In Finding Joy in Finishing Last, runner Danielle Friedman discusses the health benefits of going for “finish” instead of “gold.” Two nuggests of wisdom about surviving illness:
The persistence high. For slow runners, the physiologic release of biochemicals responsible for the “runner’s high” often happens after 20 minutes of exercising at a “feels good” level—not while running all out. Doing 20 minutes of paced exercise may reward you with this high.
During treatment and recovery, putting greater value on persistence than speed may help you feel less stress and more hope. After all, many factors beyond control cause delays and setbacks. Persistence is mostly—not completely!—up to you.
Pace acceptance. A slow runner said, “Pace acceptance is body acceptance, and body acceptance is pace acceptance.”
“Shifting our focus…to how we actually feel in our own skin” helps. Try to avoid comparing yourself to patients whose social media posts describe getting through treatment faster and more glamorously. Take pride and joy in what your body can do. Indeed, the slow runner requires more mental fortitude to keep going hours after fast funners finish.
Some people who know my medical history think my body has failed me. As I see it, my body rocks! After going through so much over the years, I am still here…working out at the gym…helping care for my home and grandchildren…doing ordinary things people do! I’m living my life.
As a Healthy Survivor, keep going on the best path for you. Meanwhile, enjoy the ride as best you can.
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