RUNNER impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that manifests itself as constant self-doubt about performance, ability and legitimacy as a runner.
Even after successfully completed numerous races in the past, these runners question their ability to take part in a sporting event.
They constantly downplay or underestimate their performance.
They think they are not fast enough or cannot go the distance, and ponder their poor technique.
And even if they do win, they attribute it to luck or favourable circumstances, not to their hard work or skill.
These runners fear that one day they will be unmasked, and that a “real” runner will realise that they are a fraud. This selfdepreciation particularly affects regular runners.
According to Chris Bennett, Senior Director of Nike Global Running, interviewed by Women’s Health, this phenomenon is more prevalent in this particular sport than in others.
“You never hear someone who plays pickup basketball say, ‘well, I’m not a real basketball player’ when you ask them about it,” he remarks.
Falling into the trap of comparison
Runner impostor syndrome is most likely to occur when running with other people.
It is easy to compare your sporting performance to that of others, especially if they are faster, can go further or are more experienced.
Writing for the Human Potential Running Series website, the American ultra-runner and columnist, Christopher Mellott, confides that despite his many medals and achievements, he still does not feel like an ultra-runner.
“When I read accounts of incredible athletes like Kilian [Jornet] summiting Everest not once, but twice without oxygen or [Michael] Wardian running the Leadville 100 [ultramarathon] and then following it up with the Pikes Peak Marathon the next day, I feel like an impostor.
I feel like any moment someone is going to come to me and say ‘you said you were a runner, an ultra-runner, but you aren’t, this other athlete is.’”
“It can feel like an added pressure when you see everyday exercisers around you doing what you think is an everyday activity faster or ‘better’ than you,” explains sport and performance psychology consultant and former Olympic athlete, Lennie Waite, speaking to Women’s Health.
And this phenomenon can be reinforced by social networks.
“Falling into the comparison trap, I found myself constantly measuring my progress against more experienced runners or those showcasing their achievements on social media,” admits runner and Houston Marathon Committee Ambassador, Krystle Hodge, writing on the Chevron Houston Marathon website.
Everyone at their own level
People with runner impostor syndrome actually lack self-confidence and can have low self-esteem. This can affect their motivation and mental wellbeing.
These runners may, for example, reach extremes by setting themselves unachievable goals.
This attitude can lead them to strive for perfection and/or fear failure. To help tame these feelings, Bennett advises practicing mindfulness while running, which involves having an active and ongoing conversation with yourself while working out.
It is about paying attention to whether you are feeling well hydrated, for example, or if you are experiencing any pain.
In addition, celebrate each of your victories or achievements, like running for 10 minutes without stopping.
The goal is to recognise and acknowledge your efforts.
You can also decide to run alone and be your own running buddy, talking to and encouraging yourself as you would a friend.
To deal with self-doubt and selfesteem issues, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional, like a psychologist.
“Running is still super, super challenging for everyone,” reiterates Waite. “It’s just that people’s ceilings and thresholds are different — and it can be oddly comforting to tell yourself of that.” – ETXDailyUp
