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 76th-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.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Always rushing? Take a moment to pause and create space in your life with a meditation to relax and rejuvenate, with this week's #LiveWholeHealth video.
Looking for a gentle way to boost your well-being? Try this simple 10-minute Tai Chi session, in this week's #LiveWholeHealth video.
Are you always trying to make your time more productive? Learn how to live fully in the present moment. No goals, just breathe, in this week's #LiveWholeHealth video.
Love this the VA needs to offer nurse coaching to their patients.
I am a board certified nurse coach and I would have been ideal in a situation like this. Your doctor does not have the time to follow up but you needed support going through that transition.
As a nurse coach I promote and facilitate the growth, healing and wellbeing of the whole person by using coaching principles and healing modalities that integrate the mind body and spirit connection.
Would love to hear more about how I can partner with your veterans as a veteran myself and this is a very needed service.
[Editor: Join us? Visit VA Careers at https://vacareers.va.gov/ or on LinkedIn.]