Lungs searing, legs aching for relief, she lunges forward finding the finish line respite, where she can finally stop hands on knees heaving with fatigue and accomplishment. She didn’t make the podium and the sweeper van wasn’t clipping her heels, in fact she’s quickly shuffled to the side as hundreds of others come sailing in for their own moment of glory.
The majority of us fall squarely in the middle of the pack.
We don’t make the news or viral videos.
We don’t get special accolades.
We don’t leave others in awe.
Maybe we’re closer to the front, closer to the back or the perfect bell curve average runner. Today, I celebrate you middle of the pack runner (and me too). I hope you’ll celebrate with me! 
Dear middle of the packer,
It’s time to celebrate your avergeness. Did you know you can exhibit manliness, graciousness, awkwardness, cheerfulness or even weakness, but averageness is simply not a word.
Why don’t we celebrate those in the middle?
After all, who’s really judging your run?
That inner voice whispering it’s not good enough?
The horrific timed mile of childhood that made you feel ashamed of moving too slow? The softball coach who mocked your awkward stride as you grew?
Or is the judge you?
When you look at runners you admire on Instagram, how does it make you feel?
Do you despair at the gap between the current numbers on your Garmin and how you’d like to run?
[bctt tweet=”Spending too much time fretting about your pace? Learn to embrace your averageness #runchat” username=”runtothefinish”]That inner voice nagging “you’re not good enough” might tag along for the entire journey or with some grace and luck, running might actually help you to leave her behind. In fact, during those miles you might begin to see she’s popping up as a defense mechanism. A bad one mind you, but perhaps she wants to protect you—from rejection, from failure, from disappointment.
When your inner Simon Cowell begins to rear his ugly head again, it’s time to redirect. Running is a mental sport and this is the moment, where you choose to become a stronger runner even if that never means subtracting a single second from your race time. It’s the moment where you realize showing up, trying, enjoying the run, laughing with friends, all of that matters just as much.
As Epicurus so profoundly said,
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
We’re squarely in the middle.
Vanilla
Average
Forgotten
Embrace the way that it makes you part of something larger and more alike than different from your running peers.
And what is average?
According to all the data Strava has from 2016, the average female runner does 4.6 miles at 9:55 pace.
Too many of us are unhappy with our running.
We fret. We despair. And we compare.
Stop letting the voice of others or your own internal Simon stop you from loving our chosen sport.
If you want to run, run.
As sprinters, joggers, runners, and endurance fiends, we take charge of our own training goals. If we’re unhappy with our current pace, we make it a priority to improve. So, join a club, hire a running coach coach, or read a great blog filled with tips. Then go for a run and enjoy every step you’re able to take.
How do you feel about being average?
Do you get frustrated with being overlooked?
OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT
Get each new post in your inbox — talk about speedy service
Instagram: RunToTheFinish
Facebook: RunToTheFinish
Get more inspiration on Pinterest
15 Active Fitness Camp Vacations & Adventure Retreats
I love everything about this post! So true and it hit home with me. I try my best for every race and if I did that then my mission is accomplished!
And that is absolutely all that matters!! It can be too easy to get caught up in what others are doing.
The only person we need to be “good enough” for is ourselves!
Love this. I run/walk, so I’m definitely average. Just starting to be okay with that. I don’t need to compare myself to others, but rather celebrate the fact that I’m running at all!
I probably fall below average, especially right now, but I am so proud of the runner I was in the past, the runner I am now and the runner I am yet to be. At 46 (almost 47) I am not done!! I am starting another journey after coming off sickness and injuries for 2 years and I am super proud of that and as long as I get to run, I don’t care where I fall!
You are the every woman!! Trying to balance a lot of work, the unexpected things that slow us down and yet showing up with a smile. Loves ya!!!
This is a GREAT post! Let’s high five the average runner because that’s me! I love it, wouldn’t have it any other way.
This is SO good. Read it yesterday, and I thought that every single runner needs to read this. I’ve always been an average runner, but this made me excited about being average and enjoying that middle of the pack, trying as hard as I can, but not being worried about not being good enough.
You do a great job of having a wonderful perspective and sharing it with others!
couldn’t agree with you more, though I’m also v susceptible to feeling like i could be faster if i tried harder/wanted it more.
Awesome post! Very encouraging to those of us in the middle. Part of the joy in running is embracing the pace you’re wired to run!
My passion for running led me to write an inspirational book for runners! Check it out. Part of my proceeds benefits Waterstep, who helps provide clean water in developing countries. Blessings to you and happy running.
https://reststopforthesoul.com/my-book/