Post Marathon Recovery

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Austin Half and Austin Full Marathon this past Sunday!

Now the recovery process begins. Hopefully you started your recovery right after the marathon by soaking your legs in Barton Springs Pool, or a coldwater bath at home. If you didn’t, keep that in mind for your next long run/race, it will decrease (or even eliminate) muscle soreness.

If you are planning to run this week, make sure you run SLOWER than usual, and limit your mileage to even less than your taper weeks.

As far as eating, your muscles are still quite broken down and your immune system is susceptible to sickness, so it is important that you eat healthy! Yes, you’ve burned a ton of calories so you can have a few “indulgences,” but you still need to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of fluids to re-hydrate your body as well.

Lastly, if you have not gotten a massage, I highly encourage you to do so! That will speed your recovery process tremendously.

Happy trails!