How to Recover from a Race

by | May 27, 2022 | Training & Racing

For runners racing this spring — you need to read this.

As a Physical Therapist, I find that most runners are careful to avoid injuries before a race.

Unfortunately, few realize that injuries AFTER a race are also common.

These injuries happen because runners misunderstand the recovery process.

Many runners think that they have fully recovered if their legs feel fine.

What’s the problem with this?

Watch the video to find out:

 

How Recovery Works

After a race, you will feel normal within 2 or 3 days. This is because your daily activities don’t stress your muscles to the max.

You might be tempted to start running again, but it could be a mistake.

Through training and racing, your muscles are strained – creating tiny tears. These tears are why you’re sore after a race.

If you’re not careful, these tears can evolve into injury.

Here’s What to Do

I recommend yoga for 2-4 weeks after a race. 

Muscles are protective. If you stress them too much, you will feel pain. Yoga will stretch your muscles to the limit in a gentle way.

When the muscles stretch, you will find out if you’re fully recovered. If there’s any tissue damage, your body will tell you.

That’s why yoga is the best way to assess your recovery before running again.

Main Message

To avoid injury after a race, you need a solid yoga program.

RunSmart offers yoga specifically designed for runners to prevent injuries.

With RunSmart, you can run fast and injury-free in the long run (pun intended 😉).

Fast & Injury-Free Running Awaits!

See how RunSmart is helping 3,000+ runners train smarter and save money!

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Join RunSmart for free and explore personalized running plans, Physical Therapist-designed strength training, yoga, and more.

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