Imposter Syndrome is very real for many runners and can steal our feelings of accomplishment. If you're reading this, you may be familiar with Imposter Syndrome. It's that inner voice that tells you you're not a "real runner" because you aren't to the level of such and such! It's feeling like you're a fraud! Impostor Syndrome is much like the mythological Hydra, it comes at you from all angles. We doubt ourselves even when no one else does. So why do we feel this way? Well, sometimes we just do! Maybe it's because running can be downright hard.
What does it even mean to be a "real runner?” If we run, then we are runners, aren't we? Yet Imposter Syndrome is something I've been struggling with a lot lately. You see, I don't doubt other runners' abilities, but I continually give in to my own self-doubt. Sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough to be called a long-distance runner, even though I'm smack-dab into training for my FIRST 50k race—I'm a complete novice when it comes to ultras—so I'm certainly not qualified run one. I tell myself there's NO WAY I'll be able to complete the distance—so I'd better not tell people—in case I fail! No matter that I'd run two marathons in less than a year, and achieving that goal was hard work! Nope! I simply doubt myself. Just this week I completed a 20-mile training run and two weeks ago I took first place at a small in-person race—but I'm not bragging—I've had my share of good runs and bad runs. I've placed at races and been satisfied just to finish others. No matter what doubts I have, I should be kinder to myself. Running is supposed to be fun, right?
I had a very naïve impression of running when I started years ago. People were either born fast, or they weren't, and I figured I was not. I had been a casual "jogger," for about 15 years and never thought about racing. Only pros did that, right? Wrong! Turns out anyone can train for a race. In 2014 I finally signed up for my first 5k race. Then I ran my first half marathon in 2016 at Disney and completed my first full marathon in 2019 in Las Vegas, now I'm training for a 50k ultramarathon in 2021 (and hopefully I'll run Disney's Dopey in 2022). I run; therefore, I am a "real" runner, right? Hey, I guess I am a bona fide runner.
To anyone running their first mile or signing up for their first race, you certainly are a "real" runner. Runners of all levels continually train to improve their skills. There's always more to learn, from fueling strategies, to cadence, to pacing. The vast majority of us compete with ourselves to become better overall. Many of us fear failure, but we learn from failure, so we shouldn't let fear stop us from trying. A bad run reveals what didn't work, giving us knowledge to use in future training sessions.
So, there it is. You are a genuine, "real" runner! The success that comes from proper training is due to your commitment, it's not merely circumstantial. You are the one running, right? Bravo! I hope you treat yourself with kindness the next time you feel Impostor Syndrome setting in and tell that inner voice to be quiet.
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