I Am a Runner (And You Are Too)

I'm walking back from my run, catching my breath after 1.25 miles. That might not seem like much, but for me? It's a lot.

Swimming was my sport of choice growing up, and I've always been upset I wasn't born a mermaid. Put me on land, and well... let's just say my running form has been generously described as a "shuffle." Those who've witnessed it might even call it penguin-esque. But here's the kicker: at least I'm still moving.

Today I only planned to run one mile (I just picked it up again last week), but I felt better than expected and decided to tack on an extra quarter mile. Why not, right?

That's when the thought hit me: "I'm not a runner."

It stopped me in my tracks. By comparison to others, sure, I'm not a "runner." I can't run far distances (yet), I'm not fast, and I definitely don't look graceful doing it. But then I caught myself...

I'm literally doing the thing. By definition, doesn't that make me a runner?

This moment became a mirror for something I see everywhere: in myself, in my clients, in conversations with friends. We refuse to claim titles because we're not experts. We don't allow ourselves to be writers because we're not published, artists because we're not in galleries, or professionals because someone else has more experience.

We diminish our own accomplishments by measuring them against everyone else's highlight reel.

But here's what I know now: Just because someone else is "better" doesn't make your effort, your joy, or your participation any less valid. The only comparison that truly matters is with yourself.

Did I run farther today than last time? Hell yeah. Am I proud of that? Absolutely.

There's a saying that comparison is the thief of joy, and it couldn't be more accurate. When we're constantly looking sideways at what others are doing, we miss the beauty of our own progress. We rob ourselves of celebrating how far we've come.

I remember my first run after getting back into it... I could barely make it a half mile without feeling like my lungs were going to explode. Today's 1.25 miles would have seemed impossible last week. But I didn't stop to give myself credit for that growth because I was too busy thinking about "real" runners doing marathons.

The truth is, if you're showing up, trying, learning, and getting better then you should get to claim that title. Whether it's runner, artist, entrepreneur, or whatever you're working toward. Your version doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

So the next time you catch yourself questioning whether you're "really" a runner, writer, creative, or professional, ask yourself: By whose standard? Are you participating? Are you improving? Are you enjoying the process? Are you celebrating your wins, however small they might seem to others?

If the answer is yes, then congratulations! You are exactly what you're doing. No qualifiers needed.

Ready to stop playing small and start claiming your space? Let's work together to identify where you're holding yourself back and create an action plan for stepping fully into who you're becoming. Book your free introductory call today and let's get you off the path of self-doubt and onto the trail of your own making.