Issues 73. Respecting the Recovery
Taking Time Off to Maximize Long Term Gains
👋 Good morning and happy Friday. I’m Scott and feel free to reach me here.
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It’s been two weeks since I got off my bike, and I haven’t gotten back on.
Not because I’m stepping away. Not even close. I’m already looking for my next big thing. Yes, I’m open to suggestions!
Prior to riding for 31 hours straight and 359 miles across Kansas, I’d spent 26 weeks preparing for it. In that time, I put in hundreds of hours of training and thousands of miles in the saddle.
And so, I’ve hit pause.
It’s taken its toll. Physically and mentally.
Mostly physical; specifically my left knee and ankle both paid a price at Unbound. They’re still not normal but getting better everyday. Around mile 280, I crashed and landed right on my knee. I was exhausted and tired and drinking warm electrolytes. It was dumb and I lost focuse. But alas, it happened and I’m paying for it now.
But like any setback, I expect to be back in the next week or two — and I want to be. But also. a break has been kind of, nice.
I know that riding and running on a half-baked body is the fastest way to take something temporary and turn it into a problem for the rest of 2025 issue.
My body has earned a short breather, and I’m listening. But it’s hard.
We’re probably similar. I’m not good at sitting still. There is always something to be doing.
In the meantime, I’ve been enjoying a small shift in pace. I’ve not woken up at 4 a.m. I’ve sat on the couch for enjoyment. I’ve watched my daughter’s softball games without mentally calculating when I’ll be able to get a workout in. I’ve played in the pool with the kids longer. I’ve moved a little slower, and, surprisingly, it’s been okay.
But don’t confuse this with a step back. I miss the routine and rhythm. I miss the structure. I miss the sweat. I miss feeling like I’m building toward something again. That itch is still very much there — and that’s a good thing. Because it reminds me how much I love what I do to myself.
And when I come back, I want to be 100%. Not dragging an ankle. Not managing a sore knee. Not barely hanging on. But actually ready.
It’s funny — in endurance sports we love to go, go, go. On to the next. I have some friends who are already on their 3rd or 4th IRONMAN of the year. But if I’ve learned anything after the past six months, it’s that part of going long, really long is knowing when to ease up, even just for a bit, so you can go even longer next time.
So no, I’m not stepping away. I’m just being smart. After 43 years, I’ve finally learned, when you need a break, you take a break.
I’ll be back on the bike soon. And when I am, you’ll be the first to know it.
As always.
Stay moving. ✌️
Scott
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