Stay in Your Lane (Even When You're in the Bottom Third)

 

A few years ago, somewhere between school drop-offs, soccer fields, the grocery store, and the dance studio, I was listening to a podcast in the car. The host was telling a story about going for his usual morning run when he noticed another runner ahead. Without saying a word, he set his mind on beating that stranger.

He picked up the pace. Little by little, he gained ground until- yes! - he passed him.

Victory?

Well, sort of. The other runner had no idea he was even part of a “race.” And in chasing this imaginary opponent, the host missed his usual route, ran way too far, arrived home late, and was completely exhausted.

The message? Run your own race.

#BottomThird - Let Me Explain

I love the Peloton app. I use it often and I really enjoy it. But when I take cycling classes? I land, yep, #bottomthird on the leaderboard. It’s humbling to admit, and I haven’t always handled it well…

I used to swipe out of the leaderboard entirely while working out. I’d finish class sweaty and strong, only to deflate when I saw where I ranked. My husband would see me post-workout and say, “Looks like you got a great one in!”. I’d reply, “Yeah… but I came in behind so many people. Why do I suck so much?”

He’d remind me that I’m most likely riding against men, athletes, 20- and 30-somethings, fitness pros… basically, not my lane. And I’d nod, agreeing, until that nagging thought hit:

What if another 55-year-old woman beat me?!

Oh, the drama!

“Comparison is the thief of calling. Walk boldly in what God gave you.”
— Unknown

Me vs. Me

Here’s the truth: When I focus on that leaderboard, I forget why I’m really working out in the first place. I’m not training for the Ironman. I’m training for life. Longevity. Strength. Joy.

Thankfully, Peloton introduced a feature where, if you’ve taken the class before, you can race against yourself. Now we’re talking.

Me against me? In my lane? Yes, please.

Why Staying in Your Lane Is So Hard (But So Worth It)

We live in a world that practically begs us to compare ourselves to one another. Social media shows us everyone else’s highlight reel. Scrolling through can make us feel like we’re falling behind or not doing enough.

But most of the time? We’re running races we were never meant to be in.

It takes real strength and awareness to stay grounded, focused, and connected to your purpose. Especially when the world is loud, fast, and full of distractions.

Let me say this clearly:
You are enough. You always were.

Be curious. Keep growing. But don’t waste your time running someone else’s race. It’s exhausting, and honestly, it robs you of the joy that’s waiting in your own lane.

So how do we stay in our lane? A few simple (but powerful) tips:

  • Don’t check your phone first thing in the morning.
    Checking your phone first  is like opening a window and letting everyone else’s noise in before you’ve even heard your own voice. Start with you and your own thoughts.

  • Check in with yourself instead!
    When you enter into a “race”, remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Hold on to it closely.

  • Track your progress, not someone else’s.
    Whether it’s a workout app, journal, or habit tracker, measure against your past self rather than comparing yourself to others.

  • Unfollow or mute accounts that spark comparison.
    It’s not petty, it’s protective. Prevent yourself from unnecessarily falling into the trap of comparison to others.

  • Make space for quiet.
    Even 5 minutes without noise can reconnect you to what matters.

  • Do a daily gratitude journaling exercise.
    Create habits that force you to reflect on what you are grateful for. This can help shift your perspective from grumbling to gratitude!

Want more on this? Here are a few books I recommend:

Enjoy YOUR journey!

 
Claudia HallerComment