Self Image and Runners
I have been getting quite a few emails lately about body image and I figured it was time for another post on this. I wanted to talk to you frankly about it because it is scaring me how many athletes are suffering from negative body image and self doubt.
Size will always be a hot topic in the running world because the average competitive runner has a body fat percentage of about 12 – 16%.
New runners, tackling the same sport can easily have double that amount and it can feel demoralizing and foster comparison. Tempted to do it?
Don’t.
I know it is hard when the running world media is celebrating model in a bikini running in one headline and a plus size runner in the next but one of my favourite things about running is that it is so definitive.
It really is black and white and you know where you stand.
You either win or you don’t.
You either reach your PR or you don’t.
If there is one thing I have learned from my years of running is that there will always be those who are better than me and those who are worse than me.
I am not an expert, but accepting this small fact completely set me free in a community that is often riddled with comparison and competition.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on the fact that your legs carry you those miles, that your heart pushed you faster, that your mind helped you overcome that mental obstacle. Because you want to know the craziest thing? You will start to look after your body as a result.
You will start eating enough fat to feed your brain to help you make wise racing decisions. You will take some personal down time to relax, comparison and stress free to help lower your heart rate so you can push harder and faster in your next speed session. You will start doing the cross training and stretching to heal your legs instead of adding extra mileage that you don’t need.
By letting go of that pursuit of what you think is best for you and embracing what you know is best for you, you will most likely feel better than you ever have before. You will stop comparing yourself to the runner beside you and just be their friend instead.
On the flip side, I am not telling you to go out and do what you want. There are sensible ways to be an athlete. If you eat a continuous stream of bad food, cut out sleep and never take time for yourself to have some down time, you will feel bad about yourself and perform poorly. End of story.
There is no time where less than 5 hours of sleep on a regular basis is going to make you have the competitive advantage you are looking for. And there is no reason that your low mileage week merits a dinner that could feed four people.
The bottom line is to know yourself. Stop focusing on the people, the performances and the trends around you and take the time to dial in and listen to what you need. Everyone’s needs are different and running is just one of the many stages that this plays out on.
So this summer, run hard but run happy.
That way, everyone wins. And remember, if you ever need some resources or need a friend to talk to, I am more than happy to be there.
Speaking of winning, the lucky winners from my Goodness Me! giveaway are
NICKY
STEPHANIE
JES
Congratulations! Send me an email at lacesandlattes[a]gmail.com and I will connect you with your prize!
Lauren says
Love this! Spurred by the “curvy” runners in the news lately I posted last week about some of the same thoughts. If you run, you are a runner! If you are an athlete and want to get better, faster, stronger you will start fueling yourself properly, sleeping, and taking care of yourself-otherwise your exercise plan is not sustainable. I’m all about being happy, chasing PRs, and having fun!
lacesandlattes says
You said it, sister!
Phaedra @ Blisters and Black Toenails says
Absolutely LOVE this Jessica. It shouldn’t matter what your body looks like, it’s all about what your body can DO. 🙂
lacesandlattes says
Hear, hear! And from what I have been observing, your body has been crushing it lately!
Leanne says
Wonderfully written. And all so very true. Thanks for this posting, it may seem like a simple concept, but it’s often a very difficult one to wrap our heads around. We all need this gentle reminder every now and then 🙂
lacesandlattes says
Or an aggressive one. 🙂 Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Nicole says
I’m so glad I stumbled on to your blog! I was actually planning on writing a post on my own blog about this issue in my life. Before I found running and truly let myself fall in love with it, I used fitness, outside of my field sports, largely as a punishment for all of the “bad” things I did. I was constantly worried about my weight and constantly checking the scale. Last summer I didn’t lose a pound on the scale, but in reality gained great muscle mass and strength. I realized that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and wanting to weigh a certain amount or look a certain way was stealing my positivity from my amazing journey. Even now some days I get down when I realize that I’ve gained a few pounds here and there, but I remember a year ago 5k was hard. 5k made me exhausted. Now it’s an easy run. Thank you for writing this and reminding me and al your other readers that our only competition is the person we were yesterday, and to do what is best for us 🙂
lacesandlattes says
Thank you so much! I think we all have been guilty of using athletics as “punishment” rather than play in the past. This changes NOW!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
So true! Comparison always leads you into a negative cycle. It’s just not worth your time.
lacesandlattes says
Not at ALL!
Brittany says
YES, YES, and..YES! I will never be “fast” (unless I really, REALLY work for it) and I am SO OK with that. I also will never be a size 2 (because I would slip through a crack and adore cake) which I am ALSO OK with. Life is too dang short for this nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, I have my moments of “man I wish this or that” but really, at the end of the day, this post sums it up perfectly. Well said my friend.
lacesandlattes says
Cake is vital, size 2 is over rated and just wait and see how speedy you will be when you get those new vibrams. 😉
Jes says
Thank you so much for posting this. Yes it is something I think we all struggle with – I know I do. There are some days I get really caught up in it and forget my love for running. Life is certainly not a competition and I really believe we are all amazing in whatever place we are in 🙂
And thanks so much for selecting me as one of the prize recipients! I can’t wait to try the Kalaya topical pain relief product! (email coming your way shortly)
Hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday 🙂
~Jes
lacesandlattes says
Congratulations on winning! You rock!
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
I love this and thank you for this!
My body and I have been in somewhat of a metabolic fight lately and it’s hard not to feel down, but I am still running and I am still taking care of me by eating well, and the rest? I’m sure it’ll get figured.
Nicky says
I’m so happy to win, yay! Hopefully you got an email from me: aninstantcrush (at) gmail (dotcom)
Great message btw. It’s something on my mind as I’ve gained 10lbs while injured. But if it means the difference between being able to run and not, I’ll let my body recuperate until it’s 100%. I looked good outwardly but in truth being underweight made me feel drained and anxious all the time.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
Wow, I had no idea the running world was so competitive when it came to body size and people have only 12 % to 16% body fat. Eek, that seems like not enough fat for me. I’m pretty sure my tatas cover that bit entirely. Oh well, I shall continue on in my ignorance. Sometimes it really is bliss.
Very well said post. Size doesn’t matter; only health does. It’s a sad situation the two are so linked in people’s minds.