Rest and Recovery Pays Off!

Although it's tempting to use this as an excuse for two workouts a week (PLENTY of rest in between!), it's very true that rest and recovery pays off.

As you've probably read in my previous post, I've been experiencing some pain with my knee.  It wasn't helped by running 7 miles on it on Sunday.  However, I went against my maniacal training instinct and did the SMART thing -- I took some time off running.

I worked out every single day since then; however I cross-trained, used weights, and did things that didn't aggravate my knee the way pounding the pavement would.  And I'm extremely pleased with the results.

On Monday, I was limping around the office -- well, actually working hard to hide my limp because I DO have my pride...but I was honestly considering the possibility that I'd put myself out of commission for quite a while.

As of today, I've forgotten there was anything wrong with my knee in the first place.  Every now and then, I'll get a little twinge when I step strangely, but other than that, I feel 99.9% recuperated.  Another couple days and I should be ready to run this weekend.

Although I'm a trainer and advocate plenty of rest and recovery time, I'm often too stubborn to take my own advice.  However, I should do it more often!  And rest doesn't have to mean "no exercise", it can be biking, swimming, yoga, or anything else that gives your trouble muscles some time to mend.  Another lesson learned!