cool-down
A cool-down is the ceremonial cleanup crew that arrives uninvited at the end of exertion. It forces you into a mock-elegant routine of stretches and deep breaths while sweat and pulse rate beg for mercy. Under the banner of sports science it glorifies this confrontation with fatigue as an indispensable sacrifice. In truth, it’s mere self-justification by cowards craving a momentary reprieve. Participants quietly set aside battered pride to offer their final shuddering stretch.