Start Where You Are
I am making a pledge to myself right now, and I hope you will join me. 
I vow to stop comparing my fitness level and athletic accomplishments to those of anyone else. I vow to stop diminishing my success out of fear that it won’t seem like a “big deal” to others.
Honestly, I didn’t even realize I was doing this until a few days ago when I was mourning the fact that my five-mile race was cancelled due to snow. On Saturday I wrote the following words on a health and fitness forum I frequent:
“I know that 5 miles isn’t a big deal for most experienced runners, but I’ve been working really hard to build up my strength and endurance to be able to run this race solidly. Such a bummer.”
I received many supportive responses, but this one – from the lovely blogger of Eat. Sleep. Run. – really stood out to me. She wrote:
“Don’t think that way. Runners just don’t start doing marathons out of the gate; we all start somewhere…Don’t downplay your accomplishments. They are yours to be proud of.”
Those are some wise words right there!
I have a hunch that I’m not the only one who struggles with comparing myself and my fitness level to that of others. Brie over at The Fit Bride wrote a post recently in which she admitted to being a “treadmill-peeker“…you know, glancing over at the runner next to you to see how your pace compares (and then letting your self-confidence be based on whether you are “winning” or “losing”). I am so guilty of doing that! 
(Source)
The problem with all this comparing business is that, undoubtedly, we always end up feeling bad. Regardless of how many times we “win” the comparison battle, at some point we will certainly lose. There will always be someone faster, stronger, more flexible, in better shape. I don’t care if you’re Deena Kastor or Bill Rodgers, eventually someone else is going to come along and one-up you. 
And not just when it comes to running or fitness or healthy living. For me (and for many others, no doubt), comparison thoughts of all shapes and sizes fly through my mind on a regular basis. Is she prettier than I am? Is he smarter than I am? Is she better than I am? Many of us judge ourselves not on a personal, individual scale, but on how we measure up to everyone from best friends to co-workers to strangers we sit next to on the subway.
Well I say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 
No more comparing. No more belittling. No more self-deprecating. Because healthy living is a journey, and we’re all at different points along the road. You start where you are.
Do you compare yourself to others? (Treadmill-peekers, come clean! 
) Do you tend to diminish your accomplishments because someone else might be “better”? If you do, maybe you want to take this pledge with me today!
**Stop back soon – I’ll be announcing my newest fitness goal. And I will NOT be downplaying it! **
Themocracy
Hi Katie! Thanks for commenting on my blog. This is a great post…I can really relate to it. I let comparing myself to other people get to me all the time, and I end up sacrificing my own progress and happiness. It’s so not worth it!
I can relate. Every time I go for my run, i feel that I need to run faster and catch up with my friends who run 1/2 marathons. When that happens, I get down and then my negative thoughts start to get the best of me. Then I stop my running and walking and then I get all messed up.
I definitely know what you mean. We just have to remember not to judge ourselves next to others who are at totally different places!
I think we are all guilty of this. I know I am at times, but it is important to always remember that your accomplishments are yours and no one elses.
I will try to make this pledge as well.
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