Taking a Recovery Week
I used to run competitively.
I loved the training aspect of competing but found it hard to rest and let my body recover.
I would struggle to taper.
It always felt like I wasn’t doing “enough” and so I felt compelled to keep “doing”.
My value as a person was tied up in “doing” and so it became really uncomfortable to STOP.
At the time, I wasn’t willing (or able) to be with the discomfort of what that felt like and take a look at what was actually driving me.
So, I would push my body too hard for too long and it would finally break and force me to stop.
It wasn’t an ideal way to slow down but it seemed to be what it took.
Yes… it would take an injury to slow me down.
I think I finally learned my lesson after years of injuries.
These days, I see the value in stopping and slowing down.
It provides nourishment and rest to keep going.
I have come to realize that tapering is just as important as pushing hard.
They both have their place in the process and are equally important in being able to finish.
If know that if I don’t take breaks to slow down and recover, I won’t have the stamina to finish.
And I really value finishing things.
Which is why I’m taking a rest week this week.
Yes… this week has been all about taking my foot off the gas and cruising.
I’m trying to do as little as possible.
Just enough to keep things moving, but not too much to strain me.
And… I’m not finding it to be a struggle.
In fact, I find that I really love these weeks.
I actually enjoy the time to rest, self-reflect, celebrate, and slow down.
I enjoy the space that it creates in my life.
Yes… these days I relish my tapering time!
It gives back to me so much!
How about you?
Do you struggle to slow down and rest? Do less than ideal circumstances (sickness, injury, etc.) tend to force you to stop?
If you would like to learn how to slow down so that you have the stamina to keep going, I would love to see if I can be a support to you. I love supporting people in slowing down and connecting with themselves so that they can give their very best to the world and those around them.
Simply click here to grab a spot on my calendar and we can talk.
In Ultimate Support of You!
PS Tuesday was my birthday (in case you are wondering… I turned 37?) so I had even more of a reason to slow down and celebrate! I took the afternoon off and created space to take a long walk with Veda. Then, I had a really nice evening connecting with my husband and some good friends. The day left me feeling nourished and renewed. Here’s to slowing down and celebrating and the rejuvenation that comes as a result!