Don't Compare Your Times to Other Runners, Only Yourself
In my ten mile race a few weekends ago, I was not last…but very close to it! While no one ever wants to be last, I have to keep reminding myself that I am not racing everyone else, I am racing myself! I am racing the old me…and the new me is winning.
When I start to feel insecure about my times—I look at where I started and where I am now. When I first started, I could run only a few minutes of my 2 mile runs. These two mile runs were hard work for me and it took me over thirty minutes. I would average about 16 minutes a mile. Now, I can run an 10 minute mile. My “easy” run days are 3 milers and I can finish in about 35 minutes. While 35 minutes for a three mile run may be terrible for some, for me it’s awesome!
I have been thinking a lot about the Jingle Bell Run I have coming up. My sisters and a few friends will be doing it also. My goal is not to beat any of them, but to beat my time from my Turkey Trot 5k time. I did the York Turkey Trot and came in at 37:44. I have done lots of 5k practice runs since then, coming in at around 36-38 minutes. So, that is what my goal will be: to finish the 5k in less than 36 minutes. If I achieve my goal, I will cut my very first 5k time by over 5 minutes. Not bad for less than six months of a time difference.
Do you compare yourself to other runners? Do you find it helps or hurts you? How to you make yourself stop?
If you like what you have read, come follow me at: http://pumpkintoprincess.blogspot.com/ Posted, 2011-12-09 20:25:03
When I first started getting back into running after some complications with my legs, I found that I was constantly beating myself up for finishing my laps last at practice or not picking up the pace. It wasn't until I had been in my second month of track that I realized I shouldn't be racing against the other runners at PRACTICE! I should be racing for myself. That's when I started running for me and that's when my times started to get better. Don't get me wrong, competition is great, but I just needed to kick back and realize that I'm in this for myself. I think what you're doing is inspirational. Keep up the hard work and though I don't really know you, I'll be cheering you on! Good luck, Amy!
And P.S.- 35 minutes for a three miler is AWESOME. That's my time too..... AND I'M PROUD OF IT!!! :)
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