If you have been following the blog lately you will know that a while back I wrote an article on ‘The busy mummies guide to running a marathon‘. Β That was followed by ‘The busy mummies guide to finishing a marathon‘.
After a marathon, your body feels unlike it has ever felt before. The first time I ran a marathon, about twelve years ago, it was a real shock to the system but it is something I have got used to and also something that seems to last for a shorter period each time.
The minute you stop running as you cross the finish line you begin to stiffen up and despite running a few seconds before you struggle to walk without looking a little odd. As you walk around you loosen off, but if you then get in the car, sit down or then dream of going to sleep at the end of the day you have had it because again you will stiffen up.
I always find it is the stiffness that hurts more than anything but you also feel as if you have used every single muscle in your body – you will be introduced to muscles you didn’t even know existed.
Although the pros all head for an ice bath after a marathon, I don’t think I am hard core enough for that, so here are my top tips for a speedy marathon recovery:
- Keep moving
- Stretch
- Try not to sit in the car too soon afterwards
- Keep moving when you get home
- Potter about doing all the normal things you would do at home, although it might be tempting to sit down, you will regret if afterwards when you stiffen up
- Go up and down the stairs sidewards – it is less painful
- Before bed relax in a warm bath (not too hot) with Arnica Muscle Soak
- Massage your legs with an oil – or better still get someone else to do that for you
- Lie on your back with your legs in the air for 20 mins before you go to sleep
- In the morning get moving ASAP
You will be as good as new in no time!
14 comments
I’m doing a half iron man next week – ahhhhhh! Thanks for linking this up π #bigfatlinky
Oh fab! Good luck!
Good advice! I’ve suffered today (and yesterday) after sitting at my desk to work after my weekend of exertion (a triathlon!). Wish I’d gone for the post event massages on offer (but my support team – hubby and kids – were a bit bored by then…!). Well done on the marathons by the way! #FitnessTuesdays
Oh wow – well done to you! Congratulations! Yes – it can be a long wait for the support team can’t it!
Sounds great advice and I’m intrigued by the lying with your legs in the air before sleep #fitnesstuesdays
Really works – great for after skiing as well!
Great advice! I’m hoping to do my first marathon in the spring so I’ll be referring to your marathon guide then too! #fitnesstuesday
Oh that’s fab to hear – which one are you thinking of doing?
I will never forget the stiffness after running the first marathon back in 2011. Last year I had a massage straight after the run and it made such a difference. “Go up and down the stairs sidewards” that I must remember for next time! Some fabulous tips lovely! Thanks for linking #FitnessTuesday
Lol thanks – it eases the strain and just means you can keep moving! π
Great tips! I’m not a long distance runner myself and tend only to do 5km distances and focus on speed. I can only imagine the soreness you experience after a marathon so these tips would definitely come in handy if I ever did have the urg to go longer!! π x
Ah I envy you – I can only manage speed on Skis!
Great tips. I was lucky after my last marathon as I was in Mallorca and child free I relaxed in the spa and it was pure heaven and a far cry from my usual go home and make the dinner scenario! Great realistic tips we can all manage #FitnessTuesday
Oh wow – sounds amazing π