Just saw a pretty intense venting session online about how competitive trail running can become toxic, adn it got me thinking about my own experiences. It truly seems like sometimes the push for personal bests and course records bleeds into a weird kind of one-upmanship, especially on social media. Like, someone posts about a great run, and instantly someone else has to chime in with “Oh, I did that trail in [faster time] with [more elevation gain].”
Is it just me, or does this happen a lot? I get that we’re all passionate about pushing our limits, but it feels like some people forget that trail running is also supposed to be about enjoying nature and community. I’ve definitely felt pressured to keep up with others, even when my body is telling me to slow down. It’s a tough balance, and I’m curious to hear if others have felt the same way or have strategies for keeping the competitive spirit healthy and positive. Maybe focusing on personal goals rather than directly comparing to others? Or just actively celebrating everyone’s accomplishments, regardless of pace?