The Importance of Pacing Yourself
by Joey | Apr 27, 2016 | Throwback |
I’ve been searching for answers lately. Guidance. Courage and clarity.
Things I know, I’ve started to second guess. I’ve been holding my breath, scared to take a chance. I can see what I want my future to look like, but moving forward seems useless because nothing is happening quickly enough. These days it has to be warp speed or not at all.
But the other day, I took the dog running with me. It was the first time she’d been out with me in almost 10 months, so we took it easy. For the first time since I’d been back at it, I didn’t worry about how fast I was going. I set an easy goal of 1.5 miles but understood we might have to walk some.
I kept an eye on her, kept asking if she was okay, checking for signs that she might need a break.
Before I knew it, we’d reached our goal. She did great, and I felt great. I could have kept going but didn’t want to push her. We’d go out again another day and go further, all in good time.
As we were walking back into the apartment, it struck me that I was so willing to give her grace but not myself. I was concerned for her well being. I wanted her to enjoy herself, not to push her too hard, too far, too fast. But yet when the signs are clear that I need to take a break, I think I’m weak and push through the feeling.
When I run on my own, I’m obsessed with my pace. I don’t care that I’ve had injuries. I don’t care that I haven’t been consistent for months. If it’s not far and fast, it’s a waste.
Tell me that isn’t crazy.
Tell me you haven’t thought the same before…
We push ourselves so hard. We forget that pacing ourselves is more important than crossing the finish line first. We’ll all get there in good time as long as we don’t kill ourselves in the process.
We’re so quick to offer those around us grace, but we don’t give ourselves the same courtesy. We forget that if we pace ourselves, the chances of crossing the finish line are better.
So hold on.
Slow down.
Breathe.
Just don’t give up.
This is so true. I'm much harder on myself. I expect so much from myself, but I definitely don't hold others to the same standards.
Thanks for this reminder. Just breathe.
Oh man, this post resonates with me so much. I think we all have the tendency to be so much harder on ourselves. But, you're right, we owe it to ourselves to ease up on those reins a little bit sometimes!
xoxo
Kat
this. is. so. good.
I have completely been there. Allowing others grace but not giving in for myself not even a little.
I do the same thing on my runs; always concerned with my pace. The times I haven't been were some of my best, and most favorite, runs.