Best Thing to do After a Big Race

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Last Updated: December 18th, 2024 at 11:25 pm

For those who don’t know, the Chicago Marathon was this past Sunday. It is, without a doubt, the largest annual sporting event in Chicago.

For those who successfully completed it this past weekend, a huge congratulations is due! 

After months and months of training, you’ve successfully crossed the finish line. Maybe you met your main goal or maybe you fell short. Regardless of the outcome, you’re probably very tired and wanting to know what’re the best things to do post-race

In this day and age of optimization, the question of “what is the best thing to do after a big race” comes to mind. My simple answer = rest After a big race, rest is best That may seem anticlimactic because it is so simple but that’s the point I’m trying to make

Yes you can foam roll or stretch
Yes you can get a massage
Yes you can take an epsom salt bath
Yes you can get some dry needling
Yes you can sauna, steam room, or cold plunge
etc.

You know what all these things have in common? They aren’t workouts. None of those things are ‘exercise’ per se. 

After a big race like a marathon, really, all you need is rest. Different rest and recovery options are listed above but at the end of the day, you’re body just needs to take a break

It is during the resting period where your body rebuilds and builds itself back up stronger and better than before.

Now’s the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and take a break

Now, if I’m going to make a specific suggestion, as you’re resting, lay with your feet propped up on some pillows so that your ankles are above your heart

This will improve the circulation in your legs and really help your legs feel better Elevate your legs to improve circulation. Get your ankles above your heart Now, if you made it through the marathon but got injured, that’s a different story. Give it a couple days of true rest to see if it gets better on its own and if it doesn’t, maybe we should chat.

I’ve helped hundred of local runners get back to running pain free. Click the button below to schedule a free 15-20 minute discovery phone call with me. Over the phone we’ll chat about your problem and see if we’re a good fit to work together.

Schedule Call

Your best is yet to come,

-Dr. Michael

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