Run Your Own Race: Overcoming Pressure and Finding One’s Own Rhythm (And Why an Indoor Walking Pad May Be Just What You Need)

Running is a journey and should not be a competition. However, in the today’s society especially with the use of social media it feels like every time you walk you have to do it faster, stronger and better than the last time. Whether you are new to running or just trying to get back into the habit, it is quite common to get envious of others — your friends, family, or the fitness model you see on the social media.

However, the fact is this: you do not have to run for any title but the one you set for yourself.

Today, I’ll explain how to reduce the pressure of competition, accept your own rhythm, and why choosing an indoor walking pad could be beneficial for your running workout.

1. The Problem with Comparing: Social Media: How It Affects Your Running Experience
Firstly let’s admit that we live in a society where comparison is just a thumb’s distance away. On social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, people post their workout results which may include a fast 5K time, a beautiful sunset run or the right running style. It is quite normal to watch somebody else live a perfectly organized running life and feel like you are not doing enough for yourself.

But what you do not see in those posts is the other side of the story: the cuts, the bad moods, the lack of motivation. And most importantly, they know that their path is completely different from yours.

Therefore, why do you measure yourself with other people’s success? When you compete, you cannot appreciate the gains that you are making for yourself. You should not compare your journey to someone else’s, but to who you were yesterday.

Tip: So how does one escape the comparison trap and stay consistent in one’s running? An indoor walking pad allows the user to walk or run in a private setting thus without the pressures of social media, without distractions, in fact, just you and your goals.

2. The Power of Slowing Down: It’s Not About Speed, It’s About Quality
Perhaps one of the most difficult things that newbies experience is the feeling that one is expected to run at some point or another or cover a certain distance in a given time. But here’s the secret: The slow approach is a strength, not a weakness.

It is imperative to understand that running is a process of building up the cardio vascular system and this does not happen instantly. The key is consistency — doing it on a daily basis, even if you are running slowly. Your pace might be different from others and that is quite okay. It simply means that you are appearing for yourself, every now and then.

Some days you may feel like you are in a zone, pumping through your workout. Others will be better suited to a walk through the park or a slower jog. This isn’t a failure; it’s part of the recipe.

Bonus Tip: If you are in a hurry or if you have concerns about weather condition, an indoor walking pad can be a small luxury to help you get a run or a walk in, even when you can’t go for a run. It is light, small, and very easy to put in any corner of the house, so that your workout can always be near you, no matter the weather!

3. The Importance of Setting Your Own Goals (And Being Realistic About Them)
It is critical to set goals that are not someone else’s but yours, instead of worrying about what other people think. That may be to run a mile without stopping, to run a 5K, or even just to run for 10 minutes a day.

Create objectives that are achievable and compatible with your skills and give consideration to increasing the difficulty level. This will assist you in boosting your confidence since you will be achieving measurable goals that are significant to you. Further, the small goals will help you to stay motivated and also allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Ask yourself: What is one thing that you could do in the next month and you would be happy to achieve it? It could be anything — for instance, starting the running routine or completing a local race even if it will take you hours. In all cases, ensure that it is something that is special to you and 10 enjoy and accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself.

And when you have a hard time to achieve your objectives due to some factors such as time or weather condition, an indoor walking pad can be of great help to ensure that one remains on track. You can use it to walk for a few minutes after work or jog in the morning and you can always control how long and when you are using it to help you achieve your goals.

4. Finding the “Runner’s High” and Mental Endurance
It is also important to note that running is not only a physical activity but also a psychological one. When you are new to the running you will find that some days it is hard to get motivated and go for the run. That’s normal. Still, there is the feeling of empowerment that comes with adversity; the feeling that you can keep going even when you feel like giving up. It is the feeling that you get when you have finished a set of push ups and then get into your running rhythm or the feeling that you get when you finish a set of sit ups and keep going with your run. The runner’s high is very real, and it is not only about endorphins, it is about telling yourself that one can do much more than he or she has ever done.

And just as with the physical strength, you build it up with every step, which helps you deal with challenges in the run that are also in life.

An excellent way of doing this? An indoor walking pad is a great investment especially if you want to train indoors; it makes any room a track — helpful for those days when you need space or want to unwind. It offers versatility without in any way affecting your goals.

5. Running Without Guilt: Understanding the Value of Rest Days and the Importance of Recovery
The other aspect of running is also taking a step back and accepting that one needs to rest. Social media platforms may lead you to think that you need to be active all the time, exercising every day, documenting every activity and achievement. But this situation can lead to over training which is not good.

It is good to take a break and have non running days just like any other muscles building exercises. To be a runner you do not necessarily have to run daily. Resting is as important as the runs themselves since it aids in preventing fatigue as well as injuries. Taking care of your body is the greatest form of self-love you can express; and is something everyone should take pride in.

And for the days you want to move but do not want to over do it? Walking Pads are ideal for light and low impact cardio workouts during the times you want to work out but not to the extent of straining ourselves. Also, one can always use the steps in between clips of their favorite show or even while working from home! Also be sure to track your rest days in a journal or fitness tracker so you can easily pick up where you left off in your workout routine.

6. Community Over Comparison: Looking for Your People in the World of Runners
However, the toasters that come with the alone time is that running is indeed a social activity. Through apps, run groups, or even friends you meet while running, running is a great way to meet people.

Of importance is the fact that in a supportive running community people are similar in that they are all going through the same or similar experiences. Instead of competition, people encourage each other, support each other and rejoice for every person’s victory.

Therefore, look for people who will support you, encourage you, and make you want to be a better person whether online or in real life and do not be shy to express your success and your difficulties. It is very inspiring to see people cheering you on and understand that they are supporting you no matter how fast or slow you run.

If you like to jog inside your house or want to incorporate some indoor training to your regimen, having a portable treadmill provides you the freedom that one can always have something to look up to from the fitness community. You can join virtual races, follow along with the online workouts and share your achievements and failures all in the comfort of your home.

7. You Are Your Own Competition: Learn to Love the Journey and Not the Destination
In the end, the biggest rival is inside you. Basically, it is a process of outperforming the previous self and not the other way round. That alone makes running a very empowering sport because you can always improve with every run you make and that is something to be proud of.

So, each time you feel like you have to run to catch up with someone, remind yourself of this: Your journey is your own. It is OK to take the time to enjoy the milestones that you are reaching even the smallest one and that is why the changes you make are very meaningful.

It is helpful to find a way to remove the comparison, so one can experience the real change, and the joy of running for yourself and nobody else.

And if you need a compact, and simple machine to train on, then a 2 in 1 portable folding treadmill is ideal. It is compact, lightweight, and very easy to move around, thus making it easy to set up in any part of your home !

I know I Am a Runner and That is Why I Do Not Have to Run Like You

It’s now time to surrender to the pressure of comparison and the pressure that makes you run the race which is not yours. Thus, the pace is perfect, because it belongs to you, and every step that you take is bringing you to the best version of yourself, mentally, physically, and psychologically.

So, please, get your pair of sports shoes and go to the road (or take the walking pad and go)! Remember that you are only racing the person you were a few days ago.

Happy running! 🌟