If you've spent any time on Strava lately, you’ve probably seen a flood of pace stats. Maybe it’s someone’s shiny new PR, a fast 5K, or a weekend long run that looks effortless. And if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Why aren’t I running that fast? Should I be doing more?
Let me stop you right there: You are not your pace. And this episode of the Brunch Running Podcast—our first under our new name—is a solo one from me, Alex Weissner, reminding you of just that.
A Personal Reflection on Pace
I’ve been chasing a sub-2-hour half marathon goal for nearly 10 years. Originally, I wanted to hit it before I turned 30. Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen. Life and running have their own timelines. But recently, at age 39, I ran my fastest 5K and 10K in a race—proof that progress can come at any age. Even though the second half of that race didn’t go as planned, it was still a milestone.
That run reminded me: pace is not linear. Some days we feel fast. Some days we’re dragging ourselves through miles, wondering if our legs forgot how to run. And in the summer heat? All bets are off.
When Comparison Creeps In
It's natural to compare ourselves to others. But is it motivation or is it stealing your joy? The quote “comparison is the thief of joy” rings true for so many of us. But what if, instead, we used what we see as inspiration?
Let’s flip the narrative. When you see someone post a fast run, cheer them on. Let it expand what’s possible for you—not diminish your own progress.
Slower Doesn’t Mean Less Than
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of trail runs. And let me tell you—25 minutes for a mile and a half uphill can feel brutal. I also ran a local race here in Steamboat that just didn’t click. I wasn’t fast. I wasn’t flowing. And by the time I crossed the finish line, most people were gone.
But I showed up. I finished. And that matters.
Let me repeat: You are not your pace. Whether you’re near the front or the final finisher, your run is valid. It’s worth celebrating.
Jogging vs. Running: What’s the Difference?
Let’s settle this once and for all: are running and jogging the same thing?
I’ve got thoughts, and I’d love to hear yours. Head over to our Instagram poll today and let us know what you think: Are running and jogging the same thing?
Personally, I think we should toss the word "jogging" out. It often feels dismissive. Whether you’re moving slow, fast, or stopping to take a photo of a moose on the trail (true story), you’re still a runner.
Effort > Pace
Coaches will tell you—slow runs build endurance. Not every run needs to be your fastest. In fact, it shouldn’t be. There’s room for every kind of run in your training: tempo, long, slow, recovery, all of it. The magic happens in the mix.
If you’re not chasing a pace-related goal right now? That’s okay too. Running can just be something you do for your mental health, community, or connection to yourself. Not everything has to be a data point.
A Challenge for You
Next time you finish a run, ask yourself one simple question:
👉 How did I feel?
Not what was my pace, not how far did I go, but how did that run make me feel?
We’ll be asking this over on Instagram Stories this week too. Let’s start celebrating effort, not just numbers.
Final Thoughts
Running is something magical. Even when it feels hard. Even when you hate it. The ups and downs are part of the journey. And remember—less than 1% of people on this planet will ever run a marathon. If you’ve done that (or are working toward it), that’s incredible. If you’ve run around the block this week, that’s also incredible.
So give yourself a high-five after your next run. Celebrate what your body can do. You are not your pace. You are a runner—period.
Loved this episode?
Subscribe to the Brunch Running Podcast, leave us a review, and share this with a friend who needs the reminder that their pace doesn’t define them. Follow us on Instagram, join us at a run club in Denver, Steamboat, or Colorado Springs, and tag us in your next post-run story so we can cheer you on.
Your seat at the brunch table is always saved. See you on the next run. 🥂👟