Recovery runs used to feel like such a waste

okay so honestly recovery runs were the worst part of my training, like I get that theyre important but going super slow just felt pointless?? I kept skipping them or halfassing them because what was even the point of running if I wasnt trying to hit a PR or something

then like a month ago I basically started capturing territory while running, sounds weird but its this whole thing where you run in circles to claim land and defend it from other runners, suddenly my easy recovery runs had a purpose, I could expand my map control near home, fill in those annoying gaps between my territories, literally block competitors from taking my spots

now I actually look forward to recovery days because Im strategizing instead of just dragging myself through boring miles, like yesterday I did this super chill 3 miler just to claim this one street that was bugging me and it felt so satisfying, my heart rate stayed low the whole time but I was actually engaged mentally you know

turns out recovery runs are perfect for this because youre going slow enough to really control your path and hit specific streets without gassing yourself, its kinda genius honestly because now Im doing all my recovery runs consistently instead of making excuses