Imposter Syndrome & Identity in Running

What does it really mean to be a runner?

Is it a certain pace? A distance you’ve hit? A number of races under your belt?

Maybe you never ran in high school or college, and you feel behind compared to your peers. Or you aren't hitting the same times as you did when you were younger, and feel like you're past your "prime."

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve “earned” the right to call yourself a runner, you’re not alone. For many of us, the hardest part of the running journey isn’t the training—it’s identifying as athletes and being proud of our accomplishments.

Imposter Syndrome: Am I Really a Runner?

Be honest, have you ever found yourself thinking things like:

• “I just run a few miles a week—it’s not that serious.”

• “I walk sometimes, so I’m not really a runner.”

• “I’ve never run a race.”

• “I’m not fast enough. Not dedicated enough. Not athletic enough.”

  
  

Imposter syndrome in running is an incredibly common experience. Despite lacing up their shoes and hitting the pavement, many runners feel like frauds. Thoughts creep in: “I’m not fast enough,” “I’ve never completed a marathon,” or “I have to walk sometimes—does that disqualify me?”

These doubts are rooted in a sense that the label of “runner” is reserved for those who meet certain requirements. Maybe you feel you need a collection of race medals, a sub-30-minute 5K, or a pile of neatly-logged miles in your training app to prove your legitimacy. But this kind of thinking diminishes what running is all about.

The Invisible Rulebook: What Makes You a Runner?

For starters, society tends to elevate performance metrics over enjoyment. The rise of fitness watches and apps like Strava have amplified this focus, turning running into something we constantly measure—not just for ourselves, but against others. These tools can be empowering, helping runners track progress and celebrate achievements, but they can also create a harmful fixation on numbers.

But running doesn’t need to fit into a narrow definition to be valid. You don’t need to have run full marathons, been a collegiate athlete, or have a certain 5k time. It's great to have goals to strive for, but not if it comes at the expense of losing the joy of running.

Off-Seasons, Injuries, and Identity

One of the most damaging myths tied to imposter syndrome is the idea that you lose your “runner” status if you’re not actively training or if you’re in a period of rest or recovering from an injury. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Rest and recovery are essential parts of running—and skipping them is actually harmful to your body and your running longevity.

Off-seasons and periods of reduced mileage aren’t just indulgences; they’re vital periods for your body to repair, rebuild, and come back stronger. Pushing through without rest can lead to overtraining, fatigue, and even injury. The only way to get better as a runner is to embrace periods of intentional rest and recovery.

You’re still a runner during an off-season. You’re still a runner when you’re injured. You’re still a runner when life gets busy and you cut back on mileage. Even professional athletes have training and off-seasons - and if they can, why can't you?

Why This Matters

Identifying as a runner is about so much more than self-confidence—it’s about self-care. When you claim your runner identity, you start treating yourself like an athlete. That means fueling your body, resting when needed, and prioritizing recovery. It also means letting go of damaging mentalities like “earning” calories or punishing yourself for a slower-than-usual pace.

This shift in mindset can have profound effects. It encourages you to see running as something that brings strength and joy to your life, rather than something that must meet external expectations.

Elisabeth’s Story: Running on Her Own Terms

Running Explained's Elisabeth didn’t start running until she was 29. At first, she felt out of place, as if she didn’t belong in a sport often dominated by high school and collegiate athletes. “I used to think, ‘Do I belong here?’ But running isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about showing up,” she says.

Her story is a powerful reminder that running isn’t defined by when you start, how fast you go, or how many races you’ve completed. What matters is the decision to show up for yourself and enjoy the process.

You Don’t Need to Earn the Title

The label of “runner” isn’t something you earn—it’s something you claim. There’s no single person or authority determining who qualifies to call themselves a runner. That identity is entirely up to you—it’s about how you view yourself and the connection you’ve built with running. The beauty of being a runner lies in the intrinsic motivation, joy, and pride you feel every time you show up, regardless of stats, numbers, or external validation. Running is yours, and you don’t need anyone else’s permission to embrace it.

So whether you’re lacing up for your first mile or your hundredth, don’t let anyone—not even your own doubts—tell you you’re not a runner. You are.

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About the Author: Sophie van Leeuwen is the Podcast and Social Media Assistant at Running Explained, where she helps manage behind-the-scenes content, research, and production. A lifelong runner, she got her start going on neighborhood runs with her dad when she was seven and has since completed multiple marathons and her first 50k. She’s currently aiming to explore more trail and ultrarunning.

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