The Comparison Thief

You may have heard it said that comparison is the thief of joy.   So many times we compare other peoples best with our own worst.  Why do we do this to ourselves?

I've done this.  I've seen others post their run times and desperately want to run as fast as them.  I'd do the only thing I knew how to do.  Run more and push myself harder.  But it never worked and I always ended up injured and demotivated.  But why?

The short answer is variables.   There are so many different things involved in increasing your running speeds that I didn't know about.  Heart rate, fueling, recovery, HIIT and many other things you need to pay attention to.  Do you know the differences of the aerobic or anaerobic system?   There was a time I didn't either.  Your nutrition is a HUGE variable in your running.

So what's one way to avoid this?  Having a goal and a plan.  Wanting to run faster is a great goal.  But be more specific.  Do you want to run a 6 minute mile?  8 minute mile?  12 minute mile?  And then work with a running coach (experienced runners do not always make good coaches) to create a plan and make this goal a reality.

Real life experience.  I was ticking off 8:30-9 minute miles and enjoying it.  But to achieve my goals I had to slow my pace down to around 13-15 minutes per mile.  And I'm ok with that.  I'm ok with being the last person at all the group runs.  Why?  I have a goal.  I have a plan.  And I have the confidence in the process.