Stop Comparing Yourself on Strava: Run Your Own Race (+ Practical Taper Tips)
By Stephen Scullion • 262 Running
Big races have a way of making us all a bit twitchy. Splits fly across the screen, your feed lights up, and suddenly everyone’s fitness looks better than yours. Here’s the truth: comparing yourself to others is a race you can’t win.
1) Comparison is a losing game (even for elites)
Even world-class athletes can look at a blazing split and think, “What is happening?” If Olympians can feel that, no wonder we do. Use other people’s performances as data—not judgement. Your only fair comparison is you, right now.
When comparison helps
Healthy competition can be rocket fuel. If seeing someone you respect run well makes you think, “My turn,” great. Celebrate their day and let it sharpen your focus—then get back to your plan.
2) Be happy with what you’ve got (today)
Race week rarely feels perfect. That’s normal. Think of race day as a test of the work you actually did, not the sessions you wish you’d done. Maybe you’re not your fittest or strongest ever—that doesn’t mean you’re not fit or strong enough to do something you’re proud of.
Don’t decide the outcome before the gun. Go in curious. Work with the fitness and strength you have today, and squeeze the most out of it.
3) Tapering: it depends on your training load
Race performance = Training load + Taper
- High recent training load? A taper helps you freshen up and reveal fitness. Keep frequency, reduce volume, touch a bit of intensity.
- Low recent training load? A deep taper can make you feel flat. In the final 7–10 days, keeping some constructive work in can boost confidence and feel.
A tired athlete who’s much fitter will often beat a super-fresh athlete who isn’t. There’s no one-size-fits-all: taper relative to the work you actually did.
Simple taper template
- 10–7 days out: Keep routine; trim long run 20–30%. One controlled session with race-pace work.
- 6–4 days out: Drop volume 30–40%; short quality touches (strides / short race-pace reps).
- 3–1 days out: Very short easy runs; a few strides. Sleep, carbs, hydration, and logistics.
Gear I trust on race day
Race in the 262 Vest — designed for marathoners who want race-day comfort without fluff.
I test across brands (Nike, Bandit, On, adidas, etc.) so I know what “great” feels like. Our new 262 Performance Tights are the nicest I’ve worn—smooth feel, improved pocket separation, and gripper hems to stop ride-up.
Key takeaways
- Compare less, compete more—mainly with yourself.
- Be proud of the fitness you’ve earned today.
- Taper relative to your actual training load.
- Control the controllables: sleep, fuel, logistics, kit.