Why Outdoor Women Need More Rest — Not More Grit
Because pushing through is not a personality trait.
Let’s set the scene.
You love the mountains. You live for climbing days, trail hikes, camping trips that smell like campfire and independence. You are strong. Capable. Driven. And you’ve probably been told — directly or indirectly — that if you just had a little more grit, you’d go farther.
More reps. More miles. More hustle. More grit.
But I’m going to say the thing no one says loud enough:
You don’t need more grit. You need more rest.
Grit Isn’t the Problem — It’s the Default
The women I work with — climbers, runners, hikers, active moms, adventurous souls — don’t suffer from a lack of effort. They’re already over-performing. Their nervous systems are already carrying the load of full-time jobs, care work, invisible labor, and let’s not forget the emotional tax of being a woman in outdoor spaces.
You’re not short on willpower.
You’re short on recovery.
Let’s Redefine Strength
Real strength isn’t about pushing through the warning signs. It’s about knowing when to stop — and having the self-trust to actually do it.
Strength is taking a rest day even when the trail looks perfect.
It’s lying on the floor for 20 minutes and letting your body speak first.
It’s choosing a slow hike over a summit scramble because your capacity matters more than your stats.
The Nervous System Isn’t Optional
Here’s what happens when we constantly override our need for rest:
Our breath gets shallow
Our recovery tanks
Our emotional regulation drops
And eventually… our passion starts to feel like pressure
If you’ve ever felt resentful of something you once loved — a sport, a routine, a community — that’s not weakness. That’s your nervous system saying: “Hey, can we slow down? I can’t hold all of this.”
Rest is a Skill, Not a Flaw
And here’s the part no one tells outdoor women: Rest isn’t the opposite of resilience. It is resilience.
It’s what allows you to bounce back stronger. To be present on the wall and at the dinner table.
It’s the thing that makes sure your strength doesn’t cost you your sanity.
But most of us weren’t taught to rest. We were taught to prove ourselves. To “be one of the guys.” To suck it up and push through and only cry after the climb.
Let’s unlearn that. Let’s start practicing a version of wellness that includes rest on purpose.
What Rest Looks Like (In Real Life)
Let me be clear:
Rest doesn’t always mean naps and spa days. Rest can be:
Saying no to a training day you’re not recovered for
Breathing through your nose on a recovery hike
Canceling a non-essential thing and going to bed early
Letting your nervous system lead — not your ego
What I’m Building for You
This is exactly why my work is centered around nervous system recovery, breath, and movement that supports your lifestyle — not drains it.
It’s why I’ve created retreats that give you space to reset, recover, and reconnect without pressure to perform.
It’s why my coaching isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about reminding you that rest is part of the work. That softness is strength. That your body knows what it needs — and I’m just here to help you listen.
Final Thought:
If you're tired of pushing through…
If your grit has gotten you far, but you're ready to feel something other than tired…
You’re not broken. You’re just ready for a new kind of strength — one that includes rest.
And that’s a path worth walking.
Ready to train, rest, and live in a more regulated way?
Start by joining me on the podcast, or hop on the retreat interest list to get first access to upcoming offerings.
