A few weeks back, I made a decision that felt both exciting and humbling—I laced up my running shoes once again. didn’t just make this declaration in the quiet corners of my life; I broadcasted it to the entire internet¹. Even crazier? I confessed that I had to go all the way back to square one, to the beginning, running as if I’d never set foot on a track before. Admitting I can’t keep up with my younger self has been a tough pill to swallow. The truth is, my lungs just don’t operate like they used to and If I want to regain consistency and endurance in my running, I have no choice but to start from scratch and train like a rookie.

This decision doesn’t just translate to running shorter distances and slower paces; for me, it means swapping the trail for the treadmill. I’ve heard the voices suggesting that “real runners run outside,” and trust me, I’d prefer the morning fog and the wind in my face any day. However, that’s not the right call for my current season. Here’s the honest truth about myself—In every area of my life, I’m always eager to be at the destination. I want to conquer marathons, break my personal records, and run at the pace I did before I hung up the sneakers. Yet, the reality is—I’m just not there yet. That’s where the treadmill comes in. On the treadmill, I don’t have to worry about setting limits or controlling my pace. It prevents me from starting too fast, tiring too soon, and worst of all, quitting before I’ve crossed the finish line. On the treadmill, I set the pace and settle in.

The point here is simple—sometimes, it’s when we operate within clear limits that allow us to truly run. In the upcoming weeks, I know that I will relearn to regulate my pace, paving the way to crush those outdoor miles. Yet, in this moment, I need these limits and guidance. There will come a time when I shed these restrictions and take my run back outside, but for now, I persevere through my runs because I’m not overdoing it and running out of steam too soon.

There are plenty of things in life that often feel limiting, restrictive, or constraining. But the truth is, these limits can serve as a catalyst for creativity, a safeguard against burnout, and a chance to move forward at a healthy pace.

Embracing and working within our limits isn’t weakness but an acknowledgment of where we’re at on our journey. We can’t always sprint; sometimes, we need to pace ourselves, settling into a sustainable rhythm. These constraints aren’t roadblocks but stepping stones, shaping resilience and consistency.

Matthew 11, Jesus invites us to “Come… all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Too often, we try to outpace Jesus and run at an unhealthy pace. But that’s not His desire for us. His desire is that we are yoked to Him, following His leading, and letting Him set the pace for the journey ahead. When we do that, we’ll find ourselves going farther, faster, and in His purpose.

In a recent episode of my podcast, “This Awesome Life,” my friend David Ruybalid reminded us that, “Jesus only walked three miles per hour.” He went on to say that too often we try to sprint toward our purpose or calling only to find ourselves ahead of Jesus and still searching. But when we slow down and press into Jesus, that’s when we find purpose and life. So, as you go through today, take the opportunity to do that; to slow down, to walk with Jesus, and to find your true purpose in simply being with Him.

Have you ever faced a situation where you needed to back off your pace in order to achieve your goals? How did slowing down lead to your eventual success? Share your experiences and insights in the comments and lets keep in step with Jesus!

^1. Well, all of you who read this blog. But you know what they say, once its on the internet its there forever!