My story
When I first started running, it was my dad who got me into it. And I always thought, gosh he’s so much stronger and faster at running than me. He looks like his legs are moving better, and it all looked, just “better” than me. I thought, “I need to run like he does”. And I’d try to do that. But it was really hard. And I understand why only now, years later.
My dad is a different human altogether. He’s a man too and men and women are built differently. He doesn’t smoke, eats very well and has great mental health.
He’s also quite a bit older than me (obviously!). As I write this, I’m 28 and he’s in his late 50’s so he’s about 30 years older than me. So I would always think “gosh, I’m so unfit”. when I’d watch him and try and learn. But actually, I wasn’t unfit; I was running with my dad say 2 times a week, and he’s completed several races!
My dad, the ‘better’ runner
My dad has done his fair share of marathons. On 28th October 2017, he completed his second marathon, racing in Snowdonia, England (UK). He absolutely smashed it in 4:29:16.
He’s done even the Ironman race. There’s even a race called “Race the train“. Yes, you literally start at the same time as an actual, physical train, and you race against the clock. He’s done that too.
So, there’s 18 year old (ish) me, comparing myself to this man. You see how crazy that is!
Who I compare myself to now
Me! I make a conscious effort to compare myself to previous me. Because that’s the only person you can compare yourself to. I know what makes ME feel good, and how I can feel successful, like I’ve done better than I have before. That’s why I make commitments to go the gym every week (ideally 2-3 times). I make an effort to go to a gym class like a yoga or pilates class. And I do my stretches before and after the gym exercises. I now take my resistance bands every time I go to the gym so I can do the movements that improve my running. Not compared to my more experienced dad, or anyone else. Just me.
When I go for a run, I’ll try and improve the time or feel stronger each time. But I won’t beat myself up, and I definitely don’t look at anyone else at the gym (on the treadmill) or any other runners I might pass if I’m running outside.
And I feel amazing for it. So, never compare yourself to others. Focus on your own health and running journey.
Here’s some quotes to get you inspired.
Never compare yourself to others – Quotes
“Compare yourself to yourself yesterday, not to others.” – Dale Carnegie
“Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is.” – Stephen Covey
My top tips: Never compare yourself!
Enjoy the process! Not every run will be the best feeling ever, and that’s okay.
Never delete pictures of your runs! Every run counts, even if it’s 10 minutes.
Celebrate every win! Strength training, a run/race, and pilates.. all helps to improve YOUR journey.
Motivate yourself! That’s why I started posting on Instagram (as lifeofamissfit) to log my runs and my successes. Next up, here’s my take on how much volume to increase in your running.
Written by Katie McDonald, 13th September 2024
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