I want to share something personal with you. Thirteen years ago, I started my running journey, and I was immediately struck by a disconnect that, frankly, both discouraged and annoyed me.
There I was – overweight, dealing with high blood pressure, juggling two kids, a full-time job, and college courses – desperately searching for running guidance for a person like me. I devoured every running article, watched every video, and read every training plan I could find.
Don't get me wrong, the content was excellent. The gear recommendations were solid. The training plans were technically sound. But they were all speaking to someone who Was. Not. Me.
To be honest, they were likely not speaking to most runners out there - because I was not then, nor am I now in the minority. Most runners ARE like me.
Check This Out
Let’s look at the largest marathon in the world - the 2024 New York City Marathon. Did you know that out of the 55,529 finishers, more than half crossed the finish line at slower than a 10-minute mile pace? That's right – the majority of runners in the world's biggest marathon were moving at a pace that most running content barely acknowledges exists.
Think about that for a moment. While social media is flooded with slender runners and coaches running and training at 6-, 7-, or a “slow” 8-minute per mile pace, the actual running community looks vastly different. The average marathon finish time is 4 hours and 20 minutes, and 56% of NYC Marathon finishers came in after that mark.
And you know what? That's absolutely wonderful! However, if you are just starting out as a runner, or are looking for advice or coaching, you may be discouraged and believe that to be a runner you must be thin and fast.
The Truth About Running
Runners come in all different shapes, sizes, and ages. I’ve been passed by people twice my size, and twice my age - and I’ve passed people who appeared to be in phenomenal shape, or are 20 years younger than me. Likewise, running isn't about being fast. It's about:
Getting out there when you're juggling a dozen responsibilities
Making time between work meetings and family commitments
Pushing through despite health challenges
Finding your own rhythm, at your own pace
Building a stronger, healthier version of yourself
Being part of a community that accepts you as you are
Real Runners, Real Lives
When I started running, I wasn't looking to qualify for Boston or break any records. I was looking to break free from high blood pressure, to become more healthy. To find some "me time" between parenting and studying. To prove to myself that I could do something I never thought possible.
That's what real running looks like for most people. It looks like:
The parent fitting in a run during their lunch break
The person with health challenges taking walk breaks when needed
The busy professional running at dawn before a packed day
The beginner celebrating their first mile without stopping
The determined spirit completing a marathon in 6+ hours
And, do you know what? After 13 years, I’m still not chasing a BQ (Boston Qualifying time), and I still have no delusions of winning a race or ever breaking any records.
And that is what is so awesome about running - it is what you make it!
A Message to My Fellow Runners
If you've ever felt out of place in the running community because you don't fit the "typical runner" mold shown in magazines or social media, I want you to know: You're not out of place. You ARE the running community.
Those speedy runners you see on Instagram? They're amazing, and they deserve their spotlight. But they're just one small part of our vast, diverse running family. The heart of running beats in neighborhood streets, local parks, and quiet trails, where millions of runners like you and me are moving at our own perfect pace.
The running community consists of all sorts of types of runners:
Zen runners just want to be outdoors in the fresh air, with no watches, trackers, or music. They don’t care about trends, or the science behind running. They just go!
Health-motivated runners want improved wellness and/or stress-relief. These runners generally don’t pay attention to accolades or how fast they are going. Just that they went.
Goal-oriented runners, myself included, run to challenge themselves - they don’t necessarily care about how they place in a race, because they are racing against themselves. People in this group shoot for a goal distance or time, and follow a training plan to try to achieve that outcome.
BQ Racers - Of course, there are people who are aiming to qualify for the most prestigious race in the world: The Boston Marathon, but those that do are in the minority. To put this into perspective, remember that 56% of NYC marathoners had a time greater than 4 hours and 20 minutes? Only women 65+ or men 75+ might qualify for Boston with that time - so you see, it’s pretty rare! (Of course, this is why Boston is so illustrious.)
Elite runners are those who dream of being first in a race - but do not be fooled - this is a very, very tiny fraction of runners! Again, looking at NYC stats, there were about 50 in this group. Out of 55,529 that is .09% - yes, not even one-tenth of one percent.
Those are just a few types of runners; there are others: trail runners, ultramarathon runners, sprinters, and on and on, with their own motivations and aspirations. See, running can be whatever you want it to be. But if you believe being fast, and winning is the only goal - than you are definitely missing out! In short, don’t believe everything you see online, there is a place for you in the running community!
Looking Forward
In the future, I hope to share more stories from our real running community – stories of people who are achieving amazing things at every pace. Because amazing doesn't have a speed requirement.
Keep running your run. Keep celebrating your achievements. Keep being proudly, unapologetically you.
Runners’ Roadmap: Run Your Pace
Remember your journey is YOURS alone.
Comparisons are the thief of joy. Social media often shows curated highlights, not the struggles and realities of training. Your progress is valid, regardless of what others are doing. Don't let anyone else's pace, or anyone else's 'perfect' Instagram post, define your success.
Remember to listen to your body, not the noise
Be self-aware. Tune into your breathing, your muscles, your energy levels. If you need to walk, walk. If you need to slow down, slow down. Your body knows what's best for you today. Self-care is not weakness, but strength.
Remember to celebrate every single win, no matter how small
Focus on personal bests and milestones, not just finishing times or placements. Did you run a little further than last week? Did you feel stronger on that hill? Those are victories! Acknowledge and celebrate them.
Remember progress isn’t always linear
Setbacks and plateaus are a normal part of the process. There will be days when you feel slower, or more tired, or less motivated. That's okay! It doesn't mean you've failed. It means you're human. Be kind to yourself, and keep moving forward.
Remember authenticity is a superpower.
The most impressive thing you can be is yourself. Run your race, at your pace, and be proud of every step you take. That's where true strength and fulfillment come from.
P.S. Remember this: Every finish line feels just as sweet, whether you crossed it in 2 hours or 7. The medal is the same for the first and last place finishers.
Gotta Run!
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