Marathon Season Recovery

Congratulations and special shout out to everyone who participated in the Baltimore Running Festival!  It is marathon season and you have just completed 26.2 miles! It is a lifetime achievement to be proud of and something that not many people can dream of accomplishing.  The amount of preparation, hard work, and determination it takes to complete a marathon has paid off.  

But now what?  More than likely you never trained for the whole 26.2 miles, but rather only about 20 miles for your longest run and then relied on adrenaline and determination to get you to the finish line.  By that 20 mile marker you could start to feel it deep in your muscles and joints.  Asymmetries are bound to form as one calf tightens, you start to cramp in a hamstring, or your IT band becomes irritated as you push your body to its limits to reach the finish line.  The soreness is from over-stressed muscles, which have caused micro tears within the muscle. Don't worry, this is a normal occurrence and your body will work to rebuild and become stronger.  It does not change the fact that you may be sore.

Initially a hot/cold alternating shower to improve circulation, then refueling your body with proper fluids and protein should be taken into consideration.  Starting the second day, a combination of rest with non-stressful movements to promote blood flow to sore muscles will be important to decrease tension.  Try an easy walk, swim, stretching routine, or easy yin style yoga.  You hope these areas of tension go away on their own with rest, but they often hang around feeling restrictions even with daily activities.  After the initial rest period when you begin back training these muscle imbalances can hinder your body from performing at its peak ability and can lead to more serious injury.  

It is advised that you follow up with a knowledgable physical therapist who can work these imbalances out through deep tissue work or even myofascial decompression.  They will also teach you strengthening exercises to improve your running form by targeting the specific areas of weakness that lack the necessary endurance for such a long distance.  If treated early you will often only need 2-3 sessions to get back to your baseline, plus you will have greater knowledge to maintain your body in the future.  This is all at a relatively low cost considering registration fees, running shoes, hotel room, and your desire to continue your lifestyle in a worry free manner.  

Pioneer PT has the ability to come directly to you via a mobile clinic and provide one-on-one care with a doctor of physical therapy for a full hour.  Service is direct care meaning you will not need to waste crucial time going to your doctor or a specialist for a prescription.  Pioneer PT is your musculoskeletal expert and direct point of access for heath related needs.