Hi there!
When I started running in 2011, I had a hard time seeing myself as a "runner." I even blogged about it here. Overtime I came to accept that I AM a runner, and that you are a runner whether you run 8 minute miles or 11 minute miles (me!!).
However, despite running for two years now {omg! wow!} I still feel like a beginner and generally consider myself to be one. When I talk about running with people I often give the caveat that I've just started, as an adult, and that I never ran in my whole life until 2011.
finishing my 10k in November
My perception of myself was challenged recently when I signed up {begrudgingly} for the Cherry Blossom 10-miler with a group of my girlfriends. While signing up, I decided to enroll in the online training program so that I'd have a structured plan to help me prepare for the race. There were three options: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. I assumed I belonged in the beginner camp until I read the descriptions:
Beginner Program - for the non-runner and the occasional runner who runs less than twice a week
Intermediate Program - for any runner who has successfully completed a 5K or 10K race in the past year or any runner who consistently runs 2-3 miles a day three or four times per week in the past year
Advanced Program - for serious runners who average at least 20-25 miles per week and who do a weekly long run
Wow. I clearly fall into the intermediate camp! I ran five 5ks in 2012 and one 10k. I run about 2 or 2.5 miles about two or three times per week.
I was so suprised! This made me realize that I need to give myself more credit. I may not be a marathon runner {and I don't want to be!!!} but I AM a real runner, and I'm not just a beginner, anymore! I have a good number of races under my belt, I run because I enjoy it, and I am capable of accomplishing any goal I put my mind to with hard work.
So, I'm enrolled in the intermediate program and so far it's been going well! I am doing the low end of the recommended workouts (i.e. if it says to run 2-4 miles at an easy pace, I run 2 miles), but I find that it's a great fit for me. Who knew?!!!
Do you have a "I can do anything!" attitude when it comes to fitness or running, or do you struggle with insecurity and self-doubt like I do?
I didn't love working out until I was in my early 20s, and I think it was largely because I struggled with insecurity and self doubt. It wasn't until I took a boot camp class before my wedding that I saw and felt the wonderful changes exercise brought.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, you intermediate runner!!! =)