05/07/2026
One thing I’ve learned over the last year rebuilding strength postpartum is that recovery matters just as much as training. Maybe more honestly 😅
When most weekends involve long hikes, big elevation days, running, strength training and carrying kids/packs around the mountains, eventually your body lets you know when you’re not recovering properly.
After dealing with recurring shin splints and ankle pain for months, I started taking recovery a lot more seriously this season and it’s been making SUCH a difference already heading into summer.
These are some of the things currently in my routine:
🤍 mobility + stretching
🤍 low impact zone 2 workouts
🤍 electrolytes, protein + creatine
🤍 sauna + cold plunge sessions
🤍 red light therapy
And before anyone thinks this needs to look extreme — it really doesn’t.
Contrast therapy can literally be:
• a heating pad + ice pack
• a quick cold shower
• stretching before bed
• slowing down enough to let your body actually recover
Mine has evolved as training volume has increased, but the biggest shift has honestly just been being more intentional about recovery instead of only focusing on output.
I was especially skeptical about red light therapy at first if I’m being honest. But after both my sports doctor and physio recommended it, I started researching it more seriously and ended up trying the Novaa Lab pad at home. It’s become one of my favourite additions for inflammation and recovery after long days.
Matt’s been using the same routine while training for his 100 miler last month too, so these tools are definitely getting tested over here lately 😅
I wrote a full blog post breaking down what’s been helping, what I’ve noticed so far, and how we’re using everything heading into summer adventure season. Linked in bio 🔗
Would genuinely love to know — what’s part of your recovery routine right now?
🔍 postpartum recovery, hiking recovery tips, trail running recovery, mountain athlete recovery, red light therapy recovery, contrast therapy benefits, endurance training recovery, recovery for hikers
