I have a story.

My mom died a couple of years back. She was a competent mom, kept us alive, clothed, fed, and educated, but not a very mom-like person. The priest was asking my sister for qualities he could highlight at the funeral and kept suggesting “nurturing” and my sister kept saying “not really, no” but he put it in anyway. My brother was a nationally ranked age group athlete, really good in his sport. When he came in second place and was frustrated, my mom, instead of pointing out what a great result that was or that his time had improved, said “well, if you want a different result do something different.”

Some of us just aren’t encouraging types. Maybe your mom was hurt in the past - not to say you should have to deal with her trauma, obviously it’s not your job! But she may think she is insulating you from disappointment, and I will caution you - no matter how well you do, if you exceed her expectations and yours, it probably won’t get you encouragement or praise. Run for YOU! Enjoy it! Secretly train to be fast and tell your mom you are just recreational. Or just run recreationally and for your own physical & mental health.