This morning I went to visit an old friend. A friend who has been there for me always. A friend who doesn’t hold it against me when I’ve gone to long without visiting (it’s been some months) but at the same time doesn’t make it easy on me. A friend who is consistently supportive and never bends under whatever weight I bring to them when I come…My friend…Lake Montebello. When I got out of my truck, I did the usual stretches and pulled out my phone to pull up my running playlist (think The Weeknd, Musiq Soulchild, Mint Condition, Floetry, Brian McKnight, etc. Listen, I need music that starts out just as slow as I do when I run.) The sun was shining, the wind was slightly blowing off of the water and as I took in a deep breath of fresh air, I thought about the runs that almost seem like fairy tale runs. It’s a run that as soon as you start out, you realize that it’s perfect running weather, the sun is shining in that not to hot type of way, but just enough to let you know it is there, your mind is clear and has connected to your brain which tells your knees, “I got you. No pain today,” as your knees tell your calves, “we’ll hold you up, it’s all good,” and your calves tell your feet, “go on and take us somewhere, we got enough muscle to help you through however many miles.” And you realize your entire body is in sync and as the wind is at your back pushing you through your journey of miles, you can’t help but smile, because this is gonna be easy. And as I stepped onto the track, in a slow jog, one foot in front of the other starting out with mile one with The Weeknd in my ears singing to me that I ” earned it”, my brain told my knees, who told my calves, who told my feet, “Taria, you ain’t in Never Never land today…this run is gonna be hard! And I’m just running, the sun shining…in my eyes so it’s hard for me to see, running in the direction OF the wind so it felt like it was pushing me backward with every step I tried to take forward and that same wind all of a sudden had a chill to it that made me want to stop and turn around and go back to the truck. I mean in my mind, none of those things did I have control over, so why try to keep running forward against elements that kept making it hard for me. But I kept running. And as I slowly ease into 1.5 miles, I think I may have found my groove, slightly. I’m breathing through my nose, my posture is correct and I allow my mind to just coast (which, those of you who know me, you know that’s not an easy thing for my mind to do. And for those of you that are just getting to know me, that is not an easy thing for me to do.) And I’m doing pretty good on my run, still moving forward at the speed I’m meant to go, then all of a sudden I feel someone coming up on my rear on the right hand side. Immediately, I speed up and then look back and as I am looking back, a woman with a big dog is passing me. I almost get OFF the track because I have a fear of dogs. Shoot.. let the dog have the track! But I stayed on. But I continue to watch the woman run ahead of me and get further and further away. I mean to me it looks like she is slower than me and therefore, she should still be behind me. I mean how was she able to come up from behind me holding onto a big dog that is heavy enough that it should be slowing her down (in my eyes) and I didn’t see her anywhere near the track when I started, and yet she came up from behind me and passed me!!!! I was so focused on her passing me when I was on that track BEFORE her, that it took me a minute to realize that I had slowed down and lost my rhythm and my posture was off which was causing my back to hurt, my breathing had become labored and I was starting to get cramps on my right side because I was breathing with my mouth open and taking in air, instead of through my nose and pushing out air. This continued on for a short while until it dawned on me that I was using so much energy to figure how she passed me, that I was getting ready to sabotage my own progress in moving forward…And I realized, that is how we can get messed up in life sometimes. There we are, traveling along on the paths to our goals feeling like we can do whatever it is we set out to do. And then along comes someone who has the same goal as you, and looks to be on the same journey as you, and then,they pass you. They get the promotion when you had been diligently working towards it, they get picked to lead a solo when you had been practicing for weeks and didn’t even know they were on the track with you. They get the proposal first when GOD knows you have been patiently waiting.They get selected to preach a sermon when they just graduated seminary and you’ve been ordained for years. And before you know it, you’ve gotten off track from working toward the thing you were gifted and born to. You’ve started regressing all because you were focused on someone else that was progressing. And the thing is, that person who you think has come out of nowhere to pass you, you don’t know what they have gone through to get to where they are going to.
