Embracing Your Inner Runner

Many individuals struggle with an inner critic that tells them they can't be runners, often based on their body type or physical appearance. To combat this negative self-talk, it's beneficial to personify the inner critic, giving it a name and a backstory, allowing individuals to engage with it in a humorous and defiant way. For example, Martinez Evans shares how he named his inner critic 'Otis,' likening it to a drunken uncle who dispenses unhelpful advice. This strategy empowers runners to reframe their mindset and affirm their capabilities, ultimately encouraging them to pursue running despite self-doubt.