She Powered Through & Then She Recovered

Why recovery is not a reward, but a requirement

If She Powered Through was about honoring endurance, this chapter is about celebrating what comes after: recovery as a strategic practice for performance, resilience, and wellness. Crossing the finish line of the She Power race was powerful, but what followed taught me even more about intentional living. 

"Crossing the finish line, fully present and proud."

I ran my fastest 10K, rode the runner's high straight into work, and felt proud, grounded, and accomplished. Planning ahead, I had taken Monday off: a strategic choice that allowed me to recover, reset, and prevent burnout. By Tuesday, I was back at work: moving slower, yes, but still clear-headed, balanced, and fully present. I even offered to come in on my day off, Wednesday, to finish some things, only to wake up and hear my body say, "Not today." 

I honored it. Recovery first, so I could continue to show up as my best self. 

Recovery as Leadership: Bridge Wellness Center

During the race, I met the owners of Bridge Wellness Center, Drs. Matt and Tiffany. They invited me to experience their space, so I did, and from the moment I arrived, it was clear this is a place built with intention, care, and respect for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. 

After changing into my bathing suit (the changing facilities are thoughtful and welcoming), I began with red light therapy, a gentle yet increasingly researched modality used to support recovery, performance, and overall wellness.  

Some of the commonly cited benefits include: 

Muscle Recovery & Pain Support 

• Supports muscle recovery and tissue repair 
• Helps reduce inflammation and joint stiffness
• Stimulates cellular energy (which may accelerate healing)
• May reduce pain by supporting the body's natural inflammatory response

Skin Health

• Helps calm irritated skin
• Supports wound healing and tissue repair
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production 
• Improves circulation, which may enhance tone and texture

Nervous System & Whole-Body Support

• Encourages relaxation of the nervous system
• May support mood regulation and stress reduction
• Emerging research suggests potential benefits for sleep quality and mental well-being

What stood out to me most wasn't just the list of benefits, but how restorative and grounding the experience felt. This wasn't indulgence; it was an intentional recovery, allowing the body to do what it's designed to do. 

These are just some of the potential benefits, as research in this area continues to evolve. 

Gentle Disclaimer: As with any wellness practice, individual experiences may vary. I encourage readers to conduct their own research and consult a healthcare provider to determine what is appropriate and safe for their personal health needs.  

"Trying compression boots at the She Power Race. Intentional recovery in action."

Next came the sauna. The goal: 15 minutes. Around minute five, I felt the discomfort and briefly questioned myself, but I stayed. Leaning into that discomfort was a small exercise in resilience, mindfulness, and self-trust; practices that carry over far beyond the sauna.

After the sauna, I moved to the hot tub for another 10-15 minutes, allowing my nervous system to calm, muscles to relax, and mind to reset. 

Finally, I approached the moment I had been mentally preparing for: the cold plunge. 

Power in Presence:  The Cold Plunge

The cold plunge is where discomfort meets mastery. I took a breath, squatted, settled in, and stayed five full minutes. I was present, breathing through the intensity, and trusting my body's capacity to recover. That moment perfectly summed up this entire experience: intentional recovery is a practice in discernment: choosing when to advance, when to pause, and how to maintain strength for the journey ahead.  

 

"Trusting the process, embracing discomfort, and finding presence."

Finishing strong, in the race and in the cold plunge, is not about ego; it's about strategy, presence, and self-respect. 

Lessons for Leadership, Wellness, and Life 

Recovery is not a reward for finishing the work; it is the discipline and the requirement that allows us to continue with sustainable strength. In leadership, wellness, and life, the ability to pause with intention is not weakness; it's wisdom. Whether on the racecourse, in leadership, or in life, how we recover often determines how long and how well we live AND lead. 

I powered through the race. I recovered with equal intention. And, in doing so, I continue discovering what it means to show up fully; globally, consistently, and whole. It's less about performing and more about embodying presence, humility, and intention in everything I do.  

I'd love to hear from you: 

1. Where have you learned the power of pausing, restoring, or listening to your body to keep going? 
   
   
2. What has resilience looked like for you in this season? 

Resiliently, 

Stacie J.