Day 36: Recovery, Recalibration, and the Return to the Mat

A Late Start, A Slower Morning

Today didn’t begin the way I planned. My alarm went off more than once, but my body refused to move. By the time I opened my eyes, it was 5:40 a.m., too late for the morning boxing session that I had been looking forward to. I just went back to sleep, something I rarely allow myself to do, as I often try to maximize my mornings. When I finally woke up around nine, I felt rested but stiff. My quadriceps still throbbed from the last few sessions, lingering reminders of my physical exertion. Recovery isn’t always linear; sometimes, more sleep just makes you aware of the soreness that’s been waiting underneath. It’s like a friend waiting patiently for your attention, ready to remind you of its presence when you least expect it.

I dragged myself to the shower and followed my cold ritual, the Wim Hof Method, breathwork followed by a cold shock that snaps the fog out of my mind, leaving me feeling both invigorated and a little more alert. It hurt, but it grounded me in the moment, forcing me to focus on the now. Breakfast was slow and deliberate, a meditative practice in itself, fuel for a body that needed restoration more than adrenaline. I made sure to eat something nutritious, balancing proteins and carbohydrates to shake off the sleepiness and prepare for the day ahead.

The rest of the morning was about teaching duties. I worked through lesson plans, reports, and class prep, trying to ease the workload for the coming week. Each task, though mundane, felt like a stepping stone for the larger picture of my profession. No gym yet, but still productive in its own right, as sometimes, mental preparation is just as critical as physical preparation in reaching my personal and professional goals.

Gear, Goals, and Choices

Yesterday, I finally unboxed my new training gear: MMA gloves, 16-ounce boxing gloves, wraps, sportswear, a skipping rope, a chin guard, headgear, and my first Jiu-Jitsu Gi. Seeing it all laid out reignited something in me, a spark of excitement combined with nostalgia as I remembered the journey that brought me to this point. Each item felt like a promise, a reminder that I’m building momentum even on rough days, and that's something to take pride in.

Originally, today was meant for Muay Thai, my only weekly session. But my legs had other plans, reminding me of the importance of listening to my body instead of pushing through blindly. With my quadriceps still sore, I decided to shift focus, skip Muay Thai, protect the lower body, and instead put in work at Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing. A tactical swap, not a lazy one, illustrating that recovery is also strategy. It’s fascinating how the body communicates its needs if you are open to listening.

Back to the Mat

Traffic delayed me, so I arrived a few minutes late to Jiu-Jitsu. There were only about eight or ten people training, a smaller group, mostly younger athletes, creating a more intimate and focused atmosphere. The session began with warm-ups and technique drills, which felt revitalizing and allowed everyone to connect with their bodies.

We started with closed guard from a standing position, dragging the opponent down, laying the foundation for effective grappling. Then we moved into sweeps and scissors, learning to shift momentum and use the hips effectively. My partner, who weighed around 65 kg, was close enough to make it competitive, yet I was able to find strength in my technique rather than relying solely on sheer force.

We practiced sweeps, learning to use the waist and arm leverage for control, and focused on keeping elbows close to the knees for defense. Small details that make all the difference in grappling; it’s often those little adjustments that separate a novice from a seasoned practitioner. It reminded me how crucial it is to be aware of my body mechanics and positioning.

By the end of class, the coach called for live sparring rounds. I faced two partners. I made the first one tap twice and controlled the second without getting a submission. My second-ever Jiu-Jitsu class, and my first in over a month, felt like a victory in itself. With the new Gi on, it felt like the start of something serious, something that would shape my journey moving forward.

Choosing Rest Over Ego

After training, I had the option to push through another boxing or Muay Thai session. Physically, I might’ve managed it, but mentally, I knew I was done. Fatigue had settled in deep, whispering reminders of the importance of self-care. Sometimes strength is restraint, and recognizing when to take a step back is just as crucial as knowing when to step forward.

I stopped by a store for some fruit, headed home, took another cold shower that left me feeling refreshed, ate a clean meal, and let the day close quietly. No guilt this time, just a profound understanding of my body's signals and a commitment to honoring them.

Recovery, Recalibration, and Quiet Wins

Day 36 complete. A day that started slow but ended steady. I didn’t hit every plan I set, but I listened to what my body was saying, and that mattered more. Skipping the morning boxing wasn’t failure; it was awareness. The Jiu-Jitsu session reminded me that showing up, even imperfectly, still counts. Discipline isn’t always loud or visible; sometimes it’s the quiet decision to keep moving in a smarter way. The grind continues.

👉 How do you balance pushing through versus pulling back? What helps you recognize when your body needs care more than challenge? These small decisions shape the long game. Every rest, every recalibration, every quiet win. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and taking the time to nurture ourselves is a vital piece of the journey.