So here I am at Lake Montebello, having an epiphany. I realized, I had to run MY pace and not let someone else’s pace throw me off track. I realized, it didn’t matter if I got to the “finish line” after the woman who passed me because in actuality, there was no finish line…It wasn’t a competition, it was two woman, who both liked to run and just happened to be out on the track at the same time. We still had to run our OWN race at our OWN pace…
I want to encourage anyone who feels like they are behind on what it is they are supposed to be doing and so you want to quit…keep running. If you feel like you have been working towards something for so long, and all of a sudden someone comes out of nowhere and passes you…keep running. If you feel like there are things beyond your control that are trying to force you backwards when you KNOW you are supposed to be moving forward, change your posture, to one of prayer…then get up… and keep running!
I love you guys! Thank you for reading…
Hebrews 12 vs. 1-2 NIV “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on JESUS.”
P.S. I ended up meeting my goal…3 mile run nonstop. :):):)
Love this analogy and it helped me to out it into perspective if my own life. It gave me pause which is a good thing. Oddly enough it also reminded me of the peace and time to think that running okay jogging, no seriously wogging hmmm, let’s just leave it at exercising, gives me. Thank you
Joanne :):):):) wogging! Funny I had a conversation with my daughter today and she said she runs and jogs… I said well then I have been jogging! I am glad you could relate to it. That is truly my goal with every post! Thank your for your support!
I am in agreement with Joanne. Wow what a Post Taria!
I needed this post today seriously I have been asking my self all kinds if questions and really getting up close and personal with “Comparitis” a not so good friend…Yes we cant compare our race with anyone else’ for we don’t know how far or close they have come, or the resources they have at their beck to run a better race. Or even how hard they have worked to get better and faster. I love the Scripture encouragement too. Superb, keep em coming!
Hi Julie! Thank you so much for reading and thank you for the encouragement! I like the word “Comparitis!” When I tempted to do it I will say to myself, “I have to stop so I don’t catch the itis!” Lol
Wow!! I enjoyed the details of this entry. You are an EXCELLENT writer!
Congratulations on your successful run!
Thank you TammEY!!!!
There are several things I find myself feeling behind on. Finishing my PsyD program, raising toodlers at 40+ years old when the majority of my friends have teenage and college kids. But then I remind myself that what God has for me IS for me so I’ve got to keep running instead of letting frustration be my own hinderance.
Good word! Thank you for the encouragement!
Your welcome! It seems like it is so easy for us to get in our own way sometimes… And look at this positive, you have an abundance of babysitters for the kids! :):):)
Beautifully written and very encouraging. Not just for running but for life. Great analogy. It has reminded me to never give up and to focus on my leg of the race, not everyone else’s. Thank you for that.
Thank You!!! I am so glad you felt what I was saying!! We’ll have to remind ourselves at some point or another in life.:)
I recently ran 3.1 miles, too! For the first time since the 1980s! 🙂
Congratulations! It feels good right?!
Great advice to keep running – both figuratively and literally! It’s easy to get discouraged when we see people who are doing better than us or who seem to be. Good to be reminded that God will get us to where He wants us to be in our own time.
Hi! Yes I need that reminder from time to time that life is not a competition. And to remember that GOD has his own plan .
Wow you are a beautiful writer! Sometimes we all need that reminder, so it is great to read things like this! Thank you for sharing.
XX
http://www.mimosasmanhattan.com/
Hi Kelly! Thank you so much for reading! And thank you for the compliment! :):):)
I will be checking out your site right now! I already love the title!
I need to remember this more! I too fail to realize that my runs are for ME and nobody else cares. I should compete with only myself to get better but not Jo Runner on the street next to me lol
😂😂😂 Hi Amy!!! It is like you have to refrain your brain to not try & speed up prematurely when someone speeds by you!
