Photo Credit: All Posters

Now what?  I have been looking forward to NOT having this huge goal hanging over my head for the last month.  So glad it’s done.  But I’m also not one to slack off completely and not having any goals or ambitions for what’s next.  Certainly don’t want to lose the fitness I have now by not running…I’d say this is one area that I did not prepare myself for.  What is next after this?  I love trail running, weight training and cycling- all of which I plan on doing weekly now- I just need to make sure that I am staying fit and not gaining body fat or slacking off in my food intake.  I guess what I’m getting at is that I still need a plan and some goals.  Without specific goals, how does one stay motivated day in and day out?

I’ve heard from several sources that it will take your legs a full month to completely recovery from all the stress we just put them through.  But, what is the best method to actually recover?

THINGS TO CONSIDER POST MARATHON:

Are you injured?  Did you become injured during the marathon or in the week beyond?  My first marathon WAY back in ’99, I dislocated a rib in my back- 3 days after the marathon.  After a week of whining, I finally saw a chiropractor.

How are the legs? Sore? Depending on the type of marathon and your fitness level and your AGE- will depend on how sore you are.  At the ripe old age of 37, I am still VERY sore 2 days post run.

Nutrition? Even though the marathon is over, it is NOT the time to eat everything in sight!  Don’t load up on carbs, pizza and alcohol, just because you’re done.  Your nutrition should still be HIGH quality complex carbs and proteins. Note: tons of veggies!  Your immune system has been put to the test, high quality nutrition can really keep you healthy and feeling good.

Baths:  Ice baths are preferred post marathon- then switching to hot baths and massages, if possible.

STRETCHING: Mandatory. Every day, you should spend 20 minutes or more stretching out those tight muscles.

Goals:  Reset your future goals based on your recent experience.  Personally, I need goals and a buddy, to get me out the door in the mornings! I actually get excited when I know I have a workout scheduled early the next day.  Goals in other areas of your life- as well- as your FITNESS goals.  Adding some new books to the reading pile, taking suggestions!? Happiness goals- what makes you truly happy? Family and Spouse Goals?  For example, hubby and I have had a date night softball game every friday for the last six months and we are ready for a new “time out” with each other.  Focusing on the fun of a sport rather than the actual “have to do something” part of sport.

What did I forget? Comments, suggestions?  Tell me to cool it!?