Recovery

Seems like we've been doing a lot of long races lately, so I thought it would be appropriate to post something on how to best recover from these efforts. While this article is geared mostly towards training, a lot of the same principles apply:

• Remember the "bell-curve" (warm-up, swim/bike/run hard, cool-down)
• Flush out lactic acid, etc. from your muscles with dynamic stretching, hydrotherapy, or simply by taking a walk... this also helps to preserve range of motion and alleviate stiffness... elevating your legs helps too
• Drink lots of water (your muscles need to be lubricated)
• Refuel (whole grains, beans, leafy greens, and healthy fats from fish, avocados, and nuts promote an anti-inflammatory response in the body)
• Relax

The only "don't" listed was "pop pills"... they tend to give you a false sense of "I'm really ok" when your not, causing many to "challenge" themselves before being fully recovered and ready. My recommendation ( if anyone cares) - compression socks and Icy-Hot (still haven't perfected the not freezer-burning myself with real ice)! #20