Best Thing to do After a Big Race

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Best Thing to do After a Big Race
For those who don’t know, the Chicago Marathon was this past Sunday. It is, without a doubt, the largest annual sporting event in Chicago.

For those who successfully completed it this past weekend, a huge congratulations is due! 

After months and months of training, you’ve successfully crossed the finish line. Maybe you met your main goal or maybe you fell short. Regardless of the outcome, you’re probably very tired and wanting to know what’re the best things to do post-race

In this day and age of optimization, the question of “what is the best thing to do after a big race” comes to mind. My simple answer = restAfter a big race, rest is bestThat may seem anticlimactic because it is so simple but that’s the point I’m trying to make

Yes you can foam roll or stretch
Yes you can get a massage
Yes you can take an epsom salt bath
Yes you can get some dry needling
Yes you can sauna, steam room, or cold plunge
etc.

You know what all these things have in common? They aren’t workouts. None of those things are ‘exercise’ per se. 

After a big race like a marathon, really, all you need is rest. Different rest and recovery options are listed above but at the end of the day, you’re body just needs to take a break

It is during the resting period where your body rebuilds and builds itself back up stronger and better than before.

Now’s the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and take a break

Now, if I’m going to make a specific suggestion, as you’re resting, lay with your feet propped up on some pillows so that your ankles are above your heart

This will improve the circulation in your legs and really help your legs feel betterElevate your legs to improve circulation. Get your ankles above your heartNow, if you made it through the marathon but got injured, that’s a different story. Give it a couple days of true rest to see if it gets better on its own and if it doesn’t, maybe we should chat.

I’ve helped hundred of local runners get back to running pain free. Click the button below to schedule a free 15-20 minute discovery phone call with me. Over the phone we’ll chat about your problem and see if we’re a good fit to work together.Schedule CallYour best is yet to come,

Dr. MichaelFree Group Hill Workouts in EvanstonI’m hosting free Mt. Trashmore hill workouts at 6:30am on Wednesdays

There are no hard rules as far as what you need to do during these workouts. Simply an opportunity and an invite to do some hill workouts with others. I’m typically there for 30 minutes going up and down a bunch.

If it’s your first time, start with going up/down 10 times and then come back the following week and see if you can do more.

Trail shoes are highly recommended

If you go to Road Runner Sports in Wilmette and mention Dr. Michael Cortese sent you, you’ll get an additional 10% off your shoes.

Reply to this email if you’re interested in coming and I’ll be sure to communicate, look out for you in the morning, and help you get startedYour Success Is My SuccessSeeing my patients successfully complete their training and accomplish race goals fills me with immense joy. In this section, I wanted to share one of my favorite 5-star Google Reviews
 Check out more reviews at the Valiant Physical Therapy Google Reviews page here!

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