Running Culture

Running has given me so much over the years: Resilience, freedom, community, confidence, and countless lessons. But if I could wave a magic wand and change a few things in the world of running and endurance sports, there are 3 areas that stand out most to me.

1. The pressure of pace

Somewhere along the way, “slow” became a bad word in running. But the truth is, pace is deeply individual. One person’s recovery jog might be another’s sprint. Running fast doesn’t make you more of a runner – moving your body, enjoying the journey, and showing up consistently does.
I’d love for the culture of running to celebrate the entire spectrum of pace, so we can all honour where we’re at without shame or comparison.

2. The myth of the “Runner’s Body”

There is no single body type that qualifies someone as a runner. Tall, short, lean, curvy, muscular, soft – all bodies are runner’s bodies if they run.

When I was training for an ultra trail run, I was told I was too thick, not thin enough to take on that challenge. Later, when I trained for an IronMan, people said I wasn’t muscular enough. It’s insane, isn’t it? According to others, I was always “too much” of one thing and “not enough” of another.

But guess what: I did both. And along the way, I learned to love my body, to nourish it, and to trust it for the incredible things it can do. That’s why I’ll never stop repeating this: You don’t need to look a certain way to belong in this sport. Running is for everyone, every shape, every size.

3. More women’s-specific gear

Here’s the thing: The sports industry still has a long way to go when it comes to designing gear with women in mind. I have yet to find a running vest and flask that truly fit the female body comfortably. And while tech is advancing, many training and tracking apps still ignore the impact of the menstrual cycle, which is a vital part of performance and recovery.
We deserve gear and tools that support us as we are – not as an afterthought.

At the heart of it, what I wish to see is a world of running that celebrates every pace and every body. A space where movement feels freeing, inclusive, and supportive, no matter where you are in your journey.

And if you’re looking for holistic 1:1 run coaching, please email me at tam@mindfuelbody.com or get in touch via the contact form – I’d love to connect with you.