So you ran a race. GREAT! But are you recovering properly? Today, our racing season guest writer dares you to take your race recovery seriously. Don't know how? Amanda's got you covered:
Thanks, Amanda! It's too easy to revel in the joy of your accomplishment, but recovering properly is an important part of the process, too! Dare you all to take her advice, and help your body heal, post-race.
How do YOU recover after a big race?
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Do you take race recovery seriously?
I see it all over the place—runners who run a race on the
weekend and then are back out there pounding the pavement HARD a couple of days
later. While I understand getting caught up in the race high, I also cringe when
I see this happen. Why? Because recovery from a race is something we all need
to take seriously.
Racing breaks your body down, even if it doesn’t feel like
it. Even a short effort—a 5k or 10k, is enough to do some damage. Yes, you
didn’t go far, but you did (I assume!) go hard. Respect that your muscles want
some downtime.
What I recommend is that, for races up to a 10-miler, you
take the week after a race fairly free form. That is, no specific workouts that
you must follow. Instead, let your body and mind be your guide. Feel like
running? Fine, but keep it shorter and easier than normal. Feel like sleeping
in? Do it. Consider also some light cross-training, something like an easy spin
on your bike or a swim.
Later on in the week, if you are feeling truly recovered,
maybe try a couple of miles at tempo pace. But if you get into the effort and
feel a bit sluggish, back off. Your body wants a bit more rest.
If you’ve gone longer than a 10-mile race, I suggest
stretching your recovery out even longer. This is especially true for a
marathon, which breaks your body down more than you can even detect. For
complete recovery, it can actually take as long as a full month.
Again, I’m not saying stop exercising. But what I am saying
is that in the days and sometimes weeks following a race, your body is at its
most vulnerable to injury. Take your training easier and shorter than you would
normally and let the muscles heal completely before you step it up a notch.
Follow this approach and not only will you avoid injury, but you’ll likely come
back stronger for your next race. Good luck!
Amanda Loudin
Twitter: @misszippy1
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Thanks, Amanda! It's too easy to revel in the joy of your accomplishment, but recovering properly is an important part of the process, too! Dare you all to take her advice, and help your body heal, post-race.
How do YOU recover after a big race?
I love Amanda and totally stalk all her posts and save em in hopes I some day run one more race...
ReplyDeleteWise words from my favourite Run Coach!! LOVE THIS!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your space with me today!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! Thanks for the tips!
DeleteYes, I get very impatient but a month later I feel so strong and ready to race again.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It's really useful to know how to recover as I up my mileage!
ReplyDeleteI've tried to be sensible after my marathon, I took a few days off, and then I've just been sticking to shorter runs and light cardio sessions. The last time I ran a half I took no time off at all, I was in the gym lifting heavy the next day, I paid for it in the end as I ended up pretty badly burned out.
ReplyDeleteLive and learn!
DeleteREST! I used to not want to rest but now I've come to see and feel all of its benefits :)
ReplyDeleteSuch great advice. It is always hard to step back and let ourselves rest, isn't it? I do get impatient but rationally I know my body needs the rest.
ReplyDeleteWell this couldn't have been more perfect timing!! :) Now that I finished my race, I'm trying to switch things up! Yesterday I did yoga and it felt awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood post. I certainly appreciate this site. Thanks!
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