MONDAY OCTOBER 31ST, 2011

MONDAY OCTOBER 31ST, 2011


REST DAY


Today marks the 4th and final rest day in what has been a surprisingly nice break from my standard 3 on - 1 off / 2 on - 1 off cycle. It is surprising because this is probably the longest intentional break I've taken from CrossFit in over three years. 


That's not bragging on myself as much as it is telling on myself. If you are driven to excel and preform then off days can be murder on the psyche. For me one of the most frustrating things I deal with are rest days after crushing three straight workouts. The drive to continue the "winning streak" is only natural, but we've got to also take a step back and look at long-term, big picture details. 


Most people aren't aware that improvements don't happen while you are training, they happen while you are recovering. Let me explain, yes, the work you put in does amount to improvements in strength, power, flexibility, stamina, conditioning, etc but only if you allow your body to heal from that work in the form of rest. 


And while a 3:1, 2:1 protocol has, for me, allowed more rest over a period of weeks and months, my body is only partially recovering before I throw it through another round of intensity. Over time, the body sustains little micro-tears and injuries that aren't fully healing and won't until you give it a window outside of the standard 48 hour rest cycle. 


So in essence, that is what I've done since Thursday night. Of course, that doesn't mean that I've been sedentary. There's been yard work (raking, sweeping, moving heavy stuff, lots of bending), handstand walk practice, and lots of mobility drills to keep me active and get me ready for the coming week.


Overall, I'm really excited to get back to a workout and see how my body responds.