I care about how fast I run but try not to care too much. After all, there will always be faster runners. And there will inevitably be times when I’m slower, for whatever reason. Still, I pay attention to how quickly I cross the finish line, compare that to my past performances, and measure myself against other runners.
The thing is, I don’t measure myself against all other runners – just a small group of runners who are like me. That is to say, women of an, ahem, certain age, with similar experience. After all, should I be particularly pleased to finish faster than someone who just started running 3 months ago? Or be discouraged if I’m much slower than someone who has been training for years? Does it matter if I can’t beat the gung-ho athletes or if I manage to pass someone who only runs from time to time? If I think about it too much, my brain hurts.
Last June, I participated in a 5K event that encapsulated the whole “does it really matter how fast I am?” dilemma. It was a woman’s-only race in honour of a Canadian Olympic runner who died young and tragically in a car accident a couple of years ago. The run attracts an amazing field of athletes: 45 women broke the 20-minute mark this year. The start line was dominated by whip-thin hardbody runners who scare the crap out of me, not because they’re mean or anything, but because they’re so good.
But I rocked: I ran it in 28 minutes – about 4 and a half minutes faster than the only other 5K I have ever run. Nevertheless, I was in the bottom third in my age category and was within two seconds of being beaten by the top runner in the 70+ category. (How amazing is she?!) So, I was happy, but not thrilled. Stupid, right?
One of the big lessons that running has taught me is to run my own race and no one else’s. To test myself and even to compete against others, but in a way that motivates rather than discourages me. To feel as thrilled with my own accomplishments as those of other runners.
So true. It's hard to not compare yourself to those around you...even when you know you shouldn't.
Because seriously, way to rock your 5k!! Shaving off 4+ minutes? That's huge!!
Posted by: Allison | October 23, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Hi, Allison. Thanks for the encouragement. I visited your blog, by the way, and really enjoyed it. I am 100% with you on early morning runs ... and best of luck on your half.
Posted by: Reluctant Runner | October 23, 2007 at 04:19 PM
I feel the same way. It's hard to not compare. Running has been alot of things to me - one of them being HUMBLING!
But all runs are different - be it weather, your health, your mental state, etc.
Posted by: P.O.M. | October 24, 2007 at 01:09 AM
It teaches us so much, doesn't it? Never have I been so bad at something and still enjoyed it, been humbled by it, and kept coming back for more.
Dang, 28 minutes?? bottom 1/3?? I'm trying NOT to compare myself :D hee hee
Posted by: Nancy | October 24, 2007 at 01:26 AM