Running Your Own Race: Overcoming the Trap of Comparison

Women's Running Collective – Episode Show Notes 🎧 Running and Relishing: Embracing the Journey

In this heartfelt and entertaining episode, your favorite hosts Hailey and Justine return with stories from their recent runs, reflections on training, and some much-needed honesty about the pitfalls of comparing yourself to others—especially in the social media age.

They kick off with a recap of their week, including the ups and downs of long runs and the underrated value of deload weeks for injury prevention and recovery. Following advice from their coach, they highlight how listening to your body is just as important as hitting your pace.

💬 Main Topic: The Comparison Trap Comparison is a natural part of life, but when it comes to running, it can seriously mess with your mindset. Hailey and Justine unpack the mental toll of scrolling through curated highlight reels and remind us that everyone’s journey is unique. Using metaphors like the "iceberg effect" and tackling the “scarcity mindset,” they encourage runners to focus on personal growth over external validation.

💡 Mental Strategies for Staying Positive From reframing negative thoughts to setting internal goals, this episode is packed with practical tips to help runners stay grounded, grateful, and mentally strong. You’ll hear how the hosts navigate their own self-doubt and return to the joy of simply running for themselves.

✨ Plus:

• Event recap: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 Launch

• Recovery tips to avoid overtraining

• Why running is a long game, not a quick win

• Their current favorite products

• Hayleys reco Noisy Guts https://www.noisyguts.com/
• Jussie https://aidstation.com.au/collections/pure-sports-nutrition and https://www.mapleroo.au/?srsltid=AfmBOoq0IuL5OGboRGt_gD-zqtETZSH01PaaK59hgCr2pjBhhnlmu7YO

• Shoutouts to the supportive community that makes it all possible!