BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Go for a Record and Run with Joy

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about records. But first, let me tell you that I love to run but I don't like to watch others run unless I'm physically standing on the sidelines and cheering them on or working an aid station. So, I would not have known that Olympian and BYU alumni Conner Mantz broke a 23-year American record at the Chicago Marathon if it had not come up on my news feed. Per the report, Mantz came across the finish line Sunday in fourth place, running 26.2 miles in 2:04:43. That is an average pace of 4 minutes and 45 seconds per mile. The 28-year-old’s time was 55 seconds faster than the previous record set by Khalid Khannouchi, who finished the 2002 London Marathon in 2:05:38.

The record is not Mantz’ first this year. In January, he set the American record in the half marathon at 59:17 at the Houston Half Marathon.

I'd say that's pretty impressive, wouldn't you? I'd also say that most average runners (like myself) would never dream of comparing their finish times to his. After all, it would just steal the joy we average runners experience when we cross the finish line right? 

Which is why, with the Bass Pro Marathon and Half coming up soon, we would do well to remember that comparison of any kind when it comes to our running can steal our joy. Why? Because comparing paces, splits, or finishing times doesn't take our unique qualities, capabilities, and motives into account. Therefore, to compare ourselves with anyone else is like comparing apples to oranges. This is the reason that it's time to talk about the comparison game so you can step up to the start line in a few weeks, ready to guard the joy you have. After all, one of the mottos of the Bass Pro Fitness Series is “Run with Joy!” And what could be more joyful than running the streets of Springfield with several thousand friends in the fall???

Before we get started though, check out these average half marathon run times and full marathon run times. Don't forget to take into account the breakdowns of these times into male and female and then further into beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced, elite, and then of course World Record (WR). Even then, don't fall into the comparison game. Use this more as a “what’s possible” gauge. So why is this comparison game so destructive you might ask? Because, as Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." And boy was he right! 

So now let's look at the meaning of the word "comparison?" Dictionary.com defines it as the considering of two things with regard to some characteristic that is common to both. Now, generally speaking, when a person compares themselves to another person, they are looking for ways that 'characteristic' that is common to both might make the other person better. For instance, when it comes to finishing times, we might compare ourselves to someone of the same gender and relative age and feel as if we don't add up if we aren't as fast. But this is the deal... the one characteristic that will be common to everyone on November 3 is that we all want to finish the race! And we up our chances of doing that as a whole when we celebrate one another rather compare ourselves to one another. 

With that being said, let's look at two scenarios that could steal your joy if you let the "comparison game" play over in your mind on race day, especially if you're a first time marathoner or half-marathoner... 

1. You arrive in the start line, happy as ever to be there but a little nervous (especially if it's your first race). But then... you start listening to the chatter around you. You hear other runners talk lingo that you’ve never heard before. You look at the way they’re dressed and how confident they are and at ease they are to be starting a race that has you filled with jitters and doubt. It’s easy to think, “I don’t belong here! What was I thinking? These people are so much more ready than me.” But you do belong! A lack of race jitters doesn’t make someone a better runner anymore than talking running jargon or having run multiple races before does. Every person who has a goal of reaching the BP finish line and has put in the work is equally qualified to be there! So don’t compare yourself to them. Be thankful instead that you’re among them and about to join the ranks of being a half marathon or marathon finisher!!!

2. So you're running along at what's a fantastic pace for you, smiling and enjoying life as you breathe in the fresh fall air just knowing that you're going to set a PR (Personal Record--and if it's your first time it's automatically a PR). And then it happens... another runner zooms by you more effortlessly and at a much quicker pace, and then another runner, and then another. "Oh man," you think to yourself. "I wish I could run like that. I'm so slow. Why am I even out here??" And just like that, you let comparison rob you of your joy over your Personal Record. So what can you do if this happens? Smile at every person who passes and shout “Good job!” Based on experience, I will tell you that they will reciprocate the smile and the encouragement which is mutually beneficial for everyone!! After that, say to yourself, "I'm so happy that I have the ability to be out here amidst runners of all paces. My race is only against myself and I'm going to smile and be thankful for every step!"

And there you have it friends. Running is such a personal experience that can bring abundant joy to the person who savors it, appreciates it, and refuses to let the comparison game steal it. So, as you get ready for Marathon Weekend, I hope you'll remember that not everyone has the ability to complete 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Which means it's an accomplishment to be celebrated no matter how long it takes to get from the start to the finish line! Until then, keep up on the training, enjoy the upcoming taper, and be ready to set the world record for having the most fun on race day! Happy Running!