“This post was sponsored by Massage Envy as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.”
Training for a half marathon is quite an amazing experience. You learn to push your body to new limits. Once race day gets here, you get to put all your hard work to the test. However, recovering from the half marathon after-the-fact is not always a smooth ride. Now that you’ve ran the half marathon, it’s time listen to your body and do a few nice gestures for it. After my first half-marathon I began to incorporate these 5 tips for half marathon recovery and it has really made a difference.
Hydrate
If there is one very thing your body needs most after a half marathon, it is hydrating. Your body has lost so much important liquid that it’s important to hydrate it as much as possible. Water is always the best option for hydrating. During a half marathon, your sweat rates are increased, due to your fitness level, the weather conditions, and your running pace. Basically, drink up, but don’t over-do it in the water department. I also like to incorporate Nuun electrolyte tabs. The electrolytes help with hydration and the flavor is also nice when you are just done with drinking only water all day. Plus it’s great to alleviate muscle cramping.
Stretch Those Muscles
There is probably nothing you want more than to just sit down and relax after you run a half marathon. While your body needs rest, it needs to be able to stretch first. Your body has just finished an amazing accomplishment and now it’s time to take care of it. You’ll want to stretch as many body parts as you can. Remember to take it easy and stretch slowly and tenderly! You’ll most likely experience soreness in the days ahead, but stretching helps you keep your muscles loose.
Foam Roll Out the Pain
Another way to recover from a half marathon is by using foam roller. Foam rolling is basically a form of self-massage that aids in the recovery of your muscles and helps to reduce injuries in your body after a half marathon. If you’re experiencing pain, you can use the foam roller to apply pressure to those sore spots can help alleviate it.
Grab a Massage
Getting a massage is by far my personal favorite for recovering after a half marathon. My go to massage place is Massage Envy. They have been great in helping me recover from half marathons in the muscle department. In fact, massage is something I incorporate in my training as well to help with overall total body care.
I love the mission of Massage Envy and how they have a passion to help everyone live just a little better. Total body care is really important and Massage Envy understands that. I love that massage helps to keep me performing my best. The first time I got a massage for as part of my training it was a light bulb moment for me on how I can use it to help my body recover. It really was me taking a moment to check over my body and make sure everything was functioning well.
Keep Moving
Although it might seem counterproductive, it’s not. It’s important to keep moving and walk through the days after your race to help keep your muscles full of oxygen and keep you from getting too stiff. Movement also helps with DOMs delayed onset muscle soreness. I like to take a long easy walk the day after my run and then slowly incorporate running back in when I feel ready to do so.
I have found as I have used the above tips that my body recovers a whole lot faster.
Have you run a longer distance race before? What do you do for total body care to recover?
Latest posts by Emily (Posts)
- Don’t Call It A Comeback - February 7, 2019
- The Little Prince at The Smith Center Las Vegas – Ticket Giveaway - January 31, 2017
- 3 Simple Ways To Add Color To Your Diet @SUBWAY @OfficialSubway - January 13, 2017
- Disney’s Moana in Dolby Cinema at AMC Movie Review - November 27, 2016
These are great tips! I always wanted to run a marathon. I’ll have to look into it!
My husband recently ran a full marathon. And he agrees that these tips are spot on! Especially the massage. It really helped him recover.
Can I just skip the marathon and go straight to the massage? I love getting massages if I could I would get one every day.
Great tips. My husband is a runner so I will share these tips with him.
I’ve never done a marathon but I’ve done 2 overnight walks for suicide prevention that were about 18 miles and let me tell you! I NEEDED a massage big time after those!
This is really great advice for runners who are recovering from running a half marathon. It is so important to hydrate and keep moving.
I’m getting a head start on my New Year’s resolution to run a marathon. These tips will come in handy.
I have never done a marathon, this sounds like a great way to recover though. Thanks for the tips, I will share with my friends who do a lot of marathons.
These sound like great tips to me! I’ve never ran a long distance before but I a lot of walking. I know these things can help even after a long brisk walk. 😉
Since my hubby a participant almost for running marathon these tips would be great for him: Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! However, I think I’ll skip the marathon and go straight for the massage. That sounds good to me.
These tips will be great for my next half, but I’ll take the massage now!! 🙂
Great tips. Just because the marathon is over doesn’t mean your body is well.
Great advice for marathoners. A massage in particular is definitely a great way to recoup after a hard workout.
I have yet to run a marathon! I hope to be physically fit enough to do so one day! Good for you!
Definitely so many great tips here! And yes to keep moving is one of the best ones! I always feel better after a big race if I walk around for a bit after all of the running is said and done!
It must take so much work to train for a marathon. I have always wanted to do one but never find the time to train with little ones. These are great tips.
This is a great post. I have a few friends that do long distance running. I will have to share this with them.
I’ve never run a marathon but I Can only imagine how that feels! I would certainly LOVE a massage.