Utrecht
Last night’s metrics painted a picture of significant fatigue. Just 4 hours and 38 minutes of sleep, a 22% sleep performance, and a 15% recovery score would normally suggest a difficult day ahead. Yet today became a reminder that recovery is about far more than numbers on a screen.
After a full day and night immersed in music, energy, movement, and celebration at the festival, the priority shifted completely. There was no pressure to perform, no need to chase productivity, and no desire to force training. The mission was simple: recover well and enjoy the experience.
The day began slowly with breathwork, guided meditation, and music. Instead of rushing into activity, I gave myself permission to settle into the day and listen to what my body needed. It was immediately clear that rest, hydration, sunshine, and connection would provide far more value than any workout.
One of the highlights of the day was the simple joy of spending uninterrupted time with my wife. A long hot shower, affection, laughter, and genuine connection reminded me that some of life’s greatest luxuries cost nothing. Holding onto that youthful feeling of being completely present with someone you love is something worth protecting.
Food became part of the adventure. The focaccia at Nona Rosa was exceptional, fresh, crisp, light, and full of flavour. The Japanese milk bread sandwich at Sando may genuinely be one of the best things I have ever eaten. But not only the food made it special it was the reaction of the owners when I told them how good it tastes they smiled from ear to ear. It was a very wholesome moment seeing the joy my gratitude gave was very special
Next we sat in the sunshine enjoying an ice cream sundae felt like one of those simple moments that often become the memories that last the longest. Good food, hot sunny weather, and great company is a combination that rarely disappoints.
One of the unexpected highlights of the day came from simply being present and open to whatever was happening around us.
The Utrecht Marathon was taking place, and we stumbled across a support zone pumping out dance music and positive energy. Hundreds of runners streamed past, each carrying their own story, challenge, and reason for being there. The atmosphere was infectious. Spectators were cheering, shouting encouragement, ringing bells, and willing complete strangers towards the finish line. Watching people push themselves while being lifted by the energy of the crowd was a powerful reminder of what community can do.
Later in the day we stopped to watch a young band performing. The musicians couldn’t have been much older than 12 to 15 years old, but they absolutely owned the stage. A five-piece band led by a charismatic frontman played with confidence, enthusiasm, and pure joy. There was something inspiring about watching young people completely immersed in what they loved doing, not worrying about being judged, simply expressing themselves and having fun. Their energy was impossible not to smile at.
Looking back, the day wasn’t really about recovery protocols, food, or even the attractions we visited. It was about people. Runners chasing goals. Young musicians chasing dreams. My wife and I enjoying each other’s company. Everywhere we went there were examples of people fully engaged in life, and perhaps that is why the day felt so fulfilling despite the lack of sleep and physical fatigue.
The afternoon was dedicated to recovery. Whirlpool bath, sauna, cold showers, electrolytes, salt, mobility, and relaxed breathing created exactly the environment my body needed after the previous day’s exertion. Nothing aggressive. Nothing forced. Just creating conditions that encouraged restoration.
The evening continued the theme with pizza, tiramisu, hand-in-hand walks back to the hotel, and a few treats before bed. There was no rush, no agenda, and no attempt to optimise every minute. Just enjoying the day for what it was.
Reflecting on the weekend, each day seemed to have its own identity.
Friday was peaceful.
Saturday was adventure, music, movement, and celebration.
Sunday was love, laughter, recovery, connection, and a celebration of people doing what they love.
Perhaps the most important lesson from today is that wellbeing is not built exclusively in gyms, boardrooms, or through achievement. Sometimes it is built through conversations, shared meals, long walks, holding hands, listening to music, sitting in the sunshine, and giving yourself permission to simply enjoy being alive.
Happiness comes from what you do, where you go, and who you are with not from what you have.
Today was a beautiful reminder of that truth.
“Strength for Life”
