I just got back from a two mile jog this morning. No big deal to most in the healthy living blog world, but as someone who proclaims to "not be a runner" and who has been getting back into running very slowly to avoid triggering a foot injury again, two miles was a big deal.
Once I’m home and have cooled down, I started reading a few blogs while I enjoyed my breakfast. Immediately, I notice friends who recently went on a five mile run, friends whose warm up was a two mile run, other friends who average 8:30 miles, more friends who are training for marathons, you get my point.
Now don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against any fellow bloggers and friends, and am actually really proud of how much others have accomplished. It takes a lot to truly inspire me, and there are even a couple bloggers who I really aspire to.
My point is – don’t compare yourself. As I was reading those blogs this morning, I knew that in a different place in my life, I probably would have started negating my personal accomplishments today because it wasn’t "good enough" and couldn’t compare to what others are doing.
Who the heck cares? Don’t compare yourself! Be the best you now. As long as what you are doing today is something that is an accomplishment for your personally, then own it and rock it! I am SO proud of the fact that I jogged two miles without stopping today. I’ve been building up my running again by doing walking and jogging intervals. My goal was to be able to jog two miles without stopping before leaving for North Carolina for a family vacation. Ross and I drive up tomorrow. Goal: Accomplished.
Set attainable goals for where you are today. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way. OWN your life! Seriously, you rock, own it. 
So, brag about yourself. What have you done that you’re proud of that’s making you the best you now?
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100% agree with everything in this post! Running 2 miles non stop is an awesome accomplishment. Today I am proud I got up early to get my run/workout in!
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Amen girl!!! It’s way to easy to compare yourself and I know that in my heart none of these wonderful people are ever posting about their routines to brag or boast, it’s simply to share their passions! But I do realize how easy it is to start to feel like you have to measure up to everyone else! Way to go on the jog this morning! That’s awesome!
That is a great outlook! I am also like that with running since I can only usually do a couple of miles at a time. Yoga is my current challenge. I have seen many bloggers that can do all kinds of poses that are impossible for me right now. Yet every time I practice, I feel myself getting a little stronger and more flexible.
Love your post…you are absolutely right!!! It is easy for me to read about everyone’s great accomplishments and feel like I am not where I should be or want to be. Thanks for reminding me I have my accomplishments to own…and I am rocking it!!! Thanks again!
Congrats on your two mile run! That is an accomplishment to be proud of.
I’ve always considered myself a cardio fiend, but have always been intimidated by running. I recently started a running class, which is for the utmost beginners and it has made all the difference in the world to me. I totally feel like a runner (and we’re not even up to two miles in class yet!) already.
Last week I took a bootcamp class on the Brooklyn Bridge that required running the length of the bridge twice. I was the absolute last person, by a lot, but I never stopped running as slow as I was, and was the proudest I have ever been of myself. When I was done, the instructor asked if I was so slow because I had walked it…sigh.
you said it woman; and i love you that much more for it. mwah!
this was such an awesome post! thank you
. i’m proud of the fact that today…i took it pretty easy! which is actually the hardest for me–i always feel like a wuss/ashamed of my active rest days. but you’re right–while a day off might be a downer for some people, it’s an accomplishment for me!!!
congrats on your run, and thanks for such awesome insight.
-emilie
I love that you make this point! I’ve made it myself in my own blog after learning this lesson as well. I used to read many blogs that have writers who run 5+ miles per day and I felt inadequate, but I’m not them! We’re each unique and we don’t have to do exactly what others are doing. Always compare your achievements and accomplishments to your past performances, not to what others are doing.
That’s a great outlook. Be proud of what we can do! Just remember, at some point, we weren’t even able to do what we’re doing now! Every accomplishment is something to be crazy proud of
I totally needed to hear this today. I’m training for a half-marathon, and it’s really really hard for me because I don’t consider myself a runner either. I compare myself to others ALL the time, and I know it’s no good. To other bloggers, to my boyfriend who runs 10 miles and calls it “easy,” you name it. I feel like a loser when I have to walk, or when I average 12 min/mile on my long runs. But that’s so silly! The fact that I’m getting out there at all should be celebrated, but it’s hard not to think those negative thoughts. It’s been an interesting process, that’s for sure.
GREAT post. You shouldn’t forget all this, never ever. =)
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Hmm, my first brag would be figuring out how to fix our water heater last night. I love going from knowing zero about something to figuring out how to fix it. Let me tell you, my hot showers mean so much more to me now that I’m responsible for the repair – kind of like my homemade yogurt tastes “better” not because of the taste bud reaction, but because of the brain reaction.
In terms of fitness, the best thing I’m doing right now is that I’ve started spending anywhere from 15-30 minutes on my yoga mat during lunch. Taking some time for myself, to stretch, to breath, and to move my body in a gentle way. It’s helping my afternoon attitude lots and lots.
I love this post! Thanks for the reminder
Congrats on completing your running goal!
I’m proud that I got up for a run this morning and while there were moments that I struggled (and walked!) I really did enjoy watching the sunrise.