This is the fourth part in my 5 part series of why there should be NO excuses to not run. See my first post HERE – all about people who don’t run because they are too busy. The second post can be found HERE – about why you can run even when the weather sucks. The third post, HERE, tackles people who whine about having no motivation to run.
Today we’re going to talk about our perception of ourselves and how this limits us. There seems to be this assumption that in order to be a runner you have to look like this (or at least be super lean and muscular):
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Yes, Deena Kastor is a super star and a true running talent. But, it’s important to know that about .0003% of the population actually looks like that (or have that talent).
I mean look at me. I feel like a frumpy giant next to her.
The truth is that runners come in all shapes and sizes. If you don’t believe me, go spectate at a marathon and you will see what I am talking about.
In my opinion, it is less important what your body shape or weight is, and more important that you are healthy. I will say this – it is probably a bit easier to run if you are not overweight only because then you are not carrying extra pounds around (this is not rocket science). That said, running is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, so if you are wishing for that, keep up your running practice. This does not mean, however, that you need to be or should be stick thin.
Here are some other reasons you should run even though you don’t have a “runner’s body”:
- You love to run. It relieves your stress. It keeps you healthy and out of therapy.
- All runners are created equal, just like all people are created equal, regardless of size, pace, weight, age or distance run.
- No one is judging you. You are just judging yourself. So, stop it.
- Running clothes come in all shapes and sizes.
- By continuing to run, YOU are helping to define what real runners look like.
- When people say, “But you don’t look like a runner” prove them oh-so-wrong.
Has anyone ever dared to tell you that you don’t look like a runner?
Is not “looking like a runner” something that holds you back?
SUAR