The Best Ways To Recover After A Long Run

While preparing for a run and the run itself are important, it’s equally important that you allow your body to fully recover afterwards. By not looking after your body after strenuous exercise, you are increasing your chances of becoming injured. This blog discusses the best recovery tips after a long run.

Stretching

Stretching after exercise is a controversial topic and the importance of it usually depends on the type of exercise you are engaging in. However, for long runs, stretching afterwards is vital as it will help to maintain your flexibility and range of motion. Deciding not to stretch after running will increase tightness in the body which, in turn, allows muscles to pull on joints and cause you pain.

Hydrate with a drink containing electrolytes

Obviously, it is vital to keep yourself hydrated when exercising. However, drinks that contain electrolytes have many benefits and are recommended for recovery after a long run. This is because electrolytes such as sodium and potassium play a fundamental role in regulating your body’s water balance during and after exercise. 

The levels of the electrolytes allow your muscle cells to retain the right amount of water. This is especially important because, when running, you lose electrolytes through your sweat. Electrolyte drinks help to bring these levels back up to where they should be.

Eat high-carb, high-protein foods

After you’ve finished your run, it’s a good idea to eat food that is high in carbohydrates and protein. This is because your body needs these essential nutrients to begin repairing after intensive exercise. Carbohydrates and protein are as important as each other when it comes to choosing food for your post-run snack. 

Carbs are the body’s main fuel source for high-intensity exercise and they are reduced after a workout so need to be replaced before you next engage in exercise. Then, protein is essential to ensure successful growth and repair of muscle tissue after a workout. Combining both of these after your workout is one of the best ways to help your body to recover.

Try out the Normatec Recovery System

One of the best ways to recover after a long run is definitely by using the Normatec Recovery System. It is built for professional-grade athletes so you know that it will be useful when it comes to making sure you’re allowing your body to recover. The fact that you can personalise this system to suit your needs depending on the type and intensity of the workout is what makes it so valuable and worthwhile!

For more information on the best ways to recover after a long run, or advice on how to use our Normatec Recovery System and if it is right for you, contact us today.