Victorious Journey with Coach Bre

Earlier this week, I decided to do a walk/run for my workout.  I started running several years ago, having completed several 5K and 10K races and working toward the goal of completing a half marathon (13.1 miles).  Well, life got in the way, and I stopped running; in recent years, I’ve started again, but now I’m alternating between walking and running.

There’s actually a method called the walk-run method, where you run for an interval and walk for an interval.  One of the benefits of this method is that it improves running performance.  You would think that walking and running would slow you down, but during the run portion, you are running faster (to learn more, click here for the full article, but be sure to come back and finish reading this message lol).

I thought about this as I was working out the other day.  I could feel myself running faster after I’d rested during the walking part (and my Fitbit confirmed that).  Then I realized that this concept applies to more than just running!   As we are on our individual journeys, there may be challenges along the way and we may get a little weary.  The lesson is this: it’s ok to rest!  There’s nothing wrong with slowing our pace so we can recover and rest.  But what’s not ok is quitting!  We may need to rest in order to recalibrate, to rethink or to refocus.  Use the rest period to prepare to run again.  

Another thing to consider: the rest period can be as long as you need it to be.  We are setting our own pace, and we don’t allow others to set the pace for us.  Of course, we can observe others as motivation and encouragement (I’ve done this in a race), but we get to decide how fast or not so fast we go.  

Do you need to rest along whatever journey you’re on?  Then, by all means, rest!  But rest knowing that you will eventually pick up your pace and you’ll keep going!  You won’t quit! And you will get to the finish line!  AMEN!