiring, I’m lucky enough to run along a seafront and I’m often overtaken by very athletic looking chaps and feel I should apologise for my pace ( I do know that’s silly) . This is such a helpful forum.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to janevine]

We spend our lives worrying about what other people think. I’ve suffered from social anxiety for a long time. Running has made me realise I can try something that seemed impossible at the time and achieve it.

I still care what people think of me. But I’ve stopped worrying about it. I hope you reach a point where you own your bit of the path and know you fully deserve to be there.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You run.........you are a runner.

[janevine Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks.Sometimes it’s harder to change your mindset than your body !

[Hidden]

therunningbug.com/fitness/b...

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That is a really helpful article! Thanks for posting it.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

There's lots of brilliant articles on that site. Worth a look around!

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

This is definitely something to remember 👍

[David_G]

Hi, no way are you an imposter- you’ve just completed week 6 so of course you’re a proper runner, whatever that is 🙂

You’ve been running regularly for 6 weeks and you’re thrilled with it.

Being a runner is as much about a state of mind as it is the physical side. You’re doing well, you’re enjoying it, so never doubt yourself or your ability. 😊

You’ll always find support and helpful advice on here, so don’t give up, even if you have a bad run from time to time. We’ll all be here for you 😀👍

[janevine Graduate in reply to David_G]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Looking forward to the next few weeks !☺️