Successful athletes and performance enthusiasts tend to be intrinsically motivated and the hard work, such as tough training sessions, big miles, or breakthrough days provides instant gratification and validation.

It is a massive reward to complete a tough training camp. It feels good to produce your best running splits. You get energized from accomplishing something you may believe improbable. It is why we often say ‘Hard work is the easy thing.' Of course, it's not easy, but it is the thing that creates an appreciation of progress, improvement, and confidence-building.

So where does recovery fit in, especially if we don't get that feeling of "instant gratification?" Most of us understand the role and importance of recovery, but few are really good at embracing it. In fact, most driven athletes don’t even like it because it doesn't always breed confidence - at least in the short term.

Today, Matt outlines the importance of recovery and why, believe it or not, REST IS ACTION.

• What is the role of recovery in your training? What does rest actually accomplish?

• Why is recovery a long-term investment in your performance?

• How should you incorporate active rest in your training, especially now in the post-season/holiday break?

• And, when and how should you re-engage with regular structure?

Pulling back from hard work and integrating some easy days is not easy. It is even tougher when you see or hear about your peers or competition out there working hard while you, as they say, laze about.

Rest is action. It isn’t passive, lazy, or simply designed to recharge the batteries. It takes big-picture planning, pragmatism, and a commitment to the longer-term journey. THIS is why it takes courage.

0:00-03:38 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

03:38-08:30 Squaddie Update - Exclusive Run Squad and Bike Squad Launching in January to first 50 athletes. Email [email protected] to get on the list to be the first to find out when it opens.

08:30-10:40 Word of the Week - Us

10:50 The Meat and Potatoes - Rest is Action

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

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