In the world of running, it’s easy to feel the constant pressure to be faster, stronger, better, or whatever Daft Punk said, and then Kanye used. We scroll through social media, seeing fast finish times, epic mileage logs, and seemingly effortless paces. And for a moment, we might think, "That's what I should be doing. I need to be at the top."

But let's be real for a second.

For most of us, life isn't just about running. It's about juggling a demanding job, raising a family, chauffeuring kids to activities, preparing nutritious meals, and maybe, just maybe, finding a moment for ourselves. In this whirlwind, consistently being "the best" runner often feels like an unattainable dream, another item on an already overflowing to-do list.
And guess what? That's perfectly okay.

The Beauty of the "Mean" 
At MEAN GUY running, we believe there’s immense power and joy in being an average runner. In fact, we celebrate it. The "mean" isn't just a mathematical term for us; it's a philosophy. It’s about acknowledging that the vast majority of us fall somewhere in the middle, and that middle is a vibrant, dedicated, and incredibly important part of the running community.

It's easy to get caught up in chasing P​Rs and podium finishes, but consider what you are achieving:

• You're a Runner: Simply lacing up and getting out there, day after day, week after week, makes you a runner. That’s a significant accomplishment in itself.
• You're Prioritizing Health: You’re choosing movement, fresh air​ (when the weather permits), and mental well-being over countless other temptations.
• You're Building Consistency: Showing up, even when it’s hard, is the true mark of a dedicated runner, regardless of pace.
• You're Finding Joy: Whether it’s the quiet solitude of an early morning run or the camaraderie of a group jog, you’re experiencing the pure, unadulterated joy of movement.

Redefining "Success"
Success in running doesn't have to be defined solely by speed or distance. It can be:

• Showing up when you'd rather stay on the couch.
• Finishing that challenging run you thought you couldn't do.
• Feeling happier and more energized after a tough day.
• Inspiring your kids or friends to move their bodies.
• Being part of a community that understands the struggle and the triumph.

Be Happy. Be a Runner. Be "Mean."
Instead of fixating on what you aren't, let's embrace what you are. You are a runner. You are dedicated. You are prioritizing your well-being. And you are part of a massive, supportive community that understands the everyday grind.

At MEAN GUY running, we don't just say this; we live it. Our challenges reward not only the top performers but also those who embody the spirit of the "mean"—the average, consistent, resilient runners who make up the heart of our sport.

So, the next time you feel that pang of inadequacy, remember this: You don't have to be the fastest to be a fantastic runner. You just have to be you. And that, my friend, is more than enough.

Aided by Gemini

NOTE: This was originally posted years ago before I changed my website server and lost ALL of my blog posts. It was fun rereading this and noting the changes even since this post. Here it is...
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I run has changed to iRun the past few years. 
There are still a few “natural” runners that just leave the house with their shoes and clothes. But those old schoolers are rare. 
Garmins, fitbits and Beats, oh my. How did we run without them and survive?

Within the past year, I’ve stopped listening to music while running for a few different reasons. 

It’s much safer on the country roads to be completely aware of my surroundings. I am completely one with all of my thoughts. It is my time away from everything where my mind can just be. 

I hear from many people that they don’t think they could go without some tunes. How do I do it? Don’t I go crazy?

Well, I did at first, just like I did when I first started running in general. You get used to it and love it. 

Next comes the watches and heart rate monitors. I do wear a Garmin watch, as I need to know how far and fast I’m going. But that’s me. I need to know more than just the time I ran. I want to know how far, my current pace, and how far ahead of my virtual partner I am. (Recently, he has been way in front.) 

I haven’t used a heart rate monitor (yet). Have you? 

No watch? How about a health tracker (FitBit, Withings, Nike Fuelband, etc)? What’s the perk with these thingys? 

I got one for Christmas and only two months in, I couldn’t survive without it. It does track mileage, just as the Garmin does, but it also acts as a pedometer, calorie counter, elevation guide, heart rate monitor (bpm) and tracks my sleep. Oh yeah, and a watch. 

The sleep tracker is the coolest part. With a swipe of a finger, you signal you are hitting the sack. When you wake up, another finger swipe. The device does the rest. It tracks when you fall asleep, wake up throughout the night, your light sleep and your heavy sleep periods.

Being a father of two youngins that have yet to master the art of sleeping, my sleep charts are a tad unordinary. 

I wear both my Garmin watch and health tracker while running. I do not have a hook up for a heart monitor, but the health tracker does help with checking my heart rate. 

How about a running belt? Wear one of those? 

I do not, but I know they are an easier way to carry keys, phone, water bottles, snacks and more while on a (usually long) run. Now a lot of these come with an LED light for night running too. 

And of course, there are running apps. Runkeeper, Map My Run, Couch to 5k (C25K), Nike +, Runtastic, Strava, and many, many more. 
Being a numbers person, I love all of them, as they keep track of just about everything you could possibly ever want. 
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Are you an iRunner? What do you NEED to run?

Getting injured sucks. Especially when it is something totally avoidable. The day after the Pitman Freedom Four Miler, I was playing golf with a good friend and badly hurt my knee. 
I haven't run since July 4th. I dropped out of the running community mentally, and it is killing me. I'm told five more weeks of rest and strengthening, but I am not sure I can take it. 
How do you deal with injuries? Do you do other activities? Follow doctor's orders?
I. am. going. crazy.