Wow! I wish I could write like that! It was such a great post and a reminder for myself that on a track I’m only competing with myself.
Wow! Thank you so much! You have no idea how much your words have made me smile! And because of this I will continue to strive to be better and better!
Thank You!!!
You are awesome! I identified so much with you when I was running every day and it is so hard until you get your rhythm and then it all seems to work. I love how you brought together how we are all on our own track. It is so true and easy to forget.
Thank you so much Alison! As hot as it is right now, at this very moment, your comment makes me want to go and run right now!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for getting what I was trying to convey through words.
Beautiful post and makes a nice read! I love your analogy and the way you crafted this post. It has such a deep meaning and lessons about life!
Congrats on reaching your goal! Setting goals and then reaching milestones are such a satisfying part of life.
-Beth
http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Hi Beth! Thank you for reading!
You are so absolutely right! When you accomplish your goal, you feel like you can do anything!
Beautifully written post and great advice to keep running!! I need to remember this!!
I have the tendency to also feel like I have to compete and I have to admit it makes me crazy. Especially because I know it’s just me being weird and insecure about my level of fitness.
Also, rock on with those running tunes!
Hi Nancy! Thank you so much for reading! Yes, it is a constant reminder! And the songs help those miles go by faster😂😂😂
very inspiring post! its so true that its better to run at your own pace and focus on your path!
Hi Suchi! Thank you for reading! Yes, I have to remind myself that if I follow anyone else, I could end up sabotaging my own progress.
Well done for reaching your goal – it’s important to always focus on your own goals rather than someone else’s ; )
Hi! Thank you so much for reading!
You are absolutely right! I realize the only person I have to beat is myself…
Such an eventful day. You learned something new about yourself. Always go to your own pace and no one elses. Encouraging words!
Hi Brandi! Yes! You are so right! If we go any other pace, we will sabotage our progress!
This story sucked me right on in! Your writing is amazing!!!
Hi Valerie! Wow! Wow! Wow! Thank you so much for reading! You have really made me smile!!! I appreciate your words!
Your writing is very good! Congrats on reaching your own goal!
Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I just fully committed myself back to running… One day at a time! 🙂
Thanks for this! It feels right on time as I look at all of my friends finishing medical school and I’m just starting to study for the MCAT again.
Hi Royaltyinreality! First, that is AWESOME that you are going for it! You WILL get to where you need to be… At your pace. I pray that you stay encouraged through your journey! You GOT this!
Wow this was very inspiring, keep up the great work! Also love love love the analogy!
Hi Raya! Thank you so much! That day, I felt a writing blank… And as I was getting ready to run, I just said, “GOD, you gotta give me something” and I started running! And it all came about like I said, when I was running.
Very inspiring! Thank you for this important advice..It’s easy to forget and sometimes you just need to hear this from someone else 🙂
Hi Jane! Thank you so much! Yes it is so easy to forget. And I have to remind myself daily!
This was a great read and much needed! We all do things at our own pace. Something I’ve started doing is seeing other’s success as motivation. When I watch someone pass me I think “Good for her/him. I’ll be there one day.” 🙂
Hi Monique! Exactly! If we can let it motivate us, we better ourselves…Thank you so much for reading!
I love this- it can be so easy to give up sometimes. I needed this today!
Hi Jessy! Thank you! Yes it can be! I am so glad it encouraged you! Don’t quit! Keep going!
I feel like this post was written for me! Not only am I physically trying to run, but also in other areas of my life, where I feel like I’m lagging behind. This is the perfect reminder to just go at my own pace, and the rest will follow!
Hi @The Pink Caboodle! Thank you so much for reading! Yes! The rest WILL follow….
Congrats on reaching your goal! I am still working on jogging. I have so many health issues that I have to take it so slow, my mind and heart know I can do it but my body gives out. . .I feel an idea for a blog post coming on.
