Managing Comparison
that’s runnable
The Second Edition of your favourite weekly running newsletter
What’s up! Welcome back to your weekly dose of run chat.
It’s a quick weekly read with some insightful tips and thoughts to help you with your running.
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This week, I thought we’d talk about comparison. Whether you're new to running or not, managing comparison is something anyone can battle with. But if you learn to manage it well, and you can stay focused, motivated, and keep enjoying the process.
Something to Think About
Especially in the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to other runners. We see their achievements and sometimes it can make us feel inadequate.
But remember, everyone’s unique and there are endless differences between us all. Reflect on your own progress and achievements. How far have you come since you started? Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small.
If you consistently put in the work, you’ll eventually reflect on how far you’ve come, and be proud. That’s a comparison worth making!
Something to Ask Yourself
Am I running for myself or others? It's important to evaluate your motivations. Are you pushing yourself to achieve personal goals, or are you trying to keep up with others? Is that “sub 3” really something you’ve always wanted, or do you just want to be validated? Running should be a personal journey of self-improvement and enjoyment.
Ask yourself: What are my true running goals, what actually interests me in the running space, and how can I find goals that light me up?
Article of the Week 📄
This week’s must-read is “The Comparison Trap in Sports” by Jessica Pidgeon from VIS.
It discusses the common tendency of athletes to compare themselves to others and the importance of focusing on personal growth instead. It explains why this comparison happens, the dangers it poses to mental performance, and there’s some practical strategies in there to maintain a healthy perspective.
Track of the Week 🎶
I’m never disappointed when I hear this song come on during a run. It’s the first track on their multi award nominated second album A Hero’s Death.
This week’s Track of the week is:
I Don’t Belong by Fontaines D.C. (2020)
Personal Lesson
Since I started posting running content on social media, my feed has become increasingly dominated by Fitness and Running related stuff. I don’t mind this too much; it’s interesting to see how other creators make content. But, of course, comparison can come knocking. What’s been most interesting to me is that no matter what I achieve, there will always be a way to belittle those accomplishments with a healthy dose of comparison.
I often have to remind myself to focus on what I’m doing, keep tapping away, keep working hard, and keep reflecting on my own progress, because that’s what matters most.
Running - Life’s Metaphor
Well, to stay on theme for this section this week is easy. Running can really teach us that comparison is the thief of joy. Just as in life, comparing ourselves to others can lead to unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction. Instead, let’s promise to focus on our own path, celebrate our successes, and learn from our challenges.
Embrace your unique journey, both in running and in life, and find joy in your personal progress.
Final Thoughts
I think comparison generally gets a bad rap, and that’s probably because it’s mostly not that helpful. However, I do want to finish by saying this: if you’re confident that you’re working hard (and smart), showing up, and not making excuses for yourself, comparison can be a great motivator.
The good news is, no matter how great you think you are at running, there will always be someone better to compare yourself to. A sub 4-hour marathoner has a sub 3 marathoner to chase, and a sub 3 has a sub 2:45, and a sub 2:45 has a sub 2:30… you get it.
Chasing improvements is part of the fun, but don’t lose sight of what matters more.
Happy running and keep showing up… for yourself.
Tommy ;)
