I've heard the phrase, 'turtle power,' for years, always from slower runners, usually in an upbeat, positive way, an "I'm fine with that" way, but sometimes they utter he words apologetically, and that makes me sad, because running, your running, everyone's running should be what they want it to be and what is right for that person.

Often, these are beginner runners, but not always. It is my hope that after listening to this episode, no one listening will ever feel bad, in any way, about being a slower runner.

What is slow, anyway? It's all relative, isn't it? When an Olympian runs a 6-minute-miles, it's an off day. Most runners will never see that faster side of 9 minutes, and some will always run 12-minute miles, and I sure hope those people don't apologize for that because there is no reason. To me, that's like apologizing because you have brown hair.

If anyone ever makes you feel like your pace is too slow, then that person is just being unkind and isn't worth worrying about. In fact, they probably feel inferior in some other way. You have as much right to go your own pace and be happy with it as any other runner has a race to go the pace that is comforrable for them.

After all, running is an individual sport. One of the nost enjoyable elements of running is that anyone can do it; you don't need to be a gifted athlete, but I sure hope you do realize that anyone at any pace is an athlete.

Turtle Power is a mantra of slower runners everywhere, and so it should be. I hope it's empowers slower runners. If you're a slower runner, and since you're a beginner, you probaby are, own it; don't apologize for it. Feel the power.

Mojo for Running