Right now, there will be thousands of people preparing to run the London Marathon this weekend.
Photo: PA
On Sunday, the annual event will begin, and those taking part will be raising money for their chosen charities.
Months of training and preparation go into getting our bodies fit enough to run a marathon, but what happens after? Tired muscles and feelings of fatigue will no doubt affect those who took part. So, how best to wind down after running the hefty 26 miles? Here are six ways you can give your body some post-run TLC.
Keep moving
When your race ends, don’t just stop running and fall to the floor - no matter how tempting it is! Your body is still in marathon mode and needs to return to its normal state gradually. Give your body a chance to cool down by walking or jogging lightly for around 15 minutes post-race. This will allow your heart rate to gradually return to normal, your circulation to go back to resting state and help to remove lactic acid from the muscles.
Chill out
When you finally make it home, treat yourself to a nice relaxing bath to soothe those hard-working muscles. We would recommend using something like Daytox Mineral Salt Bath (£4.00 from Ocado).
This alkaline bath products contains a unique formulation that helps to reduce acidity on the skin’s surface whilst allowing your body to heal and relax. What makes this the perfect post-marathon essential is that it helps to sooth the skin and replace lost moisture.
We tried and tested these salts - click here to read our review!
Stretch
Although you may have already done your post-marathon stretches, due to the longevity of this event it's a good idea to do several stretching sessions to help prevent muscles from seizing up. Try sitting with your legs up on the wall and lying flat or your back, alternatively you could do some of the classic stretches/yoga poses.
Massage
It is highly recommended that you wait at 24 hours post-marathon to get that much-needed massage as your muscles need time to replenish fluids and energy lost during the race. If you can’t face leaving the house or simply prefer to do your own massage try a relaxing oil like SheaMoisture African Watermint and Ginger Detox Bath, Body & Massage Oil (£11.99, Boots).
This refreshing oil combines certified organic Shea Butter with African Water Mint & Ginger to rejuvenate and refresh the skin with an invigorating scent, whilst also helping your body to recover. This also helps to protect the skin and restore moisture – which is much needed after your run.
Rehydrate the body’s neglected areas
We all need to drink plenty of fluids during, just after and over the following days post-marathon to help our bodies recover from the tough challenge. However, moisture needs to be renewed in normally forgotten areas like lips and nails. Try using a lip balm like KORRES Natural Guava Lip Butter (£8, Lookfantastic) to help revive dry lips.
Ease aching joints
No matter age or fitness, when you have put your body through a challenge like the marathon, your joints are going to feel it.
Aid your recovery with super collagen shots like LQ Liquid Health Joint Care (£24.99 10 x 50ml bottles, Boots). This daily liquid shot helps to maintain and promote joint, cartilage and bone health. The impress formulation contains 2,000mg of collagen, a major constituent of connective tendons, bone, cartilage and other tissue.
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