#168 What Runners Should Do IMMEDIATELY Post-Marathon to Kickstart Their Recovery, and How to Base Build for Next Season
Dec 7, 2023
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Andrea and Megan, seasoned runners, share valuable insights on post-race recovery. They discuss immediate post-race steps, nutrition, hydration, mental recovery, travel tips, changing training, and downtime activities. They also cover adjusting nutrition and building a base training phase, including its ideal duration.
Take 10 days to two weeks off after completing a marathon to allow for physical and mental recovery, prioritize rest, sleep, and good nutrition, and avoid alcohol in order to enhance glycogen replenishment and overall recovery.
During the base training phase after recovery, gradually incorporate running by starting with short, easy runs, paying attention to recovery between workouts, and adjusting training paces as you gradually rebuild fitness.
Deep dives
Post-Marathon Recovery
After completing a marathon, it is crucial to give yourself a break from running and take 10 days to two weeks off. This break allows for physical and mental recovery. Focus on activities other than running, catch up on daily tasks, and reflect on the season, considering any positives or changes for future training. Take advantage of the break to prioritize rest, sleep, and good nutrition. Proper hydration is also important to replenish electrolytes lost during the race. Avoid alcohol during this recovery period, as it impairs recovery and can hinder glycogen replenishment. Using writing style B, summarize the importance of post-marathon recovery and the need for rest, reflection, and hydration.
Base Training After a Marathon
After the recovery period, it is time to slowly incorporate running again through a base training phase. Start with short, easy runs and gradually increase time and distance. It's important to not overdo it and avoid running too fast or too long too soon. The base period is a time to build back fitness gradually, focusing on easy runs and strides. Pay attention to recovery between workouts and make sure to listen to your body. Avoid jumping back into intense or long workouts too quickly. Consider trying new shoes or experimenting with nutrition during this phase. Also, be aware that your training paces may need adjustment as you rebuild fitness. Patience, consistency, and running by feel are key during this base training phase.
Race Expectations and Planning
When setting future race goals after a marathon, it's important to allow ample time for recovery and base training. Give yourself at least eight weeks without any targeted races to allow your body to fully heal and rebuild fitness. Consider your next race distance and adjust expectations accordingly, as speed may take longer to come back after a marathon. Be patient and avoid rushing progress. Use this time to experiment with new training strategies, such as lower stack shoes or different fueling techniques. Do not rely on race predictors or watches entirely, as they may not accurately reflect current fitness. Focus on gradual improvements and trust the process in order to set yourself up for success in future races.
This episode is your quick guide to post-race recovery after a season of training and racing with Andrea and Megan (who are fresh off marathons themselves). From immediate post-race steps to nutrition, hydration, and mental recovery strategies, Andrea & Megan share valuable insights. Get tips on travel, changing training, and downtime activities. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a beginner, this episode covers adjusting nutrition, building a base training phase, and its ideal duration.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:40 - The Subjective: How do you recovery from a season of training & racing?
5:52 - The first step to race recovery: immediately post-race
10:22 - Post-race nutrition & hydration
13:13 - Drinking alcohol after a race, good or bad?
16:34 - Sleep & journaling for mental recovery
23:50 - Tips for travelling long-distance after a race
30:02 - Changing your training for recovery after a race
36:05 - What to do while taking time off
40:50 - Adjusting nutrition during a recovery period
47:32 - Strategies for building a base training phase
59:03 - How long should a base phase last?
1:03:32 - Wrap-up
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