There are lots of things we should avoid that definitely will help improve our training such as cotton socks, ill fitting shoes, over training, too much sugar, etc…you get the idea. But today I want to talk with you about something that I believe is even more important running in the wrong shoes! 

Quit comparing yourself to your fellow runners!

Comparison can take away the joy you experience when you run! It can leave you feeling like you aren’t good enough or that you aren’t training hard enough. Maybe if you would do more speed work or increase your weekly mileage then you would be faster. The problem with that is if your body is not ready to take on more and you do it anyway, then running ceases to be that fun escape that we love and it becomes another obligation on our never ending to-do list.

Comparison leads to envy and envy has all kinds of negative consequences. The Bible teaches in Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” 

You, my friend, are exactly where you need to be at this moment in time. If you get caught up worrying that you aren’t running as hard or training as much as your friends, you waste a lot of mental energy. That comparison and envy steals your peace and your joy. And while your bones may not literally rot, that mental anguish creates stress and primes your body for illness and injuries! 

I know from personal experience, when you choose to let it go and embrace where you are in your training you will feel joyful, your attitude will improve and so will your running. So if you find yourself caught up in feeling inadequate, comparing yourself to others, and worried you won’t be fully prepared for your next race, here are your action items:

1. Choose to let it go.
2. Embrace were you currently are.
3. Create a training plan or hire a coach to create a plan for YOU based on YOUR current abilities and goals.
4. Put one foot in front of the other and get moving at your own pace.
5. Enjoy the journey! 

God’s got a lesson in here for you and if you spend your time being envious of others, you will miss what He has just for you!

Now it’s your turn. Leave me a comment below and tell me what thoughts or ideas this article sparked for you! Please encourage others by sharing this post on social media.