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“Easy recovery run” or just another Strava excuse? Expert coach on the benefits of active recovery – and how to actually get it right

Active recovery: beneficial to speed up recovery after training? Or just an excuse for the rest day shy to train, and for the Strava-obsessed to justify a bad day in the triathlon office? Expert triathlon coach Andrew Woodroffe gives the low down on the benefits of active recovery, and how to make sure you're doing it properly for maximum benefit.

By Andrew Woodroffe

Triathlon coach and freelance writer

Last updated -

16 Jul 2025

Ever logged onto Strava and seen someone posting an "easy recovery spin" or a "gentle recovery jog"? The paces are slower, the effort is easier. And maybe it's just a pre-emptive excuse if the uploade...

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Written by

Andrew Woodroffe

Andrew Woodroffe is a performance triathlon coach and long-distance triathlete. With over 10 years in the sport, he's coached some of the best junior and senior athletes in the UK and Europe.

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“Easy recovery run” or just another Strava excuse? Expert coach on the benefits of active recovery – and how to actually get it right

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