The Post-Marathon Blues: What Do Runners Do the Week After?
© STADION-ACTUThat familiar post-marathon slump. Despite the endorphins, the low that follows this legendary effort is almost always there. What do you do after weeks of training and 42.195 kilometers? It is the question every runner asks after a marathon.
1. Time to rest
After a marathon, it’s time to rest, and you’ve earned it. Recovery is essential for both body and mind. That means getting plenty of sleep, taking naps, eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated to help your body recover as quickly as possible.
2. Look after yourself
Physio, massage, some downtime, stretching, ice baths, hot baths… There are plenty of options, and what works varies from person to person. There’s no magic formula. The important thing is to do what feels good and what you enjoy.
➜ The complete marathon calendar
3. Start planning what comes next
Runners can’t help themselves… The race is barely over and they’re already thinking about the next challenge and the next race bib: distance, event, location… There’s plenty to consider. During the race, though, their thoughts tend to sound more like: “Why am I doing this? Never again, for sure.” But that feeling never really lasts.
4. Manage your mindset and emotions
The post-goal void can be hard to deal with. You may feel sad, empty, in search of meaning or simply exhausted. After a marathon, you need to find your motivation again, reset mentally and enjoy the small pleasures of everyday life: going out with friends, developing personal or professional projects and, of course, savouring what you’ve achieved because it’s very real.
5. Choose a body-friendly activity
Yoga, cycling, swimming… There are plenty of activities that can support recovery. Nothing strenuous, just enough to get your body moving and stay active without adding another intense workout.
There’s no specific method or magic formula. The key is to look after yourself and your body, listen to how you feel and take the time you need. You’ve finished a marathon, and that’s no small achievement, so congratulations and enjoy the rest!