Hi Imperfect Superwoman! I love that name by the way! Yes…I think it is in the taking it slow that produces the results! And I am heading over to your site… To wait so I can read the blog post you are going to write!!!!
Very motivating read, thanks for sharing this!!
Hi Agnes!
Thank you so much!
I don’t want to be a pain here and I mean this nicely but I couldn’t read it without my eyes going funny. I’m doing this on my tablet and it was impossible to read. I’m really sorry – maybe try and space out your post instead of all one big block. This only my advice and I hope you don’t take offense as I really don’t mean it, just trying to help you out. xx 🙂
http://www.annanuttall.com
Hi Anna! Thank you for your feedback! Not offended at all… I’m just not sure how to do that. I didn’t know it could be spaced differently. I will look into it.
Thank you again!
I just began running. It’s hard not to pace yourself when you are running with someone. Beautiful post! Keep at your own pace!
Hi Milena! Thank you so much & thank you for reading!
This was so beautifully written, I really love how personal you portrayed your relationship with the lake.
Hi Courtney! Thank you so much!
very inspiring post! its a great reminder to just focus on your work and not compare
Hi Suchi! Yes it is! Sometimes it is hard but I know in order to succeed, you can’t.
I really love this. It relates to my life in so many ways. It can be easy to try to compete with others and not work on your own rhythm.
Hi Jenn! Thank you so much for reading! I remind myself literally everyday it seems! Lol
Great article! Staying at your own pace breeds so many more rewards than competition especially when it comes to things like exercise. I try to stay at my own pace so that I don’t get injured. I think it’s our body’s way of regulating us.
Hi Beth! Yes! I totally agree! That is an awesome way to look at it! Our body regulates us….
I have been having such a hard time running lately, my knees really do not enjoy it. I started today thinking I’d run, then I started thinking well maybe I’ll just walk. You inspired I’m going to run, at my own pace, even if it is slow! Thanks!
Hi and thank you so much for reading! I went out today and was really slow, but I was out there… You go out there and like you said, run your own pace because the feeling you get after you are done will be so awesome! So go get running! Lol
Running is my great stress reliever and it refreshes me. Thanks for more motivation through your post!
Hi Anamika! First, thank you so much for reading! Yes, running is the only thing that lets my mind just wander…. Keep up the running and thank you for your encouraging comment!
I love this. It’s right, it’s not a race to the finish line. Stay the course!
Hi Preschool2 Teen! Yes! I remind myself every day!
Thank you so much for reading!
That is a very powerful insight you got there. I tend to say, “keep in your lane,” which amounts to the same thing. Love this!
Hi Claudette! Thank you so much! I like keep in your lane too! Either way, we won’t crash! Lolol
Love your story!
Hi Sherry! Thank you! And thank you for reading!
You make running sound poetic. That is true, you never know someone else’s journey. There is a quote I really like..”don’t judge me by the chapter you walked in on”.
Hi Heidi! Thank you for reading and thank you so much! YES! I love that quote!!!!
Hi Heidi! Thank you so much for reading! And thank you! And I love that quote too!!!! It is so true!
I am not a runner and never have been but I loved this! Finding your own pace, in your own time, yes!
Hi Tania! Thank You! and Thank you so much for reading! If we don’t find our own pace, we could end up messing ourselves up.
Hi Tania! Thank you for reading! Yes! If we don’t find our own pace, we could end up hurting our own selves.
Beautifully written and awesome analogy! I had to take a break from writing when I found myself burned out trying to “run at everyone else’s pace”. Failing to consider how long they’ve been at it, their history, etc I ended up comparing myself to them wondering why were THEY doing so well and I’m begging people to read my stuff? Lol. So I definitely get it! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Regina! Thank you for reading! You are so right. I decided that I could not do that anymore. And at the same time, I would not allow anyone else to make me feel bad about my pace also.
