This is something that I wrote about 4 years ago, yet it still applies. You shouldn't be intimidated by doing something you love or even if you're new to it. Other people may be stronger, but you'll get there someday. And who knows, once you're there and look back at your journey, you can share it with others who are just starting and motivate them. Life is a constant cycle of learning and teaching. Go out and do your best and you'll be surprised just how many people see you as an inspiration. #SpreadTheLove ❤️
And now onto the actual short piece....
Many people are afraid of running in races because "they're worried about their time" or "are afraid of other people beating them." Here's my take on things; you need to look around you. There may be people in front of you and people behind you in running, but let's take this one step deeper. There are people out there who don't run or will never run. Here's a part of a quote from Joe Henderson:
"...those who run but don't race...those who started training for a race but didn't carry through...those who got to the starting line but didn't make it to the finish line...those who once raced better than you but no longer run at all. You're still here. Take pride in wherever you finish. Look at all the people you've outlasted."
I run for my personal gain. I know there are people out there that are faster than me, I'm okay with that. There are people out there that are slower than me, I'm okay with that. I run at my pace for as long as I can. It truly is competing with yourself and finding your motivation to better yourself. That's what I love about running. If someone beats you, who cares. You are most likely not an elite athlete who competes at the highest level to win. If you are, awesome! Keep doing you. For the majority of you who are not, maybe someday you'll be at that level, but for now, DO. YOU. That's all you can do. Challenge yourself to do things you've never thought possible. Do things that will better yourself and give you something to be proud of.
I run 5k's and have run a marathon and I always get that comment, "why don't you run it faster?" Truth be told, I'm fine with the pace I run. Running isn't my life, it's just part of it (a big part now, but I wouldn't say it IS my life). I run and achieve distances at my own pace. Sure it's nice to get rewarded sometimes for finishing a 5k first, but my body is no where close to an elite athlete's 5 min/mile pace. I know there are people out there that are faster than me and that doesn't bother me. I run for the enjoyment of running. I take my time and enjoy my surroundings (or thoughts if I'm on a dreadmill).
And for all those people that say I/you run too slow or whatever, I challenge you to get up and actually run. Let's see where you're at and how fast you run. Point is, at the end of the day, I'm trying to better myself and am still beating all the people that aren't running. Make your decisions in life count.