Rest and Invest

I’ve been collecting running shirts since I started racing ten years ago, and it’s time to go through them and let some go. It seems like they multiply when you aren’t looking, though not so much over the past year or so…

My running shirts (and medals) are reminders of the good times I’ve had with running friends and the races I’ve run alone (with many strangers). They are reminders of the many training seasons — and the times before when I knew nothing about running other than lacing up my shoes and going. They represent my fitness journey and how far I’ve come since I decided that I was going to figure out this fitness thing and take care of myself consistently. And they remind me of why I am so driven to support others who are experiencing a similar journey.

Change comes with the actions that we take each day. Keep moving forward in the direction you wish to go, and may the things that multiply in your life represent your transformation and growth.

Here are today’s three actionable tips:

1. Make time for rest and recovery.
   — When you take time to rest in between workouts, you allow your body time to heal and get stronger. Whether you take full rest days or choose active-recovery exercises, giving yourself time to recover will allow you to come back to your next regular workout with more energy while reducing your risk of injury.
2. Invest in equipment.
   — Consider purchasing key items to enhance your workouts. This might include resistance bands, a jump rope, or some weights. Look for tools that you can use for a variety of exercises, such as a kettlebell or suspension trainer. (If you exercise at a gym or recreation center, this may be less important than if you exercise at home or outdoors.)
3. Frame your experiences.
   — It’s your fitness journey, and that means you get to decide what, when, where, and even if you will exercise today. Remember that you GET to exercise — you certainly don’t have to exercise. When you choose to exercise, you are more likely to have a positive experience. This, in turn, will help you to build a strong fitness habit over time.