Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
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Think about it like this… as runners, we are the same in the way we share a love of putting on foot in front of the other for miles at a time--but we are different in that we have unique speeds, strides, and endurance levels that fluctuate with time. It's almost inevitable that we will slow down as we get older and it’s completely inevitable that there will always be someone who can run further or faster than us.
With that being said, check out what Courtney Poirot wrote after completing the 25k at Dogwood Canyon on November 9. I hope that her story and her words will leave you saying, "I am truly able to see just how blessed I am to be able to participate in this sport."
Dogwood Canyon
11-9-2024
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Melissa Sharp (borrowed from Roosevelt)
Dogwood is the coolest run I’ve ever participated in. This is my second time running it and both times I came to run alone. Running long distance races alone allows you to enjoy the peacefulness of being by yourself and running your own race, while making friends along the way if you so choose.
Early in the race I was running a similar pace to Melissa (whom I literally had just met) and her husband, as well as another man. While discussing past races we’ve run and where we PR’d, I prefaced with “I’m not fast,” and Melissa quickly reminded me that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I shouldn’t compare myself to anyone else. My PR is a great accomplishment regardless of anyone else’s PR.
Through the next 13 miles of the race, I pondered that thought. When I first started running I spent a lot of time stressing about my time. Running doesn’t come natural for me. I have to really work at it. I am slow and I don’t want to be slow. Over the years though, I’ve cared less and less about beating anyone else in a race and started caring more about beating myself… getting that PR.
Following the race, I texted my coach Misha Marie Knea and told her I didn’t run this Dogwood as fast as last time, but that’s ok, because I did my best and had a blast! Well, come to find out, I actually beat my last Dogwood time by 2 minutes!! I literally had spent the whole run coaching myself on not comparing the current me to the old me, and as it turns out, I actually ran faster this time! I truly believe God has a sense of humor.
11-9-2024
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Melissa Sharp (borrowed from Roosevelt)
Dogwood is the coolest run I’ve ever participated in. This is my second time running it and both times I came to run alone. Running long distance races alone allows you to enjoy the peacefulness of being by yourself and running your own race, while making friends along the way if you so choose.
Early in the race I was running a similar pace to Melissa (whom I literally had just met) and her husband, as well as another man. While discussing past races we’ve run and where we PR’d, I prefaced with “I’m not fast,” and Melissa quickly reminded me that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I shouldn’t compare myself to anyone else. My PR is a great accomplishment regardless of anyone else’s PR.
Through the next 13 miles of the race, I pondered that thought. When I first started running I spent a lot of time stressing about my time. Running doesn’t come natural for me. I have to really work at it. I am slow and I don’t want to be slow. Over the years though, I’ve cared less and less about beating anyone else in a race and started caring more about beating myself… getting that PR.
Throughout the Dogwood run however, I thought about Melissa’s words and thought about how I’m constantly comparing myself now to the runner I used to be. I’m not as strong or as fast as I was a few years ago. However, since running my first Dogwood, I have created, carried, and birthed a 4th baby. I’ve taken on added responsibilities as our other 3 kids are all in school now and involved in more extracurricular activities. I have been navigating new, unsolved health issues. I am NOT the same me that I was a few years ago!
Following the race, I texted my coach Misha Marie Knea and told her I didn’t run this Dogwood as fast as last time, but that’s ok, because I did my best and had a blast! Well, come to find out, I actually beat my last Dogwood time by 2 minutes!! I literally had spent the whole run coaching myself on not comparing the current me to the old me, and as it turns out, I actually ran faster this time! I truly believe God has a sense of humor.
If you love a CHALLENGE and you love ADVENTURE, this is the run for you!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to run Dogwood. It’s an amazing feeling to see just how strong your mind and body are when you put yourself out there. As I age, I am truly able to see just how blessed I am to be able to participate in this sport. God is GOOD!
And there you have it friends, comparison is most definitely the thief of joy because it robs a person of their contentment and gratitude. As Courtney said, we are blessed to be able to participate in this sport no matter how fast or slow we are. Each day we are given is a blessing and each run we are able to enjoy an undeserved gift. Remember that the next time you're tempted to make a comparison and then smile and celebrate the mile you're in! You'll be so glad you did.
Happy Running!
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