Recovery, a means to an end

Having the mindset to race seems to be taking off faster than my body! At my age and fitness level, I know I can handle running and biking on alternate days but getting my mind to be on board with taking it easy is the challenge.

With recent frustrations in my life, I notice the desire to run away and saw running as that outlet to get it out. A couple years ago, I became a hot yoga junkie for that same reason...take my frustrations out on my body. For a time being, it seemed to help me feel better about being in my own skin, but the true intention was not in alignment with what I wanted. I would physically work myself so hard that at times, I couldn't walk for a day or two after. This was an obvious misstep in the true path of yoga and missing the mark on one of its tenents...ahimsa or non-harming. 

But if I want to be sustainable and safely keep in shape for as long as I'm in this body, then I better work smarter, not harder. 

And so the story applies now to running. I'm well aware that if you go overboard in this arena, you can and will hurt yourself to the point of possible no return. To me, just as it is important to start any new adventure with the right tool, in this case running shoes, I also recognize how important recovery is and how it starts before you take off. 

Doing a quick checkin with the headspace is now a prerequisite for me...do I need to take five and be mindful of intentional breaths? Is a meditation being called for? 

I then follow this up by applying a CBD muscle rub on my ankles, knees, and low back BEFORE I run. Trust me, THIS step right here is a game changer! I have been using this rub from Young Living Essential Oils over a year now and I am convinced everyone who walks and breathes needs this in their life! I use it frequently for muscle stiffness/soreness and other discomforts as well as on my children for their bumps and thumps. It has also come in very handy during that time of the month, ladies! It's very soothing as I rub it on my lower abdomen. The relief this gem offers alone is reason enough to become a member of Young Living so you can get your hands on this! 💯

Just a quick explanation of what CBD is and how it can help the body goes something like this...our body is comprised of a molecular system that consists of receptors known as endocannabinoids and they work to help regulate processes related to immunity, metabolism, moods, appetite, and sleep, just to name a few. The body and its makeup are always processing ways to stay in harmony or what is known as homeostasis and uses these receptors to do so. Well, CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid, or plant cannabinoid, and the human body can use these plant chemicals in a similar way to the naturally occurring endocannabinoids. I continue to be amazed with how things from nature can and do help our human bodies. 

This rub is also infused with Young Living essential oils that are known for circulation and nerve soothing such as helichrysum, peppermint, wintergreen, and clove. This exclusive blend is known as Panaway, which I've also been using for several years now. After running, recovery stretching and yoga movement comes into play and I apply both the muscle rub as well as Panaway to all those same areas for the cooling sensation and the assist in recovery. 

And this my friends has been working beautifully for the last several weeks as I get deeper into making training an official part of my life. I'm grateful for this re-introduction of running in my life. I made it a promise to myself that I'll continue to take care of this precious body. To look back where I was mentally and physically just a few years ago to today, the blessings have been many and I refuse to take for granted these days of feeling strong!