It's that window of time immediately post-run and you're too sweaty to go inside, too hot to do much else other than taking a walk and calm your heart rate down but is that the best thing you could be doing with that time? Here are 3 ways to recover from that run so that you're in tip-top shape for the next time:
1. Foam roll
myofascial release is the fancy term but ensuring you roll along with the tissue on either side of the ITB, is nifty trick to giving your knees the best chance of not pulling up too sore. Check out this link for a 'how to'
2. Stretch
When we run, our muscles contract, extending and shortening, by stretching out we just give the muscles a chance to fully relax. You'll never regret stretching post your current run the next time you head out! Your future self, thanks you. Check this one out as a start, if you don't have a band use a towel or partner.
3. Hydrate
When we run, we sweat, it pours out of us, we need to replace that lost fluid as quickly as we can and the best way is to have sips of water. Don't guzzle it because you'll end up with gut pain, just gentle sips between stretches or while on the foam roller. That way there are no headaches, you're cooling yourself from the inside out and you'll be ready to go again tomorrow!
Hope it helps.
Yours in Health,
Sean Cornish
