Why running is for everyone (even if you're slow)

Let me tell you something that I wish more people heard when they first start running: you don’t have to be fast to be a runner.

Running is for everyone. All ages. All shapes. All abilities.

Whether you’re running your first minute without stopping, doing a walk-run (jeffing), or just building up confidence to get out the front door — YOU ARE A RUNNER!

When I go out for a run, I don’t care about my pace or my time. I care about how it makes me feel. That energy after you move your body, the fresh air in your lungs, the sense of accomplishment.

You can’t measure these feelings on a smart watch.

I’ve spoken to people who’ve run marathons and still don’t see themselves as “real runners” because they were at the back of the pack.

I just did the London Marathon a few weeks ago and I jeffed the whole way and it took me 6-hours. For those of you that don’t know “Jeffing” is a method where you alternate between running and walking at set intervals. For example, you run 3 minutes / walk 1 minute, or run 60 seconds / walk 30 seconds. I had the most amazing day ever and I was so proud to collect my medal.

It’s easy to compare ourselves to others on social media or get caught up in the numbers, but the truth is, there’s no perfect pace. Your run is YOUR run. It’s not about being the fastest. It’s about showing up, for yourself.

So if you’re thinking about giving running a go, or you’ve started but feel a bit self-conscious — this is your reminder: you are a runner. You don’t have to be fast. You just have to start. So lace up, get out there, and remember: slow runners are still runners.

Love, Joe x