Do you have anything unrealistic that you aspire to be or do? I know I do all the time. I tend to think I can do so much more than is realistically human to do.
I know I wrote a few weeks ago about my journey with running and how ultimately you have to run your way and your style. You can read that blog post here: A few thoughts on running. Initially, this post may seem to contradict that post but stick with me to see how the two are connected.
A few weeks ago as I was running my 10k, it was a straight out and straight back course, the elite runners were coming back as I was running out. I saw them. I looked at them with awe. I will never be one of them, nor do I ever want to be one of them. The thing that I realized while running my race is that they look like those pictures of runners on the cover of magazines and books. They have that really great looking stride.
Before the race, I spent more time than I care to admit thinking about my running form and what I look like as a runner. I even went so far as to ask Mr. T to come to see me while I was out on one of my runs (he was going out anyway….cause that makes me feel better about admitting I did this). I wanted him to see me run and see if I look like one of these runners –
Do I look like the pictures of runners I see on the covers of running books and running magazines? Do I have that stride? Am I that high in the air? Do I ever actually have both feet off the ground?
Well of course he disappointed me by being honest and telling me I don’t look like them. He also told me I didn’t look like an old lady runner either(meaning I’m not shuffling along), well there is that…gee thanks, honey. For a while, I tried to think of how to ‘look’ like a ‘real’ runner like the beautiful runner pictured above. See I thought that is what I was supposed to look like.
I think the truth about a lot of us is that we do this comparing thing to our own detriment. One of my friends and I were talking about this. She admitted that she does this too. She has recently started exercising a lot more. For her, it is her arms. What do my arms look like? If I move them just like this, then they look like the picture in the magazine or this actress. Asking her husband to assess her arms and what they look like. Doing specific exercises to work on her arms or maybe not moving them certain ways so they don’t look ‘bad.’ I didn’t mention to her that my arms are already doing that floppy thing at the bottom when I make certain moves…you know what I mean, right? Anyway, the point is that we both were compared to what we SEE out there in books, magazines, etc. The thing is that we are comparing to something that isn’t realistic for us. Whether it is me comparing my running stride to elite runners or her comparing her arms to a model or someone who has a personal trainer they hire just to keep their arms looking like that. It isn’t something that the average woman/person should ever aspire to be.
My 10k taught me so much and in those moments at the race while watching those amazing athletes, I realized they have that look I had been aspiring to have myself.
In those moments I also, probably, more importantly, realized I will never have that stride/look and I am able to let that go and enjoy my stride and my look. It is completely unrealistic for me to strive for that look as I am not now nor will I ever be an elite athlete. Now I run with my stride and my look. It is my look and just the way I am meant to run.
I hope you find your stride and can be comfortable with it, too!
Katie Terpstra Thanks so much for the feature! It means a lot to me as this is a post I am proud of writing.
Morning! I’m featuring your post here today as one of my {Living the Width} good reads:
https://theterpblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/living-width-great-reads-summertime-to.html
Thanks for linking up!
Dara G How did it go? I hope it went super fantastic! Well, I am sure you are not one of the old lady shuffle runners, but even if you are…you are out there and you are doing it AND on top of that, you have completed a 10k! Not everyone can say that.
thanks for sending me over to this post! I’m actually running my first 10k on sunday. i’m pretty nervous! I think I’m one of the old lady shuffle runners you mentioned, oh well!
Such a great post – especially since I love running. This applies to so much in life! Thanks
Found on the two link parties above, I used to be a runner long long time ago. I think that you have it right, when we start comparing to other athletes modes we get lost and forget to find what makes us unique. The more you run the more you will find your style and what works for you and your body. Great post
I found you on It’s Overflowing. I was attracted to clicking on your post because it’s about running. I’ve always wanted to be a runner, and just recently started running regularly. I’m thinking I look like….the old lady runner? LOL
This was such a poignant topic to discuss. I don’t know if you are a Christian and I am not trying to push anything on you if you aren’t,but God made you to run the way he wanted you to run. He doesn’t care how we look! He cares that we do it for His glory!
I found you on Serendipity and Spice. I love the title of this post. And that you are now a runner. I tried to become a runner last year and failed due to injuries. But I promised myself I would try again. I’m a new follower. 🙂
This is such a great post!! We hope to see you back next week to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” Thanks for coming!! -The Sisters
Thank you so much for your comments. I think you are right, the longer I run the more I will know my style and what works for me. True, True!
Way to go on starting running! Lol about how you look. I am sure you don’t look like the old lady and even if you do, I’ll tell you my favorite saying about running…. You are still lapping everyone who is sitting on the couch! Way to go! Keep it up!
You did a great job with this post. Running is such a journey in the mind and body. Thanks so much for sharing at whimsy wednesdays.
Good points. I agree that God/Higher power made me to run the way the way that I do. I think that when we are comfortable with the way we are made and can live in that space it does make God happy.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
Thanks so much for your comments. Injuries sure can stink. I have had my fair share. I was out for almost a year due to a hamstring pull and then torn cartilage in my hip…so I totally understand. I hope that if you try it again and like it, you are able to stick with it with no injuries this time!
Thanks for stopping by, commenting and following me!
Thanks so much! I appreciate you and The Sisters hosting the link party!
Your welcome! It is amazing to me that my thoughts can be motivation and I am glad that some people find them to be so.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
Oh you are so right! Running is such a journey of the mind and body. It sure seems to be a battle for which one the current journey is in…lol! I seem to have more battles of the mind, but I have had my share of injuries…so the body is trying to be heard too!
Thanks for hosting Whimsy Wednesdays and for stopping by and commenting.
You’re right. I was just thinking about how this applies to more of life today. Thanks for your comments!
Thanks! I like my widget on my sidebar as well…I think it is fun. I am sure some people don’t, but it is my blog after all…lol! Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
I am happy to connect with another runner as well. I haven’t been running that long either – well I guess I have if you count the time while I was out for a year with an injury…but actual running time, not that long. I think it sounds great to have a group of people to run with. I haven’t found that yet. Hope to some day.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
I found this post though the terpblog and found it helpful as I just started running (as in last week just started) but I’m determined to do the disneyworld princess half marathon in February!
I’m now continuing to follow your blog!
~Kendra
bkdarr.blogspot.com
I found your blog from the terpblog and I am your newest follower.
I love that you are a runner and your training widget on your sidebar. So cool
Yay, happy to connect with another runner! I’ve only been running for about a year and a half but I have really found myself through my runs! I run with a running group from church and those women are amazing – many are marathoners and they are fast…I’ve had to remind myself NOT to compare!
Thanks for linking up @ {living the width}!
Thanks for the post! I am an aspiring runner. I’m in and out of my motivation, so I am always looks for help