Good hard when you must, go easy when you can.
That’s a principle I’ve lived by for years, and it ties straight into two solid scientific ideas.
First, the general adaptation principle: Actual growth and adaptation happen in the recovery phase after stress, not during the stress itself.
Second, hormesis – the biological term for antifragility. A bit of stress is essential for growth, but without proper recovery from that stress, you get nowhere. The magic is in the interplay between the two.
This week I haven’t been adapting well because I needed more rest. Last week was brutal: a big (triathlon) event that wrecked me, plus helping my 85-year-old Mum move from her home of 50 years into a beautiful new apartment in a retirement village.
At work now too, but I’m watching all the young ones around me bounce back fast from their sessions and races. They’re smashing it on Strava and social media, posting their awesomeness.
Life lesson this week: You’re 58, mate. It takes a little longer to recover. You can’t smash everything at once without being mediocre at all of it. There are multiple dimensions to life – work, family, health, mates – so for goodness’ sake be a sensible high performer and actually use the principles you bang on about.
I’ve been texting my long-time mate Matt Kerr – former world champion triathlete, current pro triathlete, who I’ve coached for years. Usually I’m the one hammering him with these reminders. This time roles reversed, and he’s spot-on telling me exactly what I need to hear.
What about you? Are you getting enough stress? Are you getting enough recovery? Both are non-negotiable for a great life.
