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This article is part ofSELFs Rest Week, an editorial package dedicated to doing less.
Jordan Moss
(And were taking our own advice: TheSELFstaff will be OOO during this time!)
I used to identify as one ofthoserunners.
My friends, that is not arest day.
That is a cross-training day.
And theres a big difference.
At some point no days off became shorthand for dedication.
A celebrated mantra in the fitness world that glorified ones ability to show up regardless of the physical cost.
Thats led to a more recent trend: active recovery.
But really, where is the rest in that?
Whats wrong with just one day that doesnt include dedicated physical activity?
But active rest days shouldnt come at the cost of actual rest.
A 24-hour period during which you have permission to do nothing.
A time when you eliminate any reason to don spandex or synthetic sweat-resistant apparel.
Yet many athletes find it difficult to consistently schedule honest breaks into their routines.
Some fear that theyll lose the fitness or the habit theyve worked so hard to achieve.
Others crave that daily endorphin rush.
And some just falsely conflate days off and laziness.
I personally identified with all of these excuses at least once.
Why do I feel so strongly about this?
For yearsdecades, actuallyI approached mymarathon trainingwith discipline, determination, and vigor.
I met many goals I set for myself, like qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
But then I broke.
And just like that, I was out.
What followed was a six-month period of forced rest.
This rest was eye-opening to me.
Each time I failed, because I couldnt sustain any consistency.
But thats simply not true.
As your body repairs itself between hard efforts, it is preparing to handle even greater loads.
A day off, therefore, is productive if youre focused on improving.
Seeing gains, in whatever way you define them, is fun and keeps you engaged.
Rest shows me that time is a gift.
Or in my case, my dog.
Most days Im hurrying my pup through a walk to get to check it off the to-do list.
But on my rest day?
This extra time has also provided the opportunity for me to let loose a little more.
And that is all part of feeling rejuvenated.
Rest allows me to discover new hobbies.
When I broke my ankle, I made an important discovery: I really enjoycooking.
I had no idea before, mostly because I was always too tired to do it.
Rest gives me a mental break.
The space to rest my mind is just as important as resting my body.
I resist the urge to schedule anything during the time I usually run.
Rest lets me (finally) sleep in.
Sleep, along with proper nutrition, is the most important part of recovery.
Rest gives me that itch again.
One of the strongest indicators that my strategy has been effective?
I find myself eager and excited for my next workout, instead of dreading it.
Ive learned the hard way that philosophy wont lead me anywhere good.
