Injuries are humbling, aren't they? I'm going to be completely honest here and tell you about how I used to be so super judgy. Without even knowing it, I'd see another runner that was going slower than I could or whos running form wasn't perfect (by the way my running form is F A R from perfect) and my initial thought would be "I could run faster than that!" **insert embarrassed face here**. I was usually really good about catching myself and reminding myself that I don't know their story. But sometimes I was just flat out rude, in my mind, about it.
I realize that makes seem like a terrible person. It's not like this happened all the time, just every once in a while I'd notice a thought like that. Sometimes I get a little bit too proud of myself (which I think is pretty normal and even ok unless you're putting others down or being extremely cocky about it) Then something happens, and I get injured, or I have a baby or whatever, and I am back to square one myself. I found myself thinking about this the other day when I ventured out for my run outside instead of on the treadmill. I hadn't run outside since my half marathon. Partially because I'm a baby when it comes to the cold, and partially because (even if I didn't want to admit it) I didn't want people to see me taking walking breaks.
As I started thinking about all of this, I realized that it's not fair to judge anyone you see out running, INCLUDING OURSELVES. Comparing myself now to how I was doing a few months ago isn't fair to myself because I've been injured. I've been dealing with an injury that I didn't have then, and one that I've ever had before. My running now is totally going to be different from it was before because I've been dealing with different things than I ever have. I've trained for a different race, I've used a different training program, and now I'm coming back from a completely new to me injury. I'm not the runner I used to be, but I think there's really good potential for me to be better than I used to be if I let myself forget the runner I was and focus on the runner I want to be.
If you don't know a person and what they've been through it's not fair to compare yourself, for good or bad, with them. Maybe they are just starting out. Or maybe you haven't been able to run due to injury or sickness or something else and you're not where they are right now because they have been able to keep it up. Our bodies are all different. Our lives are all different. No one has the exact same circumstances that add to our days. You don't need to, and shouldn't compare yourself to anyone, including a former you, because that's not where you are right now.
Take your running one day at a time and do it for you and for nobody else. When we do that, running becomes easier, more exciting and more fun. You'll see your progress and you'll also be happy for other people's progress.
How do you deal with comparing?
What is something you're working to change?
I'm still working on this! Sometimes it's hard for me not to compare myself to others, especially on social media. I try to remember that everyone is on their own unique journey.
I totally get that. I compare a lot with just every day life on social media but I'm trying to be better about remembering that any kind of social media is usually the highlight reel. Those people don't always have their life put together and they are quite possibly seeing your life the way you see theirs. The best thing about social media though is being able to connect and cheer people on!
I gave up on comparing myself a long time ago. I just remind myself that I am doing this for me and no one else. However, someone else runs has nothing to do with me.
I'm so guilty of comparing myself! Its definitely something I have to be mindful of-thanks for the reminder!