Why I Stopped Sharing My Running Pace and Race Times

The Pressure of Public Performance

For many runners, sharing their pace and race times is a badge of honor. It’s a way to showcase their hard work and dedication. However, this constant sharing can also create an immense amount of pressure. I found myself constantly striving not just to improve, but to meet the expectations of those who followed my progress online. The joy of running started to diminish as it became more about the numbers than the experience.

The Comparison Trap

One of the biggest challenges with sharing running stats is the inevitable comparison with others. When you post your times, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your performance with the seemingly endless stream of runners who are faster or have achieved more. This comparison can be demoralizing and detract from your personal achievements. By keeping my times private, I’ve been able to focus more on my own progress rather than how I stack up against others.

Running for the Right Reasons

Running started as a personal journey for me. It was a way to clear my mind, improve my health, and challenge myself. When I began sharing my times, the focus shifted to external validation rather than internal satisfaction. By stepping away from posting my pace and race times, I’ve reconnected with the true reasons I started running. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

Improving Mental Health

The pressure to constantly perform can take a toll on mental health. I noticed that the anxiety of posting times and waiting for feedback was affecting my overall well-being. By choosing not to share, I’ve reduced this stress and found a greater sense of peace in my running routine. The act of running itself has become a form of meditation, free from the constraints of public scrutiny.

Encouraging Others to Focus on Enjoyment

By not sharing my times, I hope to encourage other runners to focus on the enjoyment of running rather than the statistics. There’s a beautiful simplicity in running for the sheer love of it, without the need for approval or competition. I’ve found that my runs are more rewarding and less stressful now that they’re not tied to public performance.

FAQ

1. Why did you stop sharing your running pace and race times?

I stopped sharing my running pace and race times to reduce the pressure of public performance, avoid the comparison trap, and reconnect with the true reasons I started running.

2. How has this decision affected your mental health?

This decision has positively impacted my mental health by reducing anxiety and stress associated with posting times and awaiting public feedback.

3. Do you still track your running stats?

Yes, I still track my running stats for personal use, but I no longer feel the need to share them publicly.

4. What advice would you give to other runners considering this change?

I would advise other runners to focus on their personal journey and find enjoyment in running without the need for external validation or comparison.

5. Has not sharing your times changed your running goals?

Not sharing my times has allowed me to set more meaningful and personal running goals, focusing on overall wellness rather than specific performance metrics.