I think it is so great you have overcome any uncomfortableness around where you are in pack, race or otherwise. No one should never feel embarrassed, about pace, distance, or type of running they do (Track, road, trail, .22 mile strava segments!) You run, you are a runner, no time or distance qualifications needed.
I know this feeling of inadequacy, of the back of the packers is mostly an internal dialog, because my wife reminds me all the time (she considers herself slow). I get it. Back of the pack runners might feel judged, but many of us really don't care how fast or slow you are. At the end of race, or a run, we finish in the same place. I try and help people over that all the time.
Running culture is about inclusivity. The more the current political and social environment around us throws handfuls of shit, rock and glass, the more I appreciate the running community, especially the Ultra community. I will find my people. I will take shelter from the maelstrom all around us.
Those of us at the front feel this way: I don't care where you are in the pack, or your pace. We do our thing many days when we have workouts and such, but we never forget we do it together in sprit, and many days, we are happy to run a slower pace just for the physical company. To share the joy of it all.
Anyone tells you different, they are an asshat not worthy of your time.
I came in 2nd last year at the Badger race, and I waited around and greeted as many runners as I could. I am always inspired, by everyone who dares to try. Who had the courage to start.
We all run for many reasons, to win, to enjoy nature, to run with people (or sometimes for the aid station food). We are all on a quest, and its the most wonderful thing that as different as they are, we can do it together.
"Those of us at the front feel this way: I don't care where you are in the pack, or your pace. We do our thing many days when we have workouts and such, but we never forget we do it together in sprit, and many days, we are happy to run a slower pace just for the physical company. To share the joy of it all.
Anyone tells you different, they are an asshat not worthy of your time."
Is something I wish I could have you go back and tell me when I was a new runner. But even now that I am past worrying about my pace, it is still awesome to hear. And like you said - at the end of the day, we are all in this crazy sport/hobby/fitness thing together taking shelter from the absolute madness of the world.
Today was beautiful! And getting it done on your own terms is the way to go. Just getting out there is a win - so many people don't do any of these crazy things we do.
I love this so much!! I’ve completed a 5.5 hour marathon and a couple 2.5ish hour half marathons. I love being out there, being so active, enjoying the scenery, and having the time for myself. I’ve always called myself a plodder. I can keep going for a long time with my walk/jog alternating and that’s good enough for me!!! Hoping to sign up for more races, do some trail races too!
I started calling myself a plodder growing up doing cross country skiing. The group I skied every weekend with tried out a few races and I just never got the hang of the stride and glide speed management over the course of the whole race. I was and am perfectly happy plodding. Hahaha 😂 the word has stuck with me.
Welcome to the slow runners group! It is awesome here 😁
Great writing as always Jenn! ❤❤❤❤
I think it is so great you have overcome any uncomfortableness around where you are in pack, race or otherwise. No one should never feel embarrassed, about pace, distance, or type of running they do (Track, road, trail, .22 mile strava segments!) You run, you are a runner, no time or distance qualifications needed.
I know this feeling of inadequacy, of the back of the packers is mostly an internal dialog, because my wife reminds me all the time (she considers herself slow). I get it. Back of the pack runners might feel judged, but many of us really don't care how fast or slow you are. At the end of race, or a run, we finish in the same place. I try and help people over that all the time.
Running culture is about inclusivity. The more the current political and social environment around us throws handfuls of shit, rock and glass, the more I appreciate the running community, especially the Ultra community. I will find my people. I will take shelter from the maelstrom all around us.
Those of us at the front feel this way: I don't care where you are in the pack, or your pace. We do our thing many days when we have workouts and such, but we never forget we do it together in sprit, and many days, we are happy to run a slower pace just for the physical company. To share the joy of it all.
Anyone tells you different, they are an asshat not worthy of your time.
I came in 2nd last year at the Badger race, and I waited around and greeted as many runners as I could. I am always inspired, by everyone who dares to try. Who had the courage to start.
We all run for many reasons, to win, to enjoy nature, to run with people (or sometimes for the aid station food). We are all on a quest, and its the most wonderful thing that as different as they are, we can do it together.
This right here:
"Those of us at the front feel this way: I don't care where you are in the pack, or your pace. We do our thing many days when we have workouts and such, but we never forget we do it together in sprit, and many days, we are happy to run a slower pace just for the physical company. To share the joy of it all.
Anyone tells you different, they are an asshat not worthy of your time."
Is something I wish I could have you go back and tell me when I was a new runner. But even now that I am past worrying about my pace, it is still awesome to hear. And like you said - at the end of the day, we are all in this crazy sport/hobby/fitness thing together taking shelter from the absolute madness of the world.
We. Are.Tribe.🧂
Tears Jen. Just getting it done on my terms, discomfort and all. Thank God for 55° today on the IAT.
Today was beautiful! And getting it done on your own terms is the way to go. Just getting out there is a win - so many people don't do any of these crazy things we do.
Thank you for this! You wrote what I have felt for a long time since taking up running 12 years ago!
I love this so much!! I’ve completed a 5.5 hour marathon and a couple 2.5ish hour half marathons. I love being out there, being so active, enjoying the scenery, and having the time for myself. I’ve always called myself a plodder. I can keep going for a long time with my walk/jog alternating and that’s good enough for me!!! Hoping to sign up for more races, do some trail races too!
I like the term plodder, I think that's actually a perfect description of what I do too.
I started calling myself a plodder growing up doing cross country skiing. The group I skied every weekend with tried out a few races and I just never got the hang of the stride and glide speed management over the course of the whole race. I was and am perfectly happy plodding. Hahaha 😂 the word has stuck with me.
This is an excellent writing.
Thank you. It’s a subject close to my heart. ❤️
To be last is not to be lesser. Especially appreciated for those who have wacky or unpredictable bodies. Sometimes slower is not even about will.❤️
That last paragraph just sums it up perfectly! 🙏❤️
Beautifully written!
This is an excellent piece with
thoughtful perspective that many people can relate to. Thank you for sharing!
Love it! Great post.
I try to live my life this way too- staying in the moment, going slow, taking it all in. Love this perspective!
Absolutely love this - if the goal is to beat everyone else, it’s a lot harder than if you set the goal to be happy with yourself.
Great perspective! Thank you!