Quantcast

Run after Race

Brad Nicholson's picture
Posts
97
Member
723 days
started by Brad Nicholson on October 20, 2008

Does anyone else here run the day following a race - of any discipline or distance?

I just ran the local trail race series yesterday and ran this am. I have done this for years but am wondering if a day off on the legs may not be better.

Race was only 5.5 miles

SueR's picture
Posts
345
Member
592 days
SueR posted 1 year ago.

I usually swim the day after a run or bike race. I did a ten k yesterday, took an ice bath, and hit the gym this morning with the plan to swim tonite. It wasn't my A race, but I like to do something the day after to prevent excess second day soreness. That being said, I know what my legs like because I have tried different things. Give it a shot and know for the next time!

jsk85's picture
Posts
1091
Member
674 days
jsk85 posted 1 year ago.

I usually try and get either a flat and easy bike ride in, or go ride the recumbent at the gym after a running race. It's the only time I use the exercise bikes at the gym, but I find the really easy non-impact motion loosens the legs up without any pain and minimal chance of injuring the already tired legs.

jhudalla's picture
Posts
713
Member
668 days
jhudalla posted 1 year ago.

jsk85 wrote:
I usually try and get either a flat and easy bike ride in, or go ride the recumbent at the gym after a running race. It's the only time I use the exercise bikes at the gym, but I find the really easy non-impact motion loosens the legs up without any pain and minimal chance of injuring the already tired legs.

+1

For anything longer than a 10k.

Weary is the path that does not challenge.

tri-ac's picture
Posts
2766
Member
1445 days
tri-ac posted 1 year ago.

joe bonness supposedly does
i wouldn't, though, because i don't have the constitution that he does
cycling or swimming might be better for the body

lala2021's picture
Posts
336
Member
431 days
lala2021 posted 1 year ago.

My coach has me do easy spinning on the trainer for 30min or more the day after a marathon.
It helps release the lactic acid that has built up in your legs.

Anton's picture
Posts
3891
Member
1723 days
Anton posted 1 year ago.

Just an easy spin or swim...

"If e wishes to sweem in dangerous waters, oo are we to deny im?
-Chef Skinner
http://antonspath.blogspot.com

jnrice's picture
Posts
588
Member
442 days
jnrice posted 1 year ago.

just make sure I keep moving and don't sit on a couch all day. If I have time and my body allows I do go for an easy workout.

cayman's picture
Posts
998
Member
1192 days
cayman posted 1 year ago.

always go for a run the day after. I find it keeps my legs from locking up and gets me back on the road sooner, but then, that's just what works for me; marathon this past Saturday, 7 mile run yesterday. If I'm in town the day after a race I'll usually hit the pool first to help loosen things up before going out.

Tamara's picture
Posts
769
Member
1679 days
Tamara posted 1 year ago.

I know people do it, but my understanding is that not running the day after a hard race (esp a longer distance event, not necessarily a 5K), is that you need to let your muscles heal all those microtears. It's like not lifting weights two days in a row, allow time for the healing both to get stronger in the long term and to avoid doing damage.

In my marathon days, before I took up tris and had a bike or pool membership, I'd take long walks and stretch the day or two after races. Now I'll still walk or else do an easy swim or bike or even yoga. It's definitely good to move and flush some of the lactic acid, but do so in a way that doesn't put more stress on your already damaged muscles.

beads1985's picture
Posts
5783
Member
2081 days
beads1985 posted 1 year ago.

It depends on how I feel. If I feel great than I get out and do some easy miles.
If I am feeling a little beat up, I take it easy and see what I am up for.
Sometimes that means just an easy walk or swim.

'Nothing to it, but to do it!'