Competition

Somewhere, somehow I heard we should compete every day. So…I signed up. For an outdoor competition. In the middle of July. In Texas. Thanks, Camp Gladiator. (Shameless plug…if you sign up, let me know!! I’ll give ya my phone number. I want the t-shirt for all the referrals haha).

What was I thinking?

This isn’t the only time I’ve felt this way or asked this question. I have completed 3 Spartan races (including the “Ultra Super” San Antonio Spartan in March), CG Games 2021, CG Games Finals 2021, and the Hot Chocolate Run 10K (the longest race I’ve ever run in my life–until the Spartan Beast this October). The week before I’m always a wreck. ‘What-ifs’, self doubts, and apprehension abound.

Compete with yourself. Every Day.

Last year, I compared myself to everyone else. I compared times. I compared pictures. Compare, compare, compare.

This year, a woman who is five months pregnant (yes, 5! You read that right) beat my competition time by over ten minutes. YES, 10!!! She is so impressive!

This year, I’m thinking “she is so impressive!” instead of “why can’t I do that?” Maybe one day I could, but obviously, that day is not today. And I’m okay with that. I’m better than I was yesterday, last week, and last year.

What happens when the competitions are not comparable?

In this case, did you finish? #winning!! Think back to last year. Would you have been able to do this?

I can tell you right now that the course I completed today in 30 minutes would have taken me at least 35 to 40 minutes to complete last year. I know this because I can measure the number of burpees I can accomplish within a 30 second time frame (with weight, 6) and that is a vast improvement from when I started. My mile time is better (by seconds, BUT STILL), and I can do Sandbell slams and sit ups in no time at all! In each section of this competition I know I am better, faster and stronger than a year ago.

How would YOU know this? Have a ‘fit test’ for yourself periodically! Once every few months, check your mile time (don’t worry, you can grumble your way through it just like me!). Do a Spartan burpee fit test even if it makes you cringe. Have a measurable way to see your progress so you aren’t left wondering “am I REALLY stronger than I was yesterday?” Put it on your calendar, make a decision, and do it. Just do it. Nike was right when they said that! Keep competing, every day, with yourself.

In short…just do it!

Don’t be complacent. Sign up for the race, the OCR, the competition…anything! Give yourself a goal, work toward it, and CRUSH it. Compete –not with anyone else — with yourself. EVERY. DAY! You’ve got this. Be a better YOU than you were yesterday. Don’t worry about anyone else. JUST YOU. I’m here if you need support.