Run Work Live: A 10-Min Recovery Hack & The "Try 50 Things" Method

By @runnerjmd | April 1, 2024

Happy Tuesday! Here is one running tip, one life hack and one quote to consider this week…

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Running tip

Recovering from a hard workout is never easy. You’ll often feel wiped for the rest of the day, and not quite yourself for a few days after.

One great way to smooth out the process is to take a short walk in the 4–8 hour window post-run.

It doesn’t have to be long—10 to 15 minutes is enough. That light movement can help recalibrate your nervous system and reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Low effort, high reward. Recovery for your legs, and a reset for your brain.

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Life hack

When we’re stuck—whether it’s improving sleep, finding joy in parenting, or getting better focus—it can feel like we’ve tried everything and nothing works.

But have you really tried everything? Or did you try, like, two or three things?

To break through, try the “try 50 things” approach.

It’s exactly what it sounds like: make a list of 50 things to try, then work your way through them until something clicks.

Here are a few starter lists to scan and get inspired:

1. Getting Better Sleep

Sleep mask
Magnesium before bed
No screens after 8 PM
White noise machine
Cold room
Weighted blanket
Herbal tea
Consistent wake time
Evening walk

2. Parenting with More Joy

“Yes days”
5-minute LEGO sessions
Saying yes to their idea, even if messy
Mindful listening
No phones between 5–7 PM
Running errands solo with one kid
Gratitude journaling with them
Slowing your speech and breathing
Inventing a family ritual
Letting them “win” more often

3. Increasing Focus / Deep Work

Pomodoro timer
Background music (lo-fi, classical, no lyrics)
Standing desk
Forest app / digital detox
“Work sprints” with a buddy
Doing your hardest task first
Not checking email before noon
Working from a library or café
Bullet journaling
Time-blocking instead of to-do lists

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Quote

If you want to be the best, you shouldn't focus on being the best, you should focus on being the best at getting better

- Brad Stulberg

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Wishing you a great week filled with great runs. Keep the momentum going! 🏃‍♀️💼🌟