Day 95: Choosing Recovery Without Losing Momentum

Early Cold Exposure and Starting the Day

Day 95 started on a freezing Tuesday morning, which felt unusually cold for this time of year. I went back to taking cold showers despite the temperature being around four degrees Celsius outside, a stark reminder of winter's grip. It was brutal, yet I pushed myself to embrace the chill and do it anyway. That moment alone reminded me that discipline does not disappear when conditions get uncomfortable; rather, it becomes even more critical. Cold exposure has become a mental anchor for me, especially on days when I know training will look different and challenging.

After getting ready, feeling slightly rejuvenated from the cold shower, I headed off to school, where new adventures awaited me. The brisk air invigorated my senses as I stepped outside.

Teaching, Focus, and Staying Productive

The workday was full of challenges and opportunities. I had several teaching hours packed into my schedule, which felt overwhelming at times, and I spent any spare moments working on my blog, carefully crafting each sentence. I tried to be as productive as possible, even when energy levels were not at their best. The students were unruly, much more than usual today, especially during the last sessions of the day, but I handled it as calmly as I could muster, using my deep breathing techniques to stay centered. You do not really get used to that kind of chaos, but you learn how to move through it without letting it drain you completely; an art form in itself.

As the final bell rang, I realized that by the time I finished work, I felt mentally and physically drained, as if my energy reserves had been completely depleted.

Rest and Refueling

As soon as I got home, I collapsed onto my bed and slept for as long as my body needed, which turned out to be a good few hours. That rest was absolutely necessary. When I finally woke up, feeling slightly more human, I prepared a proper meal to refuel my body. I made rice, tender chicken breast, and a wide variety of fruits including dates, bananas, strawberries, apples, oranges, and crisp lettuce. I paired the meal with Omega 3 and D3K2 vitamins, ensuring that I was nourishing my body well. Nutrition felt especially important today since I was not planning a gym session, and I wanted to feel strong and revitalized.

Choosing Rest Over the Gym

Today was a conscious decision not to go to the gym. Despite my desire to hit the weights, I felt capable of training, but my right thumb is still injured, preventing me from full engagement. During work hours, the pain was noticeable, like a constant reminder that I needed to be careful, and I knew that boxing would only exacerbate it. Jiu jitsu also requires heavy grip and physical contact, so that was completely off the table as well.

Beyond the physical aspect of training, I also needed a mental break. Sometimes the body can keep going, but the mind needs space to breathe and reset. That is part of recovery too, and I have come to appreciate its significance.

Running for Endurance and Mental Clarity

Instead of gym training, I decided to go for a rejuvenating run, something I always found helpful for clearing my mind. Before heading out, I consumed L Citrulline, zinc, vitamin C, and collagen to prepare my body for the task ahead. I also made sure to stretch properly, as I was aware of how important that was to prevent injury.

I ran five kilometers, allowing the rhythm of my feet against the pavement to create a soothing melody in my head. Last time, I completed this distance in about thirty four minutes. Today, however, I finished it in twenty four minutes, which was a personal best for me. It was significantly slower, but it was still progress in its own way, and I had to remind myself that every improvement counts, no matter how small. I was extremely tired by the end, my heart pounding, but the run cleared my head and gave me a sense of accomplishment without stressing my injured hand further.

A Long Term Goal Locked In

One important milestone today was booking my marathon. I officially registered and secured my participation with excitement. The marathon will take place on January, 31st, just a less than a month away. That commitment felt powerful, an anchor that gave today’s run more meaning and turned recovery into preparation for something bigger; an endeavor that requires grit and determination.

Ending the Day and Recovery

After returning home, I took another cold shower, embracing the numbing sensation as it rejuvenated my body, ate again to fuel myself properly, and took my magnesium before going to sleep as per my nightly routine. The day was quieter in terms of training, but it was still purposeful, filled with learning experiences and small victories.

Day 95 Lesson

Today reminded me that discipline does not always mean pushing harder. Sometimes it means choosing recovery while still moving forward in a different way, seeking alternatives that nourish both body and mind. Progress continues when decisions are made with patience and awareness; it is a journey that requires reflection and flexibility.

Day 95 complete. Recovery respected, goals locked in, and the grind continues. This journey is not just about the destination, but about the lessons learned along the way.

👉 How do you stay active and disciplined on days when you need to step back from your main training routine? What strategies do you employ?