When it comes to training, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others—what shoes they wear, how fast they run, or even what coach they train with. Running is deeply individual. Even if you did the same workouts, wore the same shoes, and followed the same plan as someone else, the outcome would never be identical. Your progress is shaped by your body, your background, and where you are in your journey.
Goals should always reflect where you are right now. A 1:37 half marathon might be an incredible achievement for one runner, while for another, it feels disappointing by falling short of a goal or full ability. But in reality, that 1:37 may be far less impressive than a 2:01 half marathon that represents an extraordinary 5-minute personal best. However, sometimes we might find it hard to celebrate that achievement if the A goal was to break the symbolic two-hour barrier. Remind yourself to celebrate your successes, even if they don’t represent your ideal scenarios. Times are always relative. What truly matters is progress compared to your own starting point, not someone else’s.
So, set your sights on goals that honor your effort, your growth, and your reality. After you set those goals, set up your training to help you reach that goal. Often we get hung up on what used to be and not where we are now. Celebrate your milestones, big or small, because they reflect the work you’ve put in. At the end of the day, your race is your own, and that’s what makes each finish line meaningful.
Dr. Chris Taylor, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, RRCA Level I Coach is a running coach, registered dietitian, and nutrition researcher at The Ohio State University. He serves as the lead coach for the Columbus Westside Running Club, where he supports runners of all abilities through evidence-based training and practical nutrition guidance. An active participant in the RUNColumbus Race Series, Chris brings a unique blend of academic expertise, coaching insight, and community engagement to every mile.