407: The Identity Shift of a Lifelong Runner: Why Who You Think You Are Might Be Holding You Back

If you're a runner over 40, you may have noticed something frustrating:

You seem to be doing everything “right,” but it’s just not working anymore.

Maybe your pace is slowing down. Maybe you're more tired, more sore, or not seeing the results you used to. The strategies that worked in your 20s and 30s? They just don’t hit the same anymore.

But here’s the deeper truth most runners overlook:

💥 Your results are tied to your identity.

And if you’re still trying to train with an old identity—or worse, don’t even think of yourself as a “real” runner—progress will always feel just out of reach.

Let’s change that

👟 “I Run… But I’m Not a Runner”

This is something we hear all the time.

You run regularly. You may have even completed races. But you still hesitate to call yourself a runner.

Why?

Because of thoughts like:

• “I’m too slow.”
  
• “I take walk breaks.”
  
• “I haven’t done a race.”
  
• “I don’t look like a runner.”
  
  

So what happens? You may be trying to prove yourself (without even realizing it!) by:

• Pushing too hard on every run
  
• Skipping recovery
  
• Restricting food
  
• Overtraining
  
  

You're chasing a title you already have.

🟣 Being a runner isn't something you earn—it's something you choose.

This need to “earn it” is especially common in women over 40. We’ve spent decades feeling like we have to prove ourselves—not just in running, but in our bodies, our work, and our worth.

But what if all of that pressure to prove was actually slowing you down?

🧠 How Identity Shapes Everything

Your identity influences everything:

• How you train
  
• Whether or not you allow yourself to rest
  
• What kind of goals you set
  
• How you speak to yourself when things get tough
  
  

If you believe you're a strong, capable, lifelong runner, you’ll train like one.

If you believe you’re too old, too slow, or not "good enough,” that will show up in your actions—and in your results.

This is why identity work matters. Because it’s not just about motivation or discipline—it’s about belief.

And belief is powerful.

💬 From "Not a Runner" to Real Life Runner

When I first started running, it wasn’t for joy—it was to burn calories. I was an athlete growing up, but running was always punishment. It wasn’t something I loved. In fact, I hated it.

Even when I was running 5Ks and longer distances, I still didn’t call myself a runner. Why? Because I didn’t feel like I was one. I wasn’t fast. I didn’t enjoy it. And compared to my husband Kevin, I felt like an imposter.

But eventually, I realized:

🟣 “I don’t need to meet a standard. I just need to make a decision.”

Once I chose to call myself a runner, everything shifted. I started training smarter. I began seeing running as a skill I could improve. I treated my body with more respect and intention.

And guess what? I started seeing results—physically and mentally.

This is where the breakthrough happens. The moment you stop trying to earn it and instead just decide:

"I’m a runner. And now, I get to choose what kind of runner I want to be."

🆚 You Have To Shift Your Identity First

Let’s break it down:

Your identity isn't just a label—it’s the foundation of your training, your mindset, and your results.

And when that identity is rooted in outdated beliefs, it leads to burnout, frustration, and feeling like you’re never enough.

But when it's rooted in strength, self-respect, and a deeper purpose? That's when things start to change.

🔄 Identity → Belief → Behavior → Results

Here’s the loop:

1. Choose the identity. (Ex: I’m a strong, consistent runner.)
   
2. Reinforce it with behavior. (Ex: I prioritize recovery and strength.)
   
3. Create aligned results. (Ex: You feel stronger, more confident, and resilient.)
   
   

It’s not just about affirmations. You have to do the things that reinforce who you say you are.

But here’s the magic:

The more you act like the runner you want to be, the more you become her.

Every run. Every training session. Every time you rest or fuel your body well. You’re not just doing something.

You’re becoming someone.

🌱 What Kind of Runner Do You Want to Be?

This is your permission slip.

If you run, you’re a runner.

So the question becomes:

🟣 “What kind of runner do I want to be now?”

Strong? Consistent? Confident? Joyful?

You get to decide. And your body will follow your lead.

This is especially important after 40, when your body is changing—your hormones, metabolism, and recovery needs all shift. You need an identity that supports those changes, not fights them.

That identity could sound like:

• “I’m a real life runner who trains with wisdom.”
  
• “I’m building strength and energy—not chasing skinny.”
  
• “I train to feel powerful in my body, not punish it.”
   

In your journal, try completing this sentence:

“I am becoming the kind of runner who…”

And then take one step today that aligns with that vision.

You don’t need to earn it.
You just have to decide.

Because you are a real life runner!