Running is one of the few activities where the sport’s arena, if not the podium, is shared by pros and amateurs alike. Yeah, we know. There’s the occasional headline about the 3rd grade science teacher who gets called up to play in the NHL when the backup to the reserve to the second string goalie isn’t able to make it. Cool stories, for sure.
Arguably the pinnacle of our sport, the Boston Marathon conjures up emotions in most every runner. Those feelings range from joy to tears, jealousy and disappointment, pride, anger, and yes — FOMO; the feeling of missing out. We side with the pros who state there are no bad feelings or emotions. It’s how you handle them that matters.
Sometimes it’s not easy to see your friends and running buddies go on without you. Yes, you can share genuine excitement in their success and still feel bummed you didn’t or couldn’t share in the experience. So what do seasoned runners do when injury, illness, work, or just plain living keeps them out of the game? We asked some of our Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors, and they were happy to share these “how to” tips.
I sign up for everything, so no FOMO. But, seriously I think the best advice that I’ve heard (and the advice that I s-t-r-u-g-g-l-e to keep) is to keep your eyes on your own paper. Also, if you have to miss a race, it probably means that you get to sleep in! – Mandy Carter
I always have 2-3 races on my calendar in the following 3 months – and one GIANT race in the next 6 months. – Tia Smith
I like to live vicariously – do I want to run a rainy Boston myself today? Nope. Am I experiencing it anyway? Yes – by checking out social media posts, watching coverage, and exchanging messages with those that are there. I feel invested in them and that satisfies a lot of my curiosity. I’m not missing out, I’m there, just not in person. And bonus for me: no blisters or chafing this way! – Sandy Johnson
My mindset is now on my goals, training, and races. Being jealous of others does no good and it used to eat away at me, but it’s so much better for me mentally to just not care about what others do in events that I’m not involved with. – Philip Sanford
Trying to stay off social media and staying busy with other activities I love! – Meg Taylor
I just try to stay focused on my individual goals. But I did get that racing itch yesterday and signed up for run the south. – Jay Jamison
Focus on what you CAN do. I went from training for a 100 miler to being happy about getting a 5k PR. Different isn’t better or worse. I think anyone who has had a race go bad knows all about shifting expectations and moving the goal. Just sign up and try new stuff. Stressing about new things is exciting. Also, keep track of your new accomplishments. I have a “pre-dog attack” life, and a “post,” and while the “post” may not feel as good, I still get to put my shoes on and run. I try to hold on to that when my leg hurts going up stairs or when I fall on smoothly paved parking lots at the finish of races in front of people. – Mike Cooke
Read MORE about what mental health pros say about missing out: “Are you feeling it, too? Wrestling with FOMO” https://runcharlotte.com/fomo/
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your own running memories. The 2023 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is November 4. If you’ve read this far, good for you! Here’s a coupon code that’s just for you: NOFOMO2023 Get on it. It’s only good through midnight Saturday, 4/22/2023.
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