Rest

As Recovery week came in like a thunder cloud, I took it in full force. I decided to take the 7 days to contemplate rest, read race magazines that talked of the importance of rest and the symptoms that let you know when you need rest. There are two basic types of rest. There is the one that most of us are familiar with and savor, the lack of going anywhere or doing anything. This classifies as a real day off. There is also active rest. This is the "rest" that means you are still active, but keeping the heart rate low. Most of the time athletes think that they are actively resting when, in reality, they are still trying to push themselves, just not as much as usual. Resting that is beneficial is not the time to push, but enjoy. For me this would be a nice, easy jog down my favorite trail, watching t.v. while doing the elliptical or taking Barnabas for a walk.
I think of when Jesus says, "Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest." It's a tranquility. No matter what is going on, there is a sense of comfort. Rest implies that there is something to rest from. When you are an athlete, your muscles are doing their best work as you allow them to rest and rebuild. It's a necessary thing for you to be stronger. It's also good for your heart. Therefore, spiritually, it must work the same way. The rest that Jesus gives must be good for us and we must need it. Our society says push, go, do. Yet, in the long run, rest is a vital part of life. The more I run, the more I understand my body and when it needs a break. I guess you would say that I am more in tune with what my body is telling me. A greater appreciation for the Creator comes from trying to be sensitive to my physical needs so that I can be a good steward of the health that he has given me.
Rest, it's an important piece for getting stronger, and I am going to make the most of it.