Recovery vs Recovery - Why One Is Right And One Is Wrong

Recovery means "a return to normal state".

So what does it mean when it is used in connection with training?

I believe there are two uses, one correct and one misleading.

The correct usage is in connection with a workout or other ride where I am pushing myself to the limit. At a certain point I will crack and not be able to maintain the same power. This is a good thing, I want it to happen as it is only by pushing myself to the limits that my body will react by growing stronger.

So I have to ease back. Unless I am nearing the end of the ride however I want to have the opportunity to go hard again. So, yes, at this point I truly want to "recover", that is get back to my normal state so I can stack more stress on my body so, in turn, pushing it to get stronger.

After the ride is over I want to rest up and give my body the opportunity to build this strength.

In training manuals, this will be also referred to as "recovery".

In this case the word is inappropriate. I very definitely do not want my body to return to its normal state. I want it to move to a new, stronger state. If all it does is return to normal then my training isn't working.

A better, more precise word is "adaption". This is the process that I want to kick start through working out. So a normal training cycle would be:

Workout > Adaption > Workout > Adaption etc

What's in a word? Am I just splitting hairs?

I think not. The common day usage of the word recovery is in connection with being ill. The symptoms I suffer when recovering are signs of harm and I definitely do not want to feel them. The sooner they go the better.

To the contrary the symptoms I feel after a hard workout feel good. I like it when my muscles feel tired. I know they will get stronger and I will get fitter as a result.

If I am really ill and feel rough then it's better I don't train. But I don't feel I need to fully "recover" before pushing myself hard again. To the contrary all my breakthroughs have been when I have stacked hard day on hard day. I have lost count of the number of times I have started a ride barely able to lift my leg over my bike and finished feeling great, on occasion even setting new personal bests.

In my opinion using the word "recovery" when you mean "adaption" gives out the wrong signals. Those not used to training hard and pushing themselves will interpret every ache and pain as something to be avoided like a real illness. The mindset can be that you need ot be completely pain and fatigue free before attempting another hard workout. Such an approach is unlikely to result in being the best that you can be.

So at least here the word recovery means really means recovery. If I mean rest in order to get stronger I will use the words adapt/adaption.