Why I’m Ditching the Humble Brag

Last week I posted a photo on my Instagram story flexing my arms after a long run with the caption "Loud and proud brag because this is the first time in my life I've had arm muscles.” In the hours that followed I received an overwhelming amount of positive responses and it got me thinking:

Why are we so shy or worried about highlighting our accomplishments? 

As a lifelong runner I've never really had upper body strength. My default joke was that I had arms for noodles and that was ok because my legs were strong and fast. 

Last year when I started training for my first marathon I really began to understand the importance of good form and strength training. Shortly after completing the Berlin Marathon in September, I took a break from high mileage and wanted to spend that time getting stronger. So I found an incredible gym that would support my goal of getting stronger to run faster and started cross training with them 2-3x a week.

Fast forward to last weekend's photo... My partner Bryan took a picture of me after my first long run of the season (12 miles). I threw my arms up and flexed mainly because I never know what to do with my arms in photos. When I saw the photo on my phone I immediately thought holy shit. My arms are getting stronger!

After the excitement settled, I thought about posting the photo then quickly heard the voices of criticism creep in.

Do you really want to be a show off? You can't even do ten push-ups yet. People have stronger arms than you, what will they think?

I settled on a humble brag because this is better than I've been, but not where I want to be (looking at you faster, fitter runners). If it’s a humble brag then the super fit people won’t call me out for my baby gains. Right??

Then I realized how wrapped up I was in thinking of how others would react. I was robbing myself of the joy from getting stronger and was ready to slap myself.

So here I am, this is my LOUD and PROUD brag. 

My arms and core are stronger than they’ve ever been. When I go out on runs I feel healthy and don’t fatigue as easily. I’m PROUD of MYSELF.

Let's practice enjoying our accomplishments more instead of trying to make light of them or quickly moving on the next milestone. Growth is growth.

I hope this inspires you to also ditch the humble brag and to start getting loud about your wins no matter how big or small. 

BE YOU, THEY'LL ADJUST.