An Unknown Secret To Your Running Success

The Unknown Secret to Running Success: The Power of Mudita 

As runners, it's so easy to get caught up in the comparison trap. 

I wish I was faster like her.

I wish I could run longer like him.

I wish my body looked like hers.

But like the old saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. 

Comparison doesn't get us to where we want to be, but there's something else that is the fast track to the results that we want...mudita.

Understanding Mudita: The Joy of Others' Success

Mudita is a Buddhist term meaning "sympathetic joy," or the happiness we feel for someone else's success. A beautiful example of this is Hunter Woodhall when his wife, Tara, won the gold medal in the long jump (click here for that clip - it's one of my favorites from this year's Olympics!).

Applying Mudita to Our Running Lives

As runners, it’s easy to slip into the comparison trap, letting judgment and jealousy overshadow our experiences. But what if we shifted our mindset to embrace Mudita? Here’s how you can incorporate it into your running life:

Celebrate Others' Achievements: Instead of seeing fellow runners’ successes as a challenge, why not celebrate them? This doesn’t take away from your own hard work—it just means you're finding joy in others' achievements too, which can be incredibly uplifting and motivating.

Build a Support System: Running often feels like a solitary pursuit, but we’ve learned that recognizing the support around us can change that perspective. Whether it’s a friend who helps with race logistics, family members who adjust their schedules to accommodate our training, or fellow runners who cheer us on, acknowledging this support makes us feel more connected and less isolated.

Use Comparison Wisely: Use the success of others as proof of what's possible rather than evidence you haven't gotten there yet.

Celebrate Everyday Moments: The Dick’s Sporting Goods commercial from the Olympics reminded us that big moments happen every day, even if they seem small. Celebrating daily victories, like completing a tough run or hitting a new personal best, keeps motivation high and helps us find joy in the process, not just the results.

 Joy in Competition: True competition isn’t about tearing others down—it’s about elevating everyone involved. Celebrating our competitors’ successes can make our achievements more meaningful and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable athletic life.

As you incorporate these lessons into your routine, we hope you'll find running more rewarding, and your sense of connection and purpose stronger than ever.

So, next time you're out for a run, remember to find joy in the journey, celebrate not only your achievements but also those of others around you, and acknowledge the support that helps you along the way.

Happy running!