I hate running. So this really resonated with me because I usually find the treadmill that’s farthest away from everyone & do intervals. But this is so spot on. Why should I be worried about keeping up with the lady that’s running her tail off next to me? Thanks for the post!
Hi and thank you! And your welcome!
Beautifully written! I love it
Hi Brianna! Thank you! And thank you for reading!
I loved the “wogging” comment too. I actually consider a lot of these philosophies when working out so this was great!
Hi Heather! Thank You! And thank you for reading!
This is such a lovely post. I ran a marathon a little over a year ago, and I can’t tell you how much I grew from that experience. With running long distance there is so much time for thinking and you realize so much about yourself.
Hi Hilary! Thank you so much for reading! Yes! You are so right! There is a lot of time to think!
This is great. I definitely agree with you 🙂 great analogy!
Hi Francesca! Thank you so much or reading! And thank you!!!
This is such a great analogy. There’s absolutely no need to make someone elses successes your own failures. At least you were on the track!
Hi Anniebobs85! Thank You! And thank you for reading!
This is so inspirational! It is just what I needed to read to remind me to keep trying! Thank you!
Hi Mamasewsblog! Thank you for reading!
You know what they say “Go Slow but Go”. It’s so true specially when you’re working from home because then you get easily distracted by other people’s successes. It’s so hard to keep on track.
Hi Aimz! Thank you for reading! You are so right!
Words of wisdom. I will keep running and working towards my goals.
Hi Kage2015! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading!
Running is a very good exercise but you are right you have to know your limits
Thank you so much! And you are absolutely right! If not, we could end up injuring ourselves.
Not a paid advertisement, but Rachel Cruze’s book “Love Your Life, Not Theirs” might be a good read for you.
Hi Caendicott! Thank you for reading! And Thank You for the recommendation! I will check it out!
Brain McKnight FTW! Yeah we really do have to go at our own pace, if you spend too much time looking at what someone else is do you might trip on your own feet.
Hi Dia! Yes! You are so right!
Thank you for reading!
Such an important message, we’ve got t do our own things our own way because we’re all our own person at the end of the day!
Hi Ashley! Thank you for reading! You are so right!
Such an inspiring piece. I often struggle myself when it comes to running. I sometimes find it hard to stay motivated for longer runs. I’ve found running with my pups has increased the length of time I can run. But staying positive and running for yourself is the most important part!
Stephanie
Adventures in Aussieland
Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading! You are so right! We have to keep running for ourselves!
Love this post. So often we measure our own worth against someone else’s race. We each need to run at our own pace, beautiful words!
Good Morning! Thank you and thank you for reading! That is something I have to remind myself…
Great thoughts! God has different plans for us all, and we all have to run in different speeds.
Hi Kalinann! Thank you! And thank you for reading! Yes he definitely does!
Wow i envy your joy in running. 🙂
Hi Robbi! Thank you for reading! And it took awhile to get there!
So true everyone is different so therefore they have their own walks with Christ. But we are all fighting the good fight and keeping each other on track. Everyone progresses differently and thats ok as long as we are tying to seek Christ.
Hi Mihaela! Thank you so much for reading! Agreed! We are all fighting the good fight!
What a great epiphany. There is so much competition and jealousy in this country, it’s so normal to hear that kind of talk in the beginning. I’m glad you were able to learn from it and not compare where you were at to another person’s middle. We all have this big journey set out in front of us and some of us will be ahead or behind at certain times! Thanks for the encouragement and the reminder!
Hi Steve! Thank you so much and thank you for reading! That is true! Some days we will be ahead or behind.
What a great illustration! I actually ran a few races with friends last year. I hate running, but was encouraged to continue (especially the 10K) when I was allowed to break from the group and do my own thing. In life, its definitely good to give yourself the freedom to run at your own pace. 🙂
Hi Dr.McCleese! Thank you for reading! I like how you said when you broke away from the pack! Then you set your own pace.
