Running FOMO (or Fear Of Missing Out) is a real beast and I am very much under attack right now. My schedule has taken a sharp turn, which means that I will miss out on several large and fun races. It’s a bummer for sure, but here’s how I plan to handle the running FOMO.
This Isn’t The End Of The World
They call it “first world problems” for a reason, and I acknowledge missing out on fun races is NOT a big deal. Not at all. For the moment, the sun will still rise and the earth will still turn, whether or not I toe the line at a big race. I believe in taking a moment (or three) to wallow, and then move on to the next thing. Disappointment is valid, for sure, so we can sit with it and then start the process of looking ahead.
Be Genuinely Excited For Those Who Will Be There
Chances are, you’ll have running friends and acquaintances at the very event you’re missing. It’s easy to be a little sulky or bitter, but I’m here to tell you… don’t. Be excited and cheer them on! Show earnest interest in their experiences and be ready to celebrate their triumphs or comfort them if it didn’t go well. Sure, you wanted to be there, too, but that doesn’t outweigh being a supportive friend.
Be Present In The Activity In Which You’re Engaged
On the weekend of the race in question, I’ll be going to a wind ensemble MPA performance, participating in the delivery and spreading of mulch for a fundraiser, and helping support the winter guard. These are all awesome activities and I am so lucky to get to be a part of it all. I wouldn’t miss them for the world, even for a huge race, so once Friday rolls around, I’ll be all in for the things I have on my calendar, rather than worrying about what I might be missing.
Plan A Makeup Event
Obviously, I’ll be back at Gate or BDR Orlando next year, so I’ll just restart the streak then. I’ve also got my eye on a few races in March that I don’t normally get to do. The one might not work out due to a potential dog sitting job, but the other may work out just fine. And it involves a big bridge so it’s almost the same experience as the Gate River Run.
Do you experience FOMO when you miss out on big events? How do you cope?
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Running fomo is very real! I’ve had it many times. Sometimes you just have to give in 🙂
Deborah Brooks recently posted…What I learned From Wearing A Continuous Glucose Monitor For A Month
Oh yes! I felt it very much last year when I couldn’t run the London Marathon due to an injury. But as you say, it’s not the end of the world. And it felt nice to cheer on the runners in London!
And thankfully, the races that we miss will always be there for us in the years to come.
Looking forward to reading about the new races – I hope they will work out!
I sometimes experience this when I see what others are doing on social media but it usually passes quickly. I think I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have certain priorities during this phase of life and most of the time big events don’t fit in very well.
I do. And I have it often.
I love racing but it definitely feels worse when you are injured.
So if I’m not, I don’t feel as bad and I try to find another race.
I know. it’s rough ;(