How do you handle comparison?
More lessons from 50.2 miles
I walked into the house after a 3-hour run, feeling on top of the world. My nutrition was on point, and my legs felt strong; it was a successful morning run leading up to my first 50-mile ultra. I then made the mistake of opening Instagram.
Posts of back-to-back 20-milers and week 3 of 65-mile weeks filled my screen. My stomach tightened. I’d just finished 17 miles. My weekly mileage? Nowhere close to 65.
Will I be ready to run 50.2 miles? Am I doing enough?
The thoughts looped. Two months out from my first ultramarathon, and my post-run confidence evaporated, replaced by a stranger’s training plans that had nothing to do with me. I stopped myself and set down my phone.
I’ve worked with Coach Joel since 2018. I’ve stayed injury-free, qualified for Boston multiple times, and trusted his guidance through every training block. Why would I let a highlight reel from someone I’ve never met make me question that?
I set a 30-minute daily social media limit moving forward and chose to trust the plan built for me. I refused to let comparison take away my joy, especially during my first ultra. My coach often shares a formula for running success: “7 X 52 X 10. Seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, for 10 years. The formula is simple, the execution is not.”
This reminded me that I don’t need to worry about where other runners are in their preparation. Each person’s path to a goal is unique. I just need to keep showing up, stay focused, and trust in my support system. This lesson applies beyond running. Own your path—distractions or comparisons don’t have to hold you back.
Trust your plan, lean on your support system, and believe in your preparation.
Let’s Go!
How do you handle FOMO or comparison when seeing others’ progress online?
You’re invited to write together. See you today at 11 am (EST).
We’ll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up. No experience is necessary.
Be part of our creative community! Use the link below to enter our Zoom room, and feel free to invite a friend to write alongside you. Together, we’ll discover our creative voices and find the courage to put our stories on the page.
Let’s write together. Let’s grow together.
Upcoming in-person gatherings:
Our next Move. Write. Connect. 6-session series begins January 21. For more details and to register, click the button below.
“Don’t compare yourself to others, there’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it’s their time.”
—Anonymous
Unique as snowflakes
Each brilliant in our own way
Know this and be free
Great post Jules. Our uniqueness is our gift. Recall when your children were born and how each had a unique personality from day one? I remind myself of that when I compare myself to others. I find such an endeavor to be impossible. How does one compare the beauty of snowflakes? How does one compare the essence of your Soul? Trust and Know your uniqueness and become who you were from birth...
What an inspiring post to start my day, Julie B. Hughes! I’ve been missing Monday after Monday for too long! A safe bet is that I still haven’t taught my iPhone 17 to get with the plan. I’ve been out of pocket since my last efforts so I’ve not been able to try. As I review the comments (dare I say the caring and compassion) of regular participants, my not being there has nothing to do with any aversion to participating.
This morning was session three of my Low Dose Radiation treatment for both of my worn out knees. A process that ameliorates the formerly constant pain experience. Two more and I “graduate” and move forward to regain leg strength and aerobic conditioning.
From your coach’s POV, getting the cart ahead of my horse seems ill advised. Thursday morning @ 9:30 is my next Tx session. That’s my present goal!
All the very best to everyone. I miss you and can’t wait to resume group writing!