To get better at anything requires some degree of hard work. With hard work there is often discomfort. With distance running in particular, there is a threshold pace where true growth and adaptation occurs. This is a pace that hurts, but is something you can maintain for a good chunk of time. This is what can be called “comfortably uncomfortable.”
When I do go on threshold or “workout” runs, which are maybe once or twice a week, I remind myself to get into that comfortably uncomfortable rhythm. It isn’t the most pleasant pace, but I remind myself to avoid pushing myself too hard into higher intensity. And I need to remind myself not too go too easy. I sometimes dwell on the fact that the next day will be recovery, either full rest or a much lighter more leisurely pace, a time to enjoy my surroundings. With hard work, there should be a counterbalance of rest.
With my life too, I have noticed I need to embrace things that are uncomfortable. I am learning I cannot dwell too long in the “uncomfortably uncomfortable” range, as I will definitely tire out. Sprinting all out for a marathon is just not sustainable. The same goes for burning the candles at both ends in a typical day or week. Instead, it takes finesse finding that middle ground, a pace where I am still working hard and growing, but not overdoing it. It is definitely not something I have mastered yet, and probably will always need to keep working at. With practice, though, I am learning to recognize my limits and sense how I feel, so I can adapt my efforts accordingly. I want to grow and do better, but it is important to do so with appropriate levels of stress and hard work. And it is equally important to play, rest, and enjoy life.
