Let Go of Your Running Ego

From throwing weights around in the gym and training purely for physique, this is the first fundamental thing I learned from starting to become an endurance athlete.

The Ego That Followed Me Out of the Gym

In the world of weightlifting, the ego can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It urges you to add that extra plate to the barbell, squeeze out one more dying rep, and beat your heaviest lift. And that is not entirely bad; the ego drives you to strive and reach new heights.

But what happens when you take that mentality into a completely different discipline?

When it comes to running, this same ego pushes you to run faster when you should be pacing yourself, or to aim for a longer distance when your body is screaming for a break. You might even find yourself wanting to push it just to move faster or to run that extra kilometre. This mentality can lead you to overtrain, increasing your risk of injury, and draining the joy from your running experience.

I know this because that is my story.

Running Is a Mental Game

What I have learned in my relatively short experience with running is that it is not just a physical challenge; it is a mental one as well. It is about listening to your body, focusing on your breath, and embracing the world around you. It is also about beginning to appreciate the process of your body slowly changing and adapting to a whole new world of strength and movement.

Slow Down and Compare Yourself to Yesterday

Instead of constantly checking your smartwatch to see if you are beating your best pace or comparing yourself to someone you just followed on Strava, slow down. Learn to compare yourself to the runner you were yesterday.

Since learning to let go of my ego, my running form has improved, my risk of injury has decreased, and most importantly, I have fallen in love with running.

For me, running has become more than just another workout; it is a form of meditation, a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and a space where I can seek mental clarity.