Enough is Enough

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about how I push myself more than I should. More often than not, I’ve pushed through pain to shave a few seconds off my 5k. It’s how I injured my foot, after all. I’ve overtrained and not listened to my body, and now I’m forced to take more time off from running. I’ve beaten myself up over having a scoop of ice cream or missing a strength workout. My determination is one of my best assets, but it also tears me down through my quest for perfection.

Enough is enough.

The other day at a restaurant, I received late refills on my water, my order was wrong, and my table was cramped. The table couldn’t be helped, but I still bristled through my meal. I was thirsty, the food wasn’t what I wanted, and I left unsatisfied. Sure, the restaurant had tons of other customers, but I felt jilted.

I thought—my body is the greatest customer ever. So why do I insist on pressuring it, rushing it, squeezing my toes into too-tight shoes and ignoring rest days? Unlike restaurant managers, I only have to make sure I’m satisfied.

If someone else had been telling us to do these things to our bodies, we’d say no way. We’d complain and speak up until we were satisfied, or we would leave due to extremely poor service. The problem is—society is, in a way, telling us this. Get faster! Get slimmer! Everyone has an opinion on what to do and how to do it, and the information bombardment can be overwhelming.

But with regard to health, there’s only us. Mind against will. And that shiny new PR, those sleek black heels—they look worth it, don’t they? They’re shiny, after all, and pushing yourself gives you a sense of determination and accomplishment.

But with it comes a price. Poor customer service, and when your body reacts badly, it’s often too late to prevent injury.

So this is my reminder to myself. I would never treat another human being the way I’ve been treating myself—not berate them for putting hot fudge on ice cream, or having a slower mile time. Absolutely not.

Maybe, just maybe, if we think of ourselves as the best customer service providers in the world, we’ll treat ourselves better. Real success for me came when my body was satisfied and well rested. Hey, the few seconds off the PR will come eventually.

And those fancy heels?

No one can see them under my dress, anyway.

Monday’s Workout: 1.5 hours swimming, 3 mile bike ride.
Tuesday's Workout: 40 minutes swimming
Wednesday's Workout: 35 minutes swimming