My Eternal Speed Struggle

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Abstract

ed any interval training during my workout.The problem is, I cringe when sharing my speed from time to time. I feel like a phony for having a fitstagram when I can barely break 9-minute miles for a sustained effort. Who would be inspired by an average runner like me?This insecurity dates back to always being one of the last classmates to complete the mile in elementary school, to the long journey it took me to finally enjoy running, and the imposter syndrome I feel when touting myself as a “fitness professional.” I have the credentials, I have the years of experience, and I have the passion, but I still struggle to call myself a “runner.”The other day, I was on a run that was particularly grueling. My headphones lost their battery after two of my eight planned miles and the snow slicking the roads made every stride more of a conscious effort. Globs of ice collected at the tips of my eyelashes, a

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nd my socks somehow felt simultaneously too warm and too cold. I just wanted to quit.But then I looked around and realized that I was the only person I could see running on the sidewalk.My breathing was still heavy, my face still numb, and my pace still lagging, but I was out there when other people couldn’t take the conditions.I was tough. I was persistent. I was competent.And I realized how wrong my mindset has been.I will never be the fastest person on the road, and I won’t be the fittest person on Instagram doling out workout advice. But what matters is that I will always show up, and I will always be consistent. And that’s what I love about the sport: You get what you give.I was proud to share my slow pace with my followers that morning. Now, it’s time to show up for myself and focus on appreciating the miles in my wake.</article></body>

I’m embarrassed to share my pace with my followers.

About six months ago, I created a fitness Instagram account to share free workouts and fitness advice with followers. I’m a certified group fitness instructor and figured it would help increase interest in my virtual classes and offer some at-home workout inspiration for those feeling stuck.

As part of this Instagram, I’ve been sharing daily Stories, which often include overviews of my runs. I share stats like distance and pace, and highlight whether I included any interval training during my workout.

The problem is, I cringe when sharing my speed from time to time. I feel like a phony for having a fitstagram when I can barely break 9-minute miles for a sustained effort. Who would be inspired by an average runner like me?

This insecurity dates back to always being one of the last classmates to complete the mile in elementary school, to the long journey it took me to finally enjoy running, and the imposter syndrome I feel when touting myself as a “fitness professional.” I have the credentials, I have the years of experience, and I have the passion, but I still struggle to call myself a “runner.”

The other day, I was on a run that was particularly grueling. My headphones lost their battery after two of my eight planned miles and the snow slicking the roads made every stride more of a conscious effort. Globs of ice collected at the tips of my eyelashes, and my socks somehow felt simultaneously too warm and too cold. I just wanted to quit.

But then I looked around and realized that I was the only person I could see running on the sidewalk.

My breathing was still heavy, my face still numb, and my pace still lagging, but I was out there when other people couldn’t take the conditions.

I was tough. I was persistent. I was competent.

And I realized how wrong my mindset has been.

I will never be the fastest person on the road, and I won’t be the fittest person on Instagram doling out workout advice. But what matters is that I will always show up, and I will always be consistent. And that’s what I love about the sport: You get what you give.

I was proud to share my slow pace with my followers that morning. Now, it’s time to show up for myself and focus on appreciating the miles in my wake.