My Answer To The Blog Envy Question

One of my favorite fitness and food bloggers, Tina Haupert from the blog Carrots 'N' Cake, recently wrote an article on Health.com about being envious of other people's health achievements. I enjoyed the article because she mentioned one of my other favorite fitness and food bloggers, Caitlin from the Healthy Tipping Point blog. Caitlin took part in the Disney Marathon in January of this year, and more recently the Wildman Olympic Triathlon in mid March of this year. She's done several 5k races, 10k races, 15k races too.

Back in February 2007, when I first got my butt in gear to get healthy again. I found myself reading blogs about running. I loved reading about other people's running experiences, whether it was a regular run around the neighborhood, or a 5k race or a marathon. I enjoyed reading about their experiences. I found myself a little envious that I “couldn't” do those things myself. But as part of my getting healthy attitude switch, I learned to be proud of what I could accomplish. I learned that I shouldn't compare myself to other people. I should be proud of me. I always knew these things, but the actual concept finally hit me over the head and sunk in. I am proud of what I can do. I try not to compare myself to others, but that's still a bit tough. I don't do that nearly as often as I used to. When I find myself comparing myself to others, I give myself a choice. I tell myself to find a way that I can accomplish that particular achievement and do it, or I tell myself to just continue on with my own goals.

Will I ever run a marathon? I highly doubt it. Will I ever run at all? Probably not. Do I want to? Yes, I do. It is possible for me to run. If I ever get my act together and work on my balance issues and confidence issues, I could make a stab at running maybe. It won't be pretty (just walking is not a pretty sight at times), but I can do it. I can do anything I want to...if I really want to. I might not be able to do it the way most people do it, but I can do it.

A story just came to mind that really has me considering the whole running thing. A few months ago I was watching the Glenn Beck show (I know, I just made myself a target by mentioning his name, but I like the guy, deal with it), and he told a story about his daughter Mary. Mary has cerebral palsy also, and is in college now I believe. When she was younger, Mary was on the cross country team at school. I think she was actually the captain of the team. Anyway, she would participate in the races just like everyone else on the team. And she was always last. When I say last, I mean dead last. The people in charge of the race actually took the scoreboard down before she was done. Glenn took a stopwatch to the races so he could time Mary himself. But, the point is, she finished, every time. And her time kept improving. Now that's inspiring, and gives me motivation to keep going.

That just goes to show you, that you can do anything you want to, you just have to want it badly enough. I have to keep that in mind as I work on my balance and walking (which I seriously need to do again).

In my opinion, it's not a bad thing to be envious of other people's health accomplishments, as long as you don't dwell on it for too long. Don't let it consume you, or let it eat away at you. If you want it badly enough, find a way to accomplish it yourself. Set up a plan set by step, and you'll get there. It may take a long time, but you'll get there.

Oh yes, Caitlin is now training for a century bike race in Napa Valley on May 23. Now a bike race is definitely something I'd be interested in. More than running. I love biking. If the rules allow for them, I'd ride a tricycle in a race.  I'd most likely go much slower than everyone else, but I think that would be fun to do. And I wouldn't care if the race officials cleared the scoreboard before I was finished. I'd finish and I'd be proud of that accomplishment.

This is getting a bit long, but those were the thought I had when I first read the article from Tina on Health.com. What are your thoughts? Do you ever feel envious of someone's achievements? How do you deal with it?