Live Whole Health #220: Moving forward

I was recently approved to start running again after a particularly severe back flare-up sidelined me for several months. My doctor encouraged me to “start slow,” aiming to get back to eventually running a 5K (a little over three miles) and not the longer distances I preferred.

I “started slow” in other ways as well, with a pace that was far below what I was used to. The app I’ve used for the past decade to track my time and distances constantly reminds me how different things are now, with helpful encouragement like “That was the 76^th-slowest mile you’ve run,” or “That run was 3.6 miles below your average.” I look at my “previous bests” and wonder if I’ll ever come near those numbers again.

This is an example of something we all do—compare ourselves now to where we used to be or when we were at our best. Whether it’s running, push-ups and pull-ups, completing an obstacle course, or the ability to power through a long workday without needing a nap, we can get discouraged when our best effort leads to worse results. Sometimes we wonder why we even bother, knowing we may never get to our previous summits.

Shifting mindsets

A shift I’ve been practicing is not comparing myself to where I was in 2019, but to where I was yesterday. Trying to be better than I was 5-10 years ago—when I was younger and had fewer health concerns—sets me up for failure and discouragement. Recognizing that running today makes me stronger and faster than I was yesterday offers a path forward.

It is possible I’ll set some new personal bests in distance or speed over time. But I can definitely focus on getting a little better every day. If that’s enough motivation, it’s a good place to start.

Part of this process is also recognizing the increased muscle aches that come with effort. This 8.5-minute Muscle Awareness Practice will help you recognize where you carry that discomfort and learn to let it go. Spending a few minutes tightening and releasing muscle groups is a great way to practice focusing and find some relief.

Get moving in May

The Whole Health theme for the month of May is Moving the Body! You can get started with this Introduction to Moving the Body or further explore the practice in this week’s video, Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Or, since the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, check out these tips for Adding Physical Activity into Your Routine.