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:
- Choose to let it go.
- Embrace were you currently are.
- Create a training plan or hire a coach to create a plan for YOU based on YOUR current abilities and goals.
- Put one foot in front of the other and get moving at your own pace.
- 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.
Hi Beverly! I too have dealt with issues that caused me to develop an auto-immune disease back in 2001. After moving to Arkansas 9 years ago I often found myself feeling really alone because I didn’t know anyone, but then made some local friends. Even after moving over to Little Rock, all of my friends were health coaches. I thank social media for helping me to have people to talk to (friends and family back in Michigan and here in Arkansas) That connection is invaluable. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that if I am under stress I don’t even know it. I don’t really feel it physically. This dumbfounded me because my stress hormone was high, but I didn’t feel bad. Anxiety also acts similarly like fear towards me, but I do feel the butterflies of anxiety now. Working out on a regular basis has helped me to squash stress and anxiety. Plus now, cbd oil has been the biggest and most fantastic way I have been able to cope after being homebound and stuck on the couch since April with a severely sprained ankle. Even getting on a plane (which I hate to do) I had no anxiety at all. I feel super relaxed these days, and finally I am able to begin working out….not running at this time, but I can move and walk a few miles a day now. It has been so helpful to connect with other coaches like yourself and speak more about this. In not speaking about it more diseases can pop up unexpectedly and we never want this to happen. It is time to Heal. Love ya Beverly!!
Great points Heidi! Like you, I didn’t even know I was suffering from anxiety until I sought help sorting through all the craziness in my life. Hmm…CBD oil…who knew! I agree, we need to speak out more. I think too many people put up a front and suffer in silence!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave. If you ever want to compare notes on fear, anxiety, grief, not being able to get out of bed, coping with and without running as your crutch, reinventing yourself, truly finding your faith in Christ; my heart always has time and a place for you and your twin!!! ❤️ Conlin.cathy@gmail.com
Oh I bet you could Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing. I don’t think we talk about mental health enough. I am so proud of you for finding your faith and strength in the Lord. He is ever present, evening our worst storms!
Hi Beverly,
I so miss connecting with you all! I too have very much shared your journey. I’m on the other side of it now but am changing many things in my life wich as you know comes with its own grieving as we leave the old behind. It’s lovely to see you share your story as I know it helps many of us.
Would love to get together again.
Hugs,
Kelley
Kelley I miss you too! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We need to get the Soul Sisters together again!