Recovery

Runners know that recovery is an important component of training/running.  The medical definition says it is meant to return to a healthy or normal state. Much like a writer's hand, our bodies are the essential part in getting the job done.  Recovery after a race or during your training (long runs) is key to letting the body rejuvenate and be in prime condition to keep on going. Recovery for everyone during this process means something different since our bodies tell us exactly what it is that we need.  I used to feel guilty for taking time off, but now I listen to what it is that I need physically and mentally.

Recovery can even take place during a run - sometimes you find that you just have to take a short walk or slow down the pace.  And that's okay.  Running isn't just about time (I mean, let's face it - its cool to run fast and beat your last time), but it is also about finishing what you set out to do.  Which is another reason why I've learned to not beat myself up on long runs when I run out of steam and need to take a 2 minute walk.

Recovery is a much needed part of day to day life as well.  This type of recovery is the process of combating a disorder or a real or perceived problem.  In other words  -  how does one manage to recover when shit hits the fan?  A real or perceived problem gives a very broad range of  when its necessary for recovery.  Just like our bodies, our minds process at various thresholds.  Recovery might come after the loss of a loved on, after a breakup, or even just the end of a long work week.  Everyone has a different recovery system.  Personally I prefer to drink bubbly and read Harry Potter after a long semester (when I was in graduate school) or studying for a certification.  And since I just crammed for my Certified Sommelier exam, this means it is the sixth or seventh time that I am re-reading Harry Potter.  I need this in order to segue into the next thing.

I don't always have the best recovery when things hit me unexpectedly -this I have tried to embrace while also trying to learn how to handle it better.  But I surprised myself.  A week ago, I took my Certified Sommelier exam.  For weeks, I've been cramming for this thing, slightly stressed because there is not only blind wine tasting (which I stink at) but also a service component (which I don't do ever!).  The day arrives.  I'm feeling confident about the written test, so-so on the blind tasting, and then I'm waiting for my service exam to start.  And I'm sweating a little - because the people I'm about to go into the room with are real professionals - who have done this thing (opening and serving a bottle tableside) a million times.  And then I step in the room.  And I freeze up and can't answer any of their questions about aperitifs and despite the fact that I studied my food and wine pairings, I drew a massive blank.  And then the mother of all things happens - as I'm opening the bottle of champagne, the force of the cork coming out forces the slippery bottle out of my hands and DROPS on the floor - shit just hit the fan!  And I stand there and I'm panicked - I don't know what to do - I thought about bursting into tears and leaving the room, but then an amazing thing happened - I went into recovery mode.  Apologizing, trying to make a small joke, and when handed the new bottle of champagne (already opened) moving into my clockwise circle to pour and smile and serve.  And it is my recovery that ends up being my saving grace and I pass the damn thing (still in shock).

But it should come as no surprise - because as I've learned in running, recovery is about giving yourself that deep breath you need in order to return to doing the things you need to get done.


WALK TO MORDOR UPDATE:  Currently at 162 miles, which makes me just past Bree and 76 miles away from Weathertop.