Let’s talk about rest days.
More specifically, let’s talk about why I absolutely HATE them.
I know what people are going to say.
“Rest days are important.”
“Your body needs time to recover.”
“Recovery is part of training.”
I know.
I hear you.
You’re still not going to change my mind. 😂
Yesterday Was an Actual Rest Day
Yesterday wasn’t an active rest day.
It wasn’t a “I’ll just take an easy walk” kind of day.
It was a legitimate I did absolutely nothing workout-related rest day.
And it wasn’t really by choice.
I worked 12 hours, then went straight to a football game. By the time everything was finished and I finally got home after 9 PM, I was beat.
There was no walk.
No run.
No workout.
I was ready for bed.
And physically, maybe my body needed that.
Mentally?
I hated it.
Rest Days Don’t Make Me Feel Rested
This is the part that’s hard to explain.
When I take a full day off, I don’t wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and excited because I gave my body this wonderful opportunity to recover.
I feel…
Gross.
I feel bloated.
I feel like I didn’t accomplish anything.
My mood drops.
And mentally, I just don’t feel like myself.
Exercise has become about a lot more than burning calories or trying to run faster.
Moving makes me feel good.
Getting outside helps.
Walking in the sun helps.
Running gives me somewhere to put everything that’s bouncing around inside my head.
So when I don’t do any of it, I notice the difference.
Then Comes the First Workout Back
Today I went out for my run after being off for just one day.
ONE DAY.
And somehow it felt like I had to get myself back into it again.
Obviously, I didn’t lose all my progress in 24 hours. That’s ridiculous.
But mentally, I felt out of rhythm.
I had to find that groove again.
And that’s exactly why I usually prefer an active rest day.
Active Rest Days Are My Rest Days
An active rest day doesn’t mean I’m going out and trying to break a mile PR.
I’m not running 10 miles.
I’m not destroying my legs with a hard strength workout.
I’m just…
Moving.
Maybe I go for an easy walk.
Maybe I get outside and enjoy some sunshine.
Maybe I walk with a friend and spend the entire time talking and laughing.
There’s no pace to beat. No distance I have to hit. No performance goal.
I’m giving my body a break without giving up something that has become really important for my mental well-being.
That’s the kind of recovery that works for me.
But Yes, I’m Still Going to Listen to My Body
Before someone comes after me with a lecture about recovery, there’s a difference between not liking rest days and ignoring my body when something is actually wrong.
If I’m injured, sick, completely exhausted, or my body is telling me it needs more than an easy walk, I’m going to listen.
Yesterday is proof of that.
I was exhausted.
So I went home and went to bed.
And I survived.
Barely. Very traumatic. 😂
But if I’m feeling good and my body is simply due for a recovery day?
I’m probably walking.
You can send me every article explaining the benefits of complete rest.
You can tell me how wonderful I’m supposed to feel afterward.
You can make charts.
You can bring PowerPoint.
You’re not changing my mind.
I hate rest days.
So from here on out, whenever possible…
Active rest days it is. 🚶♀️☀️
Because I’ve learned that sometimes moving my body isn’t about training harder.
Sometimes I move because it makes me feel like me.
Real miles. Real mom. No filter.
– Shannon
