168. Runner Comparison Trap: Why Some People Excel Faster

RUNNERS & THE COMPARISON TRAP 🪤 Podcast Episode #168 🎙 . Have you ever gotten caught into the comparison trap with your running? 🙋🏻‍♀️ This is super common and something many runners go through . Not only do many runners get caught up in comparing themselves to others, but they may also start exhibiting people-pleasing behaviors and showing signs of extrinsic instead of intrinsic motivation! . HELPFUL REMINDERS:👇 ✅ You are a 100% unique individual with a different background, different goals, and a different physiology than everyone else. When you started running, what sports you played growing up, your genetics, etc... these are all things that factor into your running right now! Runner A that starts cross country at age 12 is going to take a MUCH different path in their running than Runner B who started running at age 25 with no sports background. Take pride in your individualism and enjoy comparing yourself to previous versions of yourself 💪 . ✅ Studies show that if you begin offering extrinsic rewards for something that someone was previously intrinsically motivated to do, they're motivation to do that thing DECREASES. This goes hand-in-hand with the reward system of getting "likes" on social media for your running accomplishments. It can disrupt your original reasons for doing something and inhibit your progress as a runner. Keep your "why" at the forefront and try to remind yourself daily of why you run. Most of us begin running for intrinsic reasons. Protect that at all costs to have longevity in this sport! 🙌 . ✅ Many runners struggle with committing to too many running social events which are often races and runs. If your goal is to improve and get faster, it may mean skipping out on some of these and keeping the big picture in mind. Enjoy spectating and cheering your friends on! 🤩 . How have you helped stay intrinsically motivated or how have you gotten yourself out of the comparison trap?