How perfectionism sneaks into your running, and why numbers can drain your joy

Have you ever caught yourself obsessing over your watch stats or feeling like every run has to “count”? If you have, then this episode of Your Running Coach with GMacSpurr podcast is your wake-up call. Coach G unpacks how running perfectionism can quietly sneak into your mindset, often disguised as ambition, drive, and goal setting. She explains why tying your worth as a runner to numbers – pace, distance, or progress charts – can actually drain your joy and shift your focus away from what really matters: how you feel and how you’re growing.

Coach G reminds listeners that progress is bigger than pace. Your watch can’t measure everything, like your emotional load, energy levels, or the courage it takes to show up. You’ll learn how to identify what’s sucking your energy out of your runs, how to spot perfectionist tendencies when they creep in, and how to celebrate micro-wins instead of chasing constant improvement.

Listen to the episode right here, and then read on for some great journal prompts. These will help you discover how to reconnect with your love for running. And why not check out the Runner Mindset Workshop recording at the end of this blog. This will help you understand – and update – what you are telling yourself about you as a runner.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a running friend who needs encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe to Your Running Coach with GMacSpurr podcast for more running mindset tips so that you don’t miss an episode.
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Mindset Journal Prompts

Here are some great journal prompts. These are designed to help you explore balance, progress, and self-compassion on your own running journey:

• How do I define success when I run?
• What “invisible wins” did I notice in my last few runs?
• How can I experiment or adjust this week without obsessing over perfection?
• If pace wasn’t the be all and end all, what would my running goal be?

After you’ve used these prompts to delve deeper, come over to the Your Running Coach with GMacSpurr community to continue the conversation.

Here is a fantastic and free Runner Mindset Workshop to help you reclaim your runner story and spot the mindset stories that are holding you back.