Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: What do you do after a long run or race?. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post.
I had to dig deep in the archives of my brain for this week’s topic since it’s been a very long time since I’ve completed either a long run or a race, lol.
Walk
Most of my long runs would normally end at a park near my house, so I would always walk one loop of the park (usually 10 minutes) after a long run. I used that as my post-run cool down. After a race I always considered the walk to get post-race water and food part of my cool-down.
Stretch
This was always a non-negotiable with me after any long run or race. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes, it really made a difference in my post-run soreness.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt baths were always my favorite part of the long run. My favorite brand is Dr. Teals because they have so many different types of epsom salt – especially their pre & post workout product. My legs, especially my hamstrings, always felt so much better after an epsom salt bath,
Eat
This is probably the most important post-long run or race ritual. I don’t really have a particular meal that I would always eat, but I always made sure to drink a ton of water with whatever meal I decided to eat.
Tell me: What do you do after a long run or race?
Join the Link-Up!
Topic for next week – FREE topic!
Sometimes I stretch. Very briefly.
I love chocolate milk and food. Especially after a long run. Bagel or French toast. Carbs.
Then either my hot tub or a long hot shower.
I’m all about the carbs after a long run – bagel, pancakes or waffles, and sometimes pizza, lol.
These are great points, Kim!
The one thing that I always neglect to do after a long run is a proper stretch. Either I’m so happy to have crossed the finish line or so happy to be home and sit down that I forget to stretch. I should remember to do that!
Also, I have never tried an Epsom Salt bath.
I always drink something refreshingly cold – usually water. After a hot long run, it’s the best!
Definitely try an epsom salt bath – it’s both relaxing and helps your muscles too!
I usually try to get in a good walk, also, after a long run or a race. Coming to an abrupt stop is no bueno. I’m never hungry, but am pretty disciplined about getting some water, Gatorade, or chocolate milk (if it’s available). Stretching is also part of my routine, but if I’m at a race it’s difficult to do a thorough stretch-out because I always feel rushed to get back home.
Whenever I have come to an abrupt stop after a race my legs always feel awful! I think the walk is good for the lactic acid build up.
Yes, walking is great and will (hopefully) minimize DOMS. When I lived up north and did long runs in cold weather I used to LOVE taking a hot bath. I have to admit I don’t do much post-run stretching after going long. I love waffles or pancakes afterwards!
Walking definitely helps me minimize DOMS which is always a good thing, lol.
Funny I was just thinking that I’m going to start to have to find my post-long run routine again. Walking definitely helps me to cool down and start the recovery process then I try to hydrate and stretch. It always takes a bit before I feel like eating.
Same here. I’m usually thirsty so i drink water or chocolate milk, but I don’t eat until at least an hour after.
After a long run I find that chocolate milk helps my body recover and avoid the after run migraine especially on hot days. I really should stretch after the run and not wait a day.
Yes to all of these. I love milk & protein powder right after my run. Stretching is a must for me. Then of course posting to IG lol
I need to get motivated to post on IG after my workouts – it’s been months, lol.
Eat all of the food!! Haha. During the Summer I also drink a lot of water. Walking definitely helps too. I remember after running a marathon in New Orleans I walked back to the hotel. It was painful but I was not too sore the next day.
I agree – I had to walk for a while after NYCM and I’m convinced that’s why I wasn’t super sore the next day.