Run Your Own Race—Seriously
If there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s this: don’t waste your energy chasing someone else’s pace. Run your own damn race.
It’s not just a mantra for race day—it’s a mindset for the long haul. Forget what Instagram runners are doing. Forget what your ultra-fit coworker brags about. Focus on you.
Skip the Comparison Spiral
I’ve seen it a hundred times: someone starts running, makes a little progress, then sees a friend post a sub-8-minute mile and suddenly feels like crap. Don’t fall into that trap.
You never know the full story behind someone else’s pace. Maybe they’ve been running for ten years. Maybe they have zero injuries and perfect genes. You don’t. You’ve got your story, and it’s valid.
Back when I started, I could barely hold a jog for five minutes without feeling wrecked. That first 12-minute mile? I felt like a damn champion. And honestly, I was—because I showed up, and I pushed through the burn. That’s what counts.
So next time you feel “slow,” ask yourself:
- Am I better than I was a month ago?
- Can I breathe easier?
- Does my body feel stronger?
That’s the stuff that matters.
Your Goals, Not Theirs
Not everyone’s chasing marathons—and that’s fine. Some of the best runners I’ve coached weren’t obsessed with race medals. They wanted to:
- Run three times a week without pain.
- Lose 15 pounds.
- Have the energy to chase their kids.
Those are legit goals. Don’t let some flashy running blog convince you otherwise.
When I first laced up, my goal was simple: get healthy and feel human again. Later, I aimed for a half marathon. Then trail ultras. But that was my ladder. You’ve got yours. So build it your way.
Make Your Training Yours
Here’s something that might surprise you: there’s no universal “right” way to train.
You like early morning runs while the world’s still quiet? Go for it. Prefer blasting metal through your headphones on a treadmill at night? Do it. Hate back-to-back running days? Then don’t. Your body’s talking—listen.
There’s no rulebook saying you’ve got to follow some perfect 12-week plan or run six days a week. The real trick? Find what makes you want to come back for more.
I’ve tested every schedule under the sun. The one that works? The one you’ll stick with.
Walk-Runners, Stand Proud
Let’s squash this nonsense once and for all: if you mix running and walking, you are still a runner.
I’ve seen runners crush marathons with timed walk breaks. In fact, that strategy keeps a ton of people injury-free and smiling across finish lines. If walking helps you go longer, stay healthy, and enjoy the ride—why stop?
There’s no gold medal for running nonstop. You’re training, you’re sweating, and you’re showing up. That’s what matters. So hold your head up and rock the walk-run plan if it works for you.
But If You Hate It, That’s Okay Too
Yeah, I’m a running coach saying this: if you’ve given running a real shot—like, not just two miserable jogs—and you still hate every single step? Then maybe it’s not your thing. And that’s okay.
Try dancing, cycling, hiking. Move in a way that makes you feel alive.
But here’s the catch: don’t quit just because it’s hard at first. Everything feels hard in the beginning. The trick is to give it a few weeks—long enough to get past the awkward phase and see if the spark lights.
You might surprise yourself. I’ve coached plenty of folks who swore they’d never be runners… until they were.
Remember Why You Started
At the end of the day, forget the noise. Strip it all back. Why did you start running?
Maybe it was to:
- Feel better.
- Lose weight.
- Get strong.
- Clear your head.
- Prove something to yourself.
Whatever it was—hold on to it.
For me, running started out as a weight-loss mission. But it morphed into something deeper. These days, it’s my therapy. My quiet space. My daily dose of grit.
Some days it hurts. Some days I don’t want to go. But every day I finish, I feel like a better version of myself.
So wherever you’re at—first mile, fiftieth race, or somewhere in between—just keep showing up. Your race. Your pace. Your path.
And trust me… when you run for you, you’ll never be “behind.”
Quick Gut-Check
- What’s your “why” for running?
- What goal actually excites you right now?
- Are you training in a way that fits your life—or someone else’s?
Drop your thoughts below. Let’s talk. 🏃♂️💬 #RunYourOwnRace