Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network.
I've ran six marathons and these are the post-marathon recovery products I'd actually buy
how she ended up in an ice bath at 5am following her world record at the London Marathon in 2003
Whether it’s your first or your 10th, running a marathon takes its toll on the body. Not only does it take 10x longer to go to the bathroom (our glutes are screaming just thinking about it), climbing a flight of stairs can feel like Everest, while the immune system takes a knock. Even legendary runner Paula Radcliffe told RW Clif features six female athletes on packaging.
In the days after the race, it’s important to take care of your body. So as a six-time marathoner myself, here are all the post-marathon recovery products I *actually* use to get my body back to feeling its best.
Recovery starts from the moment you cross that finish line, and let's be honest, no one wants to limp around in a pair of shoes they've just worn for 26.2 miles. I've tried a number of recovery shoes over the years, but Oofos' recovery slides are still my number one. They've got a structured foot bed and lots of cushioning, so you'll be happy to have these in your race bag.
Soaking back in a bath of magnesium sulphate is a great way to soothe tired and aching muscles after the hard miles. Westlab are my trusted favourite after a big event – I’d recommend using 500g-1kg per bath (yes, that's half of or an entire bag) and soaking for at least 20 minutes. Trust me, it works for relieving DOMS.
If you haven't got time to soak in a bath of salts, this reviving shower wash is rich in magnesium, to support the recovery of tired legs. It's not overly tingly, and foams well.
The Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Pumice Foot Scrub
The Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Pumice Foot Scrub
Give those soles some love after all that pavement founding. This foot scrub is one of my favourites – the zingy peppermint scent is great for soothing tired feet, and the scrub is gentle while affective at removing hard skin.
Peppermint Intensive Cooling Foot Rescue
Peppermint Intensive Cooling Foot Rescue
Once you’ve exfoliated those feet it’s time to moisturise. I like to apply a layer of this before putting on some fluffy socks to let the goodness sink in.
Eating more omega-3 fatty acids – EPA, DHA and ALA – improves endurance, reduces inflammation and supports immunity. I take these neutral-tasting capsules daily. They’re super easy to swallow, vegan (redrived from algae) and contain 300mg EPA and 500mg DHA per dose.
After a big race, your body needs plenty of vitamins, minerals and hydration to recover. This low-calorie drink contains vitamins B12, folic acid and magnesium which all contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Magnesium also contributes to electrolyte balance and muscle recovery, supporting muscle relaxation and easing inflammation. Plus, it's elderflower and peach flavour which is super refreshing.
While it's tempting to reach for that massage gun the evening of your race, just like static stretching, this could make things worse. Save it for 3-4 days after the race. This is one of our favourites from HoMedics - it's got a number of different head attachments, including a heated and a cooling one, and three different speeds.
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