When Mediocrity is Okay

...and why you should still try the things that scare you

If you’re reading this, I’m way outside of my comfort zone. Literally. This weekend I’m participating in my first Ragnar with a team of people I barely know and I’m so excited.

One of my first training runs.

At heart, I’m an exceptionally introverted person. It’s kind of ironic, really, since I have jobs that require me to be in front of people, either talking or exercising. But something strange happens when I’m in those roles. My introversion falls by the wayside, and I find a deep, valuable connection in doing the things that I feel like I was made to do. 

While I’ve been in academia full time since 2014, I’ve had to take massive breaks in my fitness routine since first having kids. However, 2024 has been the year that I’ve restarted my fitness journey…for the second time. Taking a hiatus after each pregnancy allowed me to begin again with a new vision, a renewed desire, and a deep appreciation for what my body is able to do. There’s something about “finding your legs” after a long break that evokes massive amounts of gratitude for the gift of movement.

Here’s the thing. I move for the sake of moving. I move because I genuinely love it. Long gone are my days of extensive cardio sessions for the sole hope of losing weight and the pursuit of an ever-increasing 1 rep max. My ability to move and move well doesn’t have to be tied to, nor is it defined by, a competitive outcome. P.S. If my Ragnar teammates are reading this, don’t worry. I’m still going to be giving my all.

I’ll never be elite. I’ll never even be competitive. I know that. I’m okay with it.

Ragnar races aside, here’s what you won’t hear many fitness professionals say: mediocrity is okay when it comes to fitness (or anything else for that matter). Doing something new, something that’s hard, and continually showing up - even when you’re not “good” at it? That’s impressive.

It’s not always about the paces, the zones, or the wins. Sure, there is always space for competition, and there is so much good in sport. But, we can also appreciate exercise for the all-encompassing health it offers us - not just the end goal. 

The adventure of signing up to do a 200 mile relay race with complete strangers, knowing good and well my lungs will be hurting from laughing as much as they will from running is what I’m after. The best part is that saying “yes” last Spring compelled me to stay consistent with 4 months of training. Accountability is powerful. Plus you never know where your “yes” might take you.

If there’s any advice I can offer, it’s this: Sign up for the things that made you a little scared. There is space for you. Your worth is not dictated by your ability, your skill, or your speed.

Don’t reconcile yourself to something less and play it safe simply because you don’t feel like you belong. Of course, I’m not saying to just go rogue and sign up for something without doing the work. But, if you’ve done the work, show up, and experience it all.

I’ve worked with so many people over the years that didn’t feel strong enough, fit enough, or ______ enough. People who let their verbiage define their capabilities, rather than letting go of the self-deprecation and finding out what they were truly capable of. And if that capability feels mediocre to you?

I promise. It’s still good enough. 

Update: The first Ragnar was as adventurous, wild, and fun as I could have hoped. We set out to have fun and stay injury free, and ended up placing 2nd in the women’s standard division.