When I first started running, I thought for sure someone would eventually tap me on the shoulder and say, “Hey, you don’t belong here.”

I didn’t grow up athletic. I didn’t look like the runners I saw on Instagram. I took walk breaks. I ran slowly. And every time I laced up my shoes, a little voice inside whispered: “You’re not a real runner.”

If any part of that feels familiar, you’re not alone.

This feeling has a name: Imposter Syndrome — and it shows up more often than you think for beginner runners.

Today, I want to unpack what imposter syndrome looks like for new runners, why it happens, and how you can start moving past it — because you deserve to be here.

What is Imposter Syndrome for Runners?

Imposter syndrome is that persistent feeling that you don’t belong — that you’re faking it, and it’s only a matter of time before everyone finds out.

As a new runner, it might sound like:

• “I’m too slow to call myself a runner.”

• “I have to walk sometimes, so I’m not legit.”

• “I didn’t grow up athletic; real runners are different.”

• “If I don’t run marathons, I’m not serious enough.”

But here’s the truth: If you run, you are a runner. Full stop.

It’s so easy to lose sight of that when you’re just starting out, especially if you feel out of place or compare yourself to others. Heck, I still have Imposter Syndrome regularly even after running all these years and completing marathons and an ultra marathon.

(If you’re feeling stuck on how to even get started when running feels overwhelming, check out my post: How to Start Running When You Feel Out of Shape in 4 Steps.) 

Why New Runners Experience Imposter Syndrome

There are a few reasons imposter syndrome hits so hard when you’re new:

• Comparison Culture: We’re bombarded with images of effortless long runs, sleek finish-line photos, and perfect splits. It’s easy to feel like you don’t measure up.

• Old Beliefs About “Real Runners”: Maybe you grew up believing runners had to be fast, skinny, or naturally talented. When you don’t fit that outdated picture, doubt creeps in.

• Discomfort with Newness: Being new is uncomfortable. Running forces you to get familiar with feeling a little out of breath, a little awkward, a little unsure.

If you’re in that uncomfortable beginner stage, you might enjoy my blog post: How to Learn to Love Running (or Any New Activity) One Step at a Time. Building confidence is truly a step-by-step process. 

How Imposter Syndrome Can Hold You Back

If you don’t catch it, imposter syndrome can quietly sabotage your progress. It might cause you to:

• Talk yourself out of signing up for a race.

• Skip runs because you feel you don’t “deserve” to be there.

• Downplay your milestones (“It was just a 5K,” you might say, instead of celebrating.)

Over time, these small moments of doubt add up. You start to believe that maybe running just isn’t for you — when really, you’re doing the brave, challenging work of becoming a runner. 

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a New Runner

You can’t always silence that doubting voice entirely — but you can keep running anyway.

Here’s how:

• Normalize the Feeling

Every runner, no matter how experienced, feels like an imposter sometimes. I had major Imposter emotions in the minutes leading up to my first ultra marathon last year. There I was in a room full of what I thought were highly more capable, more experienced and more confident runners. I was expecting a race organizer to come up to me any minute and ask me if I was at the wrong start line.

Doubting yourself doesn’t mean you’re not a runner. It means you’re human.

Mindset is everything when it comes to running. I dive deeper into how powerful your self-talk can be in The Words We Use Matter: How Your Running Mindset Shapes Your Progress.

• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

 Forget how fast others are. Forget how polished their photos look.

Your only job is to keep showing up and improving against your starting line.

Celebrate every small win — every walk/run interval completed, every time you choose to lace up instead of giving up.

• Redefine What It Means to Be a Runner

You don’t need a race medal, a fancy watch, or a marathon story to call yourself a runner.

If you’re running — however it looks — you’re a runner.

Taking walk breaks? Still a runner. Running a 13-minute mile? Still a runner. Feeling awkward? Still a runner.

• Create a Supportive Environment

Find spaces (online or offline) where beginner runners are celebrated.

Not judged, not pressured — celebrated. If you can't find that don't hesitate to tag me on Instagram and I will always encourage you (@nancyguillery)!

And make sure you follow people who inspire you to stick with it, not people who make you question if you’re good enough. 

From Imposter to Confident Runner: A Mindset Shift

When I think back to when I started, what helped me move forward wasn’t running faster or farther.

It was changing my mindset about what it meant to be a runner.

You don’t earn the title. You already own it.

Every time you show up, you’re becoming the kind of runner who belongs — not because you checked a box, but because you believed you belonged.

Reminder: You’re not faking it. You’re becoming it. 

Final Thoughts: You Belong Here

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, hear this:

You belong in the running world exactly as you are today.

Running isn’t reserved for the fastest, the fittest, or the most “Instagrammable.”

It’s for anyone brave enough to take a step forward — even when they’re scared, even when they doubt themselves.

If you need extra encouragement, make sure you grab my free guide:

What Every Beginner Runner Needs to Know (But Is Too Afraid to Ask) — it’s packed with tips to help you feel confident and strong from the start.

And if you’re looking for a little extra inspiration:

• How to Start Running When You Feel Out of Shape in 4 Steps

• The Words We Use Matter: How Your Running Mindset Shapes Your Progress

• How to Learn to Love Running (or Any New Activity) One Step at a Time

 You’re already doing it — and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.