Imposter Syndrome in Endurance Athletes
Whether you’re training for your first endurance event or are a seasoned competitor, the mental challenges of endurance sports can often rival the physical ones.
One of the most persistent challenges many endurance athletes experience is related to their self-talk and self-worth. Comparing themselves to other athletes is a prominent aspect of endurance sports, and the feeling of inadequacy can build. The internal quiet voice may whisper thoughts such as, “You’re not fast enough,” “You don’t belong here,” or “You’re not at the elite level.”
These feelings can negatively impact motivation and sense of identity. But what’s most important to understand is that these thoughts don’t have to define one. You have the ability to overcome the imposter syndrome that can derail endurance athletes.
Understanding Feelings of Inadequacy
Several components can contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Comparing oneself to other athletes can leave an athlete questioning their abilities. This can occur when an athlete scrolls through social media, looking at other athletes’ posts, reviewing an athlete’s pace or time, and even acknowledging races others are competing in. They may be left with the thought of not being at the same level as others, discouraging them.
Every athlete experiences self-doubt and inadequacy, especially when focused on outcomes. It’s natural! The most important thing is to recognize when these thoughts and feelings are occurring and implement a strategy to help shift them in the moment.
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Owning Your Athletic Identity
One of the most important elements for an athlete is spending time enhancing their self-awareness. By doing so, they will learn more about not only what’s important to them but also what it means for them to be an athlete. This connects to defining their athletic identity.
It is necessary to realize that no sport, pace, time, or event defines someone as an athlete. Your worth isn’t connected to your performance. It’s connected to your passion and purpose. If you put in the work and chase your goals, you’re an athlete!
Are you ready to implement strategies to help you own your athletic identity? Check out these tips for helping you, the endurance athlete, overcome imposter syndrome!
Tip 1. Celebrate the Process
Focusing on the outcome can be challenging for athletes, especially if the outcomes aren’t met. Embracing the process helps athletes recognize the growth they have made over time. Dedicate time to celebrating the wins, no matter how small. Incorporate self-reflection practices to stay connected to your goals.
Tip 2. Stop the Comparison
You know that quote, comparison is the thief of joy? Well, it is, in fact, true. It is a natural part of human nature to spend time focusing on what others are doing and comparing your success with theirs. When comparing yourself to others, it can steal your joy for the sport and create false narratives. Instead of focusing on comparing yourself to others, consider connecting with others! Join training groups, find training partners, and get involved with communities that have athletes with like-minded experiences!
Tip 3. Implement Positive Affirmations
Training the mindset is just as important as training the body. What many athletes don’t realize is that mental skills strategies can be implemented proactively. Just like training their bodies, the more time they spend training their brain, the more benefits they will reap. One strategy to assist athletes in owning their athletic identity is implementing positive affirmations. Here are some examples of affirmations:
“I am an athlete because I show up.”
“I belong in this space.”
Tip 4. Revisit Your Why
Every athlete has a “why” connected to participating in their sport. When feeling like your identity might be challenged, take some time to remind yourself why you started. Whatever the reason, your “why” makes your path meaningful. It helps you stay connected and grounded even when doubt creeps in.
Always remember one thing- you are enough! You are the only one experiencing your athletic journey. Struggling with athletic identity doesn’t mean you’re not able to be successful; it means that you care about something that matters to you. Awareness of when this arises is important in helping you be self-compassionate and experience clarity.
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JoAnne Bullard is a Doctor of Sport and Performance Psychology and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
She serves as a tenured Associate Professor at Rowan University and is the owner of Absolute Fitness, LLC. Her goal is to provide a holistically applied approach for clients through performance psychology consulting. She has experience working with athletes of all ages, including endurance athletes, in individual and group sessions. Her research areas include mindfulness, performance anxiety, goal setting, coping strategies, and mental well-being of athletes.
She has completed five marathons, numerous half-marathons, and is always looking for her next race.