“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt
I’ve run dozens of races — marathons, half marathons, early-morning runs before the sun even rises.Running has taught me more about life than most books ever could.
The biggest lesson?The fastest way to burn out is to match someone else’s pace.
Start with the front pack, and their rhythm pulls you faster than you’re ready for.You feel strong at first — adrenaline, pride, momentum — but soon your breath shortens, your stride breaks, and your body reminds you: you’re running someone else’s race.
Start too far back, and there’s another trap.You overtake others and mistake that for progress.It feels good — like you’re winning — but it’s just ego disguised as growth.
Over time, I’ve realized life works the same way.It’s not a 100-meter sprint.It’s a marathon — a long, unpredictable stretch where your pace, your body, and your motivation all change.
Some miles feel light and effortless.Others feel like you’re dragging cement shoes.There are miles you want to quit, and miles where you feel unstoppable.The trick is to keep moving anyway — at your pace, in your rhythm.
Because consistency compounds.And compounding only happens when you have enough rhythm to sustain the effort.
The goal isn’t to finish first — it’s to keep going long enough for your growth to multiply.To know when to push and when to pause.To realize that pace isn’t about speed — it’s about alignment.
Run your own race.Because when you do, you stop chasing time — and start compounding meaning.
What race are you really running — yours, or someone else’s?
I’m Gregorio Sanchez, founder of The Compound Life and father of four daughters. I write about how small daily choices in health, mindset, and productivity compound into clarity and purpose.🧠 New essays every Monday and Thursday — subscribe here:
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