Even when I was a competitive marathon runner, one of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that quality rest was a critical part of my training. As important as good nutrition and, you know, actually running.

And supplements? Maybe once in a while to address a problem, but nothing replaces eating healthy amounts of good food.

You don’t often hear those messages in pop culture, though. Real athletes know the deal, because it’s not a big secret, but the message is boring and not “miraculous,” so you rarely hear it from breathless influencers.

Exercising for fitness is awesome, but the same rules apply as for athletes. If you’re wearing yourself out, losing energy, and not getting enough to eat, then you’re either going to give up, injure yourself, or get sick.

I wish that could be an influential message!