Why “Pushing Through” Isn’t Always the Answer

We live in a culture that glorifies endurance, and praises our ability to keep going no matter what. “Push through,” we often hear. “Power through the pain.” It’s supposed to be a badge of honor, but when you’re living in a body that requires your constant awareness, tenderness, and patience… that mindset can be more damaging than it is brave.

Last week, I learned I have a stress fracture in my foot. I had been training steadily, consistently showing up for each of my scheduled runs, and I was proud of all the progress I’d been making. However, behind the scenes, my body was quietly waving a flag. I didn’t notice at first, or maybe I did and brushed it aside. Either way, the fracture became the loudest voice in the room.

Upon first thought, I felt disappointed. I had momentum, plans, and goals I was excited about continuing to work towards. I thought consistency was meant to bring reward, and so taking a break felt like diminishing all my forward steps. But when I took a breath and truly listened, I realized something else: this injury is not a punishment—it’s a signal, and I’m actually really grateful for it.

Because now, I get to press pause. Now, I get to recalibrate. Now, I get to show up for my body in a deeper way—not by demanding more from it, but by asking what it needs. I’m being reminded that “pushing through” isn’t always progress. Sometimes, the most forward-moving thing we can do is stop. My rest doesn’t equate to failure, and slowing down doesn’t mean I’m losing.

Our bodies aren’t machines. They’re intricate, responsive, deeply intuitive vessels, and when we ignore their needs in order to keep pace with what’s going on around us—whether that’s a training plan, a work schedule, or expectations we’ve internalized—we don’t actually get ahead. We often end up further behind, and more disconnected with ourselves in the process.

The truth is, healing asks for our respect. It asks for stillness. It asks for humility. It asks us to be brave enough to stay instead of strive.

So if you’re reading this in a moment where you feel like you’re falling behind… if your body is asking you to slow down but your brain is telling you to speed up… this is your reminder:

You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to adapt. You’re allowed to honor your body instead of challenge it.

Healing happens here. Not in the hustle, but in the listening.

Beach chillin’ after canceling my last vacation run—pain was HIGH although I didn’t know why at the time!