Recovery

[Crankin]

I also have one day a week where I do nothing. Sometimes, though, if I am really stiff on that day, I do a light spin on the trainer in the winter, or I go for a walk/do yoga in the riding season. Other weeks, I take two rest days, and one has light exercise. It really depends on what else I am doing besides riding. Recovery gets more important as I age, but I've never been able to do the level of intensity that others do without some kind of issue. For me, it's not always injury, but more the stresses all this stuff puts on my immune system. I have learned the hard way, believe me.
I am pretty bad about stretching, but I do use the foam roller and try to do up dogs for my lower back. My issues come when I try to run and ride; my legs just are too sore or heavy from running to do long rides or climbing and continue to go to my fitness classes twice a week, which is really important to me. I've had compression tights for a few years and they don't seem to do anything.