Why Slow Runners Deserve the Loudest Cheers
Jun 11, 2025I have never won a race, and the chances that I will ever win one are probably worst than the chances I will ever win the lottery jackpot (by the way, I never play the lottery so that gives you an idea of the odds). In fact, in most races I participate in I usually come in the last quarter of racers. Sometimes I even come in last. My first ultra marathon I came in last.
It used to stress me. Not anymore. Why? Because I've come to appreciate that slow runners, they're the ones that deserve the loudest cheers.
The Hidden Bravery of Running Slowly
Running slowly takes courage.
Not just physical effort — emotional bravery.
Slow runners have to push through more than just miles:
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That voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough.”
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The awkward looks at group runs.
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The feeling that you’re constantly being passed, both literally and figuratively.
And yet, you keep showing up.
That’s not weakness — that’s resilience.
Running slow doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re brave enough to go at your own pace.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I even a real runner?”, this blog post is for you too. You are not alone in that feeling — but you absolutely belong.
What Slow Runners Are Actually Doing
Let’s flip the script. Here’s what slow runners are really doing:
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Building sustainable endurance — not rushing into burnout.
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Listening to their bodies instead of pushing too hard too soon.
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Sticking with it long enough to see real results.
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Training smart by focusing on consistency, not speed.
You’re not just logging miles. You’re building mental strength, cardiovascular health, and a foundation that can carry you for years.
If you’re still early in your journey and feeling unsure how to begin, check out my post on how to start running when you feel out of shape. It’s a gentle, practical place to start.
Redefining What Success Looks Like
We tend to celebrate the fastest runners — and yes, speed is impressive. But it’s not the only kind of strength.
Success doesn’t always look like a personal best. Sometimes it looks like:
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Running three times a week when you used to run zero.
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Finishing a 20-minute run without stopping.
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Getting out the door when you really didn’t feel like it.
And in races?
It’s the slow runners who are out there the longest. They’re on the course after the crowd has thinned out. They finish even when the music has stopped and the volunteers are packing up. That takes heart. When I finished my 50km ultra they had literally taken everything down including the timing mat (they had to write my name and time by hand) and even the little flags marking the course.
Why Slow Runners Deserve the Loudest Cheers
Fast runners often have training plans, gadgets, and podium dreams.
Slow runners? They’re often running on sheer determination.
They show up tired. They keep going even when no one’s watching.
They’re not chasing medals — they’re chasing self-respect, peace of mind, and pride.
Anyone can sprint when they feel strong.
It takes real grit to keep going when everything in you says “stop.”
I see that kind of courage every time I lace up my shoes — especially on days when confidence feels far away. (Like the day I finally found the nerve to run in shorts — a powerful act of self-trust.)
To Every Slow Runner: You Are Unstoppable
So if you’ve ever felt left behind, if you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the running world, let me tell you:
You do.
You are strong.
You are worthy.
And you deserve a standing ovation for every single step.
It doesn’t matter how fast you go.
It matters that you go.
Your Turn
Are you a proud slow runner? I’d love to hear your story!
Connect with me on Instagram and share your story - @nancyguillery - What’s one moment you felt most proud of your running — no matter the pace?
And if you’re trying to stay consistent, this post about why Sundays are the secret to a stronger running routine will help you plan in a way that works for your real life — not someone else’s.
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