When Exercise Is a Rest--A Paragraph a Day

I know it sounds paradoxical, but sometimes the best rests that I've taken have been long runs or walks or bike rides.  There are times when I feel the need to rest, but I know that I also need to exercise so I kind of force myself to get out there and do something physical.  These are often the best runs or walks or bike rides that I have--I end up feeling invigorated and energetic, much more so than I would have had I sat down on the couch to rest a little bit.  I like it when this happens, and oddly enough, I can't even remember any times when I've done this that has turned out negatively.  Of course, I take it easy during these outings, for I don't want to go out there and push myself really hard when I'm not feeling extremely strong, so I generally don't risk getting hurt.  The runs teach me something important, though--sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves may seem counterintuitive, and it may be worth our while to consider options that don't seem to make a whole lot of sense when we're pondering a course of action.  What seems like the best thing to do may not be so, and what seems to make little sense may actually make the best sense of all.