Welcome to recovery week. A time to rest my body, to let it heal not just from the race but from the pounding it took in training. A time to eat bad-for-me food (can you say, dessert every night, beverages and Mighty Taco?)

My recovery week also includes more travel. I’m currently en route to Los Angeles for the Association for Women in Sports Media annual convention. I’m set not only to participate in the event, which brings me back in contact with some ultra cool women and offers great information, training and inspiration, but also places me in the role of president of the organization.

And with that final note comes a big old “gulp.” As with any big task, there is always that moment of doubt. That moment of wondering who, exactly, thought this would be a good idea. In what universe did I think I was capable of guiding a national organization with a rich history and an important mission? I’m sure I will have more doubts and more thoughts on the topic.

But one of the things I’ve learned through my endurance sports endeavors is that I can do more than I think I can. I am capable of a lot more than I give myself credit for. Sometimes my drive for humility keeps me stagnant, keeps me “safe.” But is there really any joy or happiness in picking the safe lane? In fact, all of the evidence I’ve gathered in my own life suggests the opposite is most true — that reward always follows risk. We just don’t always recognize the reward as such.

In recovery week, we not only let our body absorb the work we’ve asked it to do, but we let our spirit absorb the lessons, too.

A perfect world may have given me a bit more time for emotional and physical rest and recovery. But then again, maybe this is my perfect world … and maybe the best time for me to take on new challenges.