YESSS! This is so hard to remember though when you are in the midst of it. We must run OUR pace though like you said. Good word!
The How-to Guru
Hi Shan!!! Thank You! And thank you so much for reading! It is a work in progress daily for me to remember! 🙂
love love LOVE this illustration! Also props for running.. something I can never get myself to do. haha
Hi Chelsea Lynn! Thank you! And thank you for reading!
It took a minute! 😂
oh yes – the whole slowing down thing 🙂
Hi GodlyDivaGal!
Thank you for reading!
Yes, I am learning to slow down! 😂
Such a great reminder. Perseverance is necessary for us all.
Hi Amy Hagerup! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading!
And you are so right! Perseverance is a necessity!
Great words! that is my biggest downfall especially in blogging I am always trying to get ahead to stay at the same pace as them. What i have learned is that slow and steady wins the race.
Hi Janella2016! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading! Yes! Even when we want to sprint and darn near have to restrain ourselves😂😂😂
Ah, it is so important to stay motivated and to attain the goals one has set. However, there can be fluctuations at certain times.
Hi Fatima! Thank you for reading!
Very true! And it is now we handle the fluctuations that will help us or hinder us.
Very inspiring post! It reminded me of Shakespeare quote that the world is a stage and everyone has to play their own part. Therefore we shouldn’t bother about anyone or anything but do things at our own pace!
Hi Ana Ojha! Thank you so much! And thank an you for reading! That is very true! Great analogy!
I often get discouraged by how little progress I’ve made. I beat myself up and quit. This was very encouraging.
Hi Tami! Thank you for reading! And thank you so much! And whenever you feel discouraged… look at how you have at least started what it is you wanted to do! Some people never do.
As a runner, I love racing analogies. And being competitive, it is truly difficult to not start comparing ourselves to others. We must run our own race. No one else can run ours and we cannot run someone elses. Encouraging each other along this race of life will definitely help us all get there no matter our pace.
Hi Kristi! Thank you so much for reading! You wrote such a powerful statement…”Encouraging each other along this race of life will definitely help us all get there no matter our pace.” That is so true! I need to make sure I continue to strive to do so.
Great thoughts and very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Wanderlustyleblog! Thank you! And thank you for reading!
As different as our faces, so our races on earth.
Hi Lex! Thank you so much for reading!
You are absolutely right! Good way to put it!
Loved the way you have put it up. Everyone has their own race, with their own limits and strengths everyone will reach their goals someday
Hi gobeyondbounds! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading! And yes we will!
We’re all on our own journey and we need to remember that we need to go at our own pace! Thanks for reminding us.
Hi Megan! Thank you so much for reading! And thank you! Yes, GOD gave us our own journeys…
I am glad you are getting your goals! Would be great to see some space between all that text! Looks like a bible 😛
Hi Nicolas! Thank you! And thank you for reading!
Yes my older blog posts are like that. Someone else mentioned that to me, and I told them I had no clue how to do the spacing seeing as how I am not really good with WordPress… to bad they didn’t offer their wisdom on how to do it 😂
I thought about picking up running once. But it was not for me. I enjoyed cycling more. But I get that vibe of connecting with nature and your body in this magical sort of way.
Hi Keith! Thank you so much for reading! Yes!! Yes! Yes!! When every thing just works! It is magical!
Yes and running at your own pace can be applied to many other things in life. Don’t get down just cause others are ahead of you.
Hi Nina! Thank you for reading! Yes! We have to stay focused.
Everyone is different… each person can have a different point of view. Such an important message! Thanks for posting!
Hi Dreammerin! Thank you!
Very well written post. I loved the motivation!
Hi Purejackie! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading!
Love this inspiring post. We often give up when we are almost too close to our goal, its so important to not do so and keep running in your words.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Hi Kusum! Wow! Thank you so much! And thank you for reading! And yes! We have to keep going!
And thank you for the encouragement!