Race Pace Envy: Stop Judging Yourself By Their Speed

We’ve all been there. You close the door behind you, a big cheesy grin, sweat running down your back and it’s time to post that killer run to social media. I mean that’s the only way it really counts, right?

Click, edit, filter, cute caption. Yes, the world knows you feel like a superstar.

Scroll… “dayyyum that girl is fast”

“holy cow why can’t I do that”

“ugh, I’m such a slow runner”.

Pace envy. It happens and it can put a damper on our own accomplishments when we start feeling like we need to measure up to someone else’s standard or when we realize our big hairy goal is their easy run!

Recently, I’ve had stellar training, but I’m not back where I was. Social media reminds me of that repeatedly and gives me a chance to do some mental work on letting go of envy and remembering my own goals.I’m immediately excited for my speedy friends {because I LOVE hearing about anyone running}, then envious, then realistic. My year wasn’t about how fast can I get and my training wasn’t focused in that way.

The runners posting great races put in solid, consistent training to push to a new level. AND SUPER important to remember that running is one of those sports where often the longer you’ve been running the better your results:

• Improved endurance for more mileage
• Improved overall strength from consistent workouts
• Improved mental beliefs to help you push to that next level.

So remember not to compare where you are to where the are unless you’ve traveled the exact same road…including life stress, family and all that other stuff which impacts training.

Other Reasons to Embrace Slow Running

Let’s look at a little more of what gets us in that mindset of thinking we’re too slow, when in reality MOST runners are right in the middle of the pack.

My running  has been about health. Finding a way for my body to heal while I continue to pursue something I love. It’s been about testing myself with some speed and more miles than last year, but mostly about enjoyment.

I also know there’s a part of me that is afraid…afraid to put it all out there in a round of hard training and find my body feeling bad again or simply not achieving my pace goal. So yes, I’m happy going slower if it means going for many more years.

I’m sharing this not because it’s fun to expose my inner demons, but because I think a lot of runners probably feel the same way at times. Great, so what’s all the envy about?? Well perhaps it’s seeing their easy run pace and feeling like “dang that’s my speed workout”. Or man they managed to qualify for Boston in they’re very first marathon and I’m on attempt number 9.

Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc.

We’re always looking to those ahead of us for inspiration. Which is a great way to be motivated, but only if you let it drive you rather than making you feel like your accomplishments aren’t enough.

Pace envy...it happens. But how do you get over it? #runchat Share on X

A Flashback to My NYC Marathon Thoughts

Here’s what I shared in 2013, which I think is still valuable for anyone heading in to a race to know that your thoughts are so normal, to be clear I’m not running NYC this year.

I put in the work.
I knocked out 3 back to back 20 mile runs and lots of long runs at my goal marathon pace.
I rarely missed or altered a workout, even with all the travel.
I did all my pre-hab to prevent injuries.
I focused on high quality nutrition.

I’m still really nervous.

I’ve been down the path before of doing all the work and having the race fall apart. I want to exceed my expectations. I want the PR. I apparently want to only write very short sentences.

BUT beyond the PR, my goal is always a finish with a smile over a grimace.

A finish that doesn’t leave me swearing off marathons or making deals with God during mile 23. To achieve this I think the best thing I can do now…relax.

Focus on what makes NYC such an amazing experience: the crowds, the views, the course, the energy, the unbelievable mass of runners.
For those interested here is how the race played out >>

Handling Slow Runner Feelings

Great, so now we all know that it can make your heart sink to watch people post their Instagram photos of 10 milers at an “easy” pace that blows away your goal pace…what do we do?

• Refocus on the improvements you’ve made
• Remember we aren’t all genetically disposed to the same things (i.e. Meb, Shalane!)
• Remember pace is not an indication of happiness or being a great person
• Go run with people you actually know, who will remind you that you rock
• Use it as a guide to what is possible with the right work
• Spend time remembering why you love running, it’s usually not just your watch
• Celebrate their success – seriously be happy for them because they deserve it
• Remember there are MANY different running goals that have nothing to do with pace
• Decide if pace is really your goal or the one you think you SHOULD be focused on

BONUS POINTS because running slow means more time enjoying the course, which means getting the most out of every dollar you spend to do it. Hehe!

While I tend to share everything from tripping over the sidewalk to stellar runs on Instagram, that’s not always the case. Be choosy about who gets your daily attention and influences your emotions.

No matter how fast the runner, everyone has off days, pains, aches and even dreaded stomach issues.

And if you happened to have a horrible race, checkout my post on practice races to help re-frame the entire day!

Have you ever had pace envy?

How do you stay focused on your goal?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
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Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinish

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