Being still

Here’s a little something you probably didn’t know about me; I am an endurance runner.

I know, I know, what does that mean and why should you care? Hang on, I’m getting there.

I don’t claim to be a marathoner even though I have run several marathons, nor do I claim to be an ultrarunner even though I have completed an ultramarathon. As the cycle of my life goes up and down, I find myself with varying amounts of time and/or motivation to maintain the training regimen it takes to maintain a marathon+ level, however, I insist on pushing my limits at whatever level I happen to be at in a particular moment. Training is often hard but starting over is even harder and it is frustrating. I have the mindset that I must push myself to overcome the inertia keeping me still and the comfort of staying at the level where I current reside. I ask myself, “How far can I go today?” Yes, when life strikes sometimes even a 5k can be an endurance run.

Understand, I am, by no stretch of the imagination, an elite athlete and I don’t race anyone other than myself and my previous performance.

Sometimes I push myself too hard, and not just in running but in work or other activities as well.

So why do I bring this up?

Because I am currently forced to stay still, and, as usual, it has caused introspection. I’m still not because I’m being lazy or just don’t want to do it but because I have an injury and am being required to not exercise in the way I’m accustomed (or at all really) while I am in treatment. It’s probably a good thing that I am being forced to stay still because I have many times continued to push when injured and have prolonged my recovery (I’m stubborn like that).

It sucks when it happens but it always gives me time and opportunity to reflect (whether I want it or not) and I’ve decided to share those reflections with you.

Sometimes it takes external forces to encourage, enable or even force us to stay still for a time.

But should it?

Should we push ourselves to the point that something outside of us takes that decision away? Does it take a physical, mental, or emotional injury or some other external event to make us stop and take a look around?

I’d say the answer is “no” but we all sometimes need a reminder.

I love to run but it sure is hard to enjoy the scenery while you do it, or at least, to do so without tripping anyway. I must remind myself to sometimes walk and observe what I’ve been moving past so quickly otherwise I miss the world’s wonder (wow, how long’s that been there?!). My body and mind can both use the break.

This concept applies to many other things as well, such as taking the interstate on a trip and focusing only on getting to your destination as quickly as possible or working evenings and weekends constantly. What are you missing by not taking a back road or ever taking a “mental health” day off from work? What is the toll on your mind and body?

I may never know all that I’ve missed along my journey by not taking more breaks here and there, but I know I’ve missed things and my life is the poorer for it. It took a while (and I sometimes need to be…ahem…reminded), but I have learned that it shouldn’t take something outside myself to slow me down on occasion. Sometimes it is okay, even needed, to be still.

Here’s some suggestions on what you can do to slow down a bit:

Disconnect from the virtual world on occasion and focus on the real world around you. I know it is hard but, trust me, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. will still be there when you log back in.

Don’t immediately read/answer that text or email, it will still be there tomorrow or on Monday. If you don’t set boundaries, how can anyone respect them?

Take the long way home on occasion and take your time to see what’s new.

Use your PTO…all of it.

Leave work early on occasion, especially if “leaving early” is actually leaving “on time.” What is that glowing thing in the sky?! That, my friend, is called the sun.

Meet some friends for drinks or even just call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while (yes, phones do still make actual calls). Remember, friends are the family we choose.

Call your mom.

Go out to lunch on occasion rather than always eating at your desk. It is even a good idea to sometimes meet a friend or your significant other rather than going with people from the office. Take a long lunch every now and then.

Nothing here is likely new to you but we all can use a reminder sometimes…and for my runner friends, don’t always focus on that PR, take some time to slow down, take a break, and enjoy the view.

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About the Author: Lee Crowson is a Story Teller and Asker of Questions who also happens to be a Navy Veteran and problem solver with over 22 years’ experience in organizational and operational leadership, communications and training. He has a strong passion for continual learning, endurance running, the outdoors and helping others to reach their full potential. He writes and speaks because it is more easily understood than his interpretive dance.