Recovery Discussion

I meant to write this up earlier in the week.  Recovery is the most important part of any training cycle.  While you rest, the taxed system is responding to the stress at the cellular level (this is where what you eat/drink is critical after a run).  The trained system will 'normalize', having now raised the bar to what homeostasis is in a belief this level of stress may be normal.  You get stronger or faster with less effort as the body has adjusted.

Active recovery is most desired, where one is still exercising, but typically a different muscular/skeletal system.  This allows for the taxed systems to recovery by being left alone.  As an example, a runner may jump on the bike, hit a pool, weights, etc.  Running still can take the form of active recovery, as long as the length and pace/effort are drastically short of the standard.

I don't own a membership to the YMCA (none around here actually).  Yes, we have an ocean - but I am fearful the fish will eat me.  I am not into the bike scene, mostly because cars scare me.  I know...excuses.  Instead, I pursue active recovery through shorter + easier runs.  My preference is to find somebody that is slower than I to run with - otherwise I am on my own to manage it.  When solo, I go barefoot at times.  Sometimes no watch.  Whatever it takes to break away from any desire to maintain a respectable pace.   I'll even bring the little LaBranches with me.

This active recovery approach typically means I need two runs to recovery before considering any hard running.  Amazingly, it is actually a run and a half, as I often feel like I've crested the peak of fatigue in the middle of the second run.  The second half of those runs I feel invigorated, fresh, and ready to go. I literally can feel the moment it shifts. I still hold back the effort, as the run's purpose is to fully recover.

After my 23 mile run yesterday I have found today to be a bit of a challenge to even walk around the house.  I am lethargic, despite the volume of calories I drank/ate after Sunday's long run.  Overnight, I lost nearly 4 lbs - so this morning was a meal and snack fest.  Finally felt like the energy had returned by 3PM.  Given how the legs feel now, I am entertaining a different active recovery.  Walking.  Before making the decision, I am waiting on a friend to let me know if she can run with me.  Her pace may be all that I need today.  Plus we talk about her Boston experience!