Am I a Real Runner? The Value of Every Pace
I frequently find myself pondering whether I am truly a runner. With the prevalence of Strava metrics and running influencers—let's refer to them as ‘runfluencers’—it's easy to get caught up in comparisons. This often leads me to feel inadequate in meeting the perceived standards of being a runner. I've been in the running game for nine years. Throughout this journey, I've transformed from a complete beginner into someone who participates in 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, and even completed a multi-day ultra marathon last year. Nowadays, I make it a habit to run three times a week and serve as a qualified run leader in my local running group. Despite these accomplishments, I still catch myself questioning my identity as a runner! I know I’m not alone in grappling with this. Many, particularl...










