Not Feeling Like a “Real” Runner?
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Helene Slinker
“Running is the action of moving in such a manner that for an instant during the gait cycle both feet are off the ground at the same time. Runners are people who do this action regardless of their shape, size or speed. ”
When you think of a runner, what do you imagine? Do you imagine an Olympic marathoner, the sweaty athletic guy from the Nike ad, or the super in-shape mom that runs through your neighborhood? Or, do you picture yourself? Photos, articles and video clips in product ads, magazines and social media typically don’t reflect the diversity nor the majority of runners participating in the sport. Sadly, this can discourage runners who don’t identify with this “ideal” fast, lanky, super-fit image. They feel like they are not a “real” runner.
Helene Slinker, new to the sport of running, reached out to Coach Amy because she felt like she was not a “real” runner and was losing her motivation to continue. Helene agreed to share her story in our interview in the hopes that it will help others who feel the same way.
Beginning runners, or runners who train and compete at a slower pace than advanced runners, have shared that they often feel intimidated and demotivated by running apps and magazines, run groups, and advertisements. How did you overcome this feeling to embrace running as your sport.
In my mind, I've always had a certain picture of what a runner looks like, and that picture has never looked like me. I've always thought that to be a "real runner", you have to be "good" at running, and to me "good" meant that you had to be fast. As I was building stamina as a brand-new runner, I had mostly avoided timing myself until one day I randomly used a pacing app while I was running. My pace surprised me in a bad way. I felt demotivated, like I was slow beyond repair. I talked to Coach Amy who quickly got those thoughts out of my head. She sent me the results of a few local races and showed me just how many people were running the same pace as me. Often, we only hear about the winners... but the majority of runners aren't out winning every race they're in.Realizing that people really do run races at all speeds made me feel better.
What motivated or interested you in taking up running in the first place?
After graduating college, I knew I needed to make a change in my lifestyle. I had been working and studying so much that I neglected exercise almost entirely. Graduation brought me more time and I invested that time into exercise again. I had been a swimmer in high school, so I considered swimming again, but I changed my mind since access to a pool can get difficult. Running popped into my mind. All I would need was a pair of shoes and pavement. It would've been way too easy to make excuses for why I couldn't get to the pool... but it was really hard to make excuses for why I couldn't step outside.
What techniques or training plans did you use to build longevity, mileage, and stamina?
I had no idea of where to begin, so I downloaded a 5k training app. The app used a run/walk approach to building stamina. The first day of the program called for me to start by running 60 seconds, and then walking for 90 seconds, and then repeating for a total of 30 minutes. At first I thought that would be too easy, but I was quickly humbled with the realization that it was harder than it sounded. With guided gradual increases in running time and decreases in walking time, I began to build stamina until I no longer needed to walk.
What is your favorite running accomplishment thus far in your training?
The first time I ran 20 minutes without any walking was a big accomplishment for me. The first time I tried to do this, I failed. It was hot, it was hard, and I let my ‘maybe you're not meant for this’ thoughts take over. I gave up at 12 minutes and walked the rest of the way home. I decided to try again a few days later, determined that I would finish it, and I did! It was especially meaningful since I had the bad run a few days before.
How can the running community be more supportive of all types of runners?
I think it's important for coaches and advanced runners to remember that running is running regardless of speed. Someone running a 13-minute mile isn't running any less than someone running a 6-minute mile. When coaches only showcase their fastest runners all the time, it makes people feel like they have to be on a certain level of ‘good enough’ to even start. Everyone starts somewhere, and there is also so much diversity in who a runner is and what a runner looks like. A runner is just someone who is running. There are no other qualifications.
Helene started running for exercise from scratch, overcame the beginner obstacles and stigmas that were initially a deterrent, and allowed herself to feel proud of her achievements.
“Great runners are not those who run the fastest, the longest or win races, but those who persevere despite adversity and above all support others in their journey, so in my book, Helene is not only a real runner she is already a great runner!”
Personal experiences with running are as unique and different as runners themselves. Despite those differences, most of us need support from family, other runners, and sometimes even a coach for success and to help stay motivated. If you need help, consider hiring a run coach, joining a run group and/or subscribing to running blogs that are friendly to all types of runners. Sometimes you have to shop around to find the right fit, but there are many out there to encourage you along the way either virtually or in person.
