Triathletes tend to be a goal-oriented bunch. We spend so much time and energy planning our training. And our nutrition. And our gear. And every detail of our race plan. And envisioning that finish line in our heads. So what happens after we cross the line and the race is over? Having a purposeful post-race recovery strategy can help you renew, recharge, and be ready to tackle your next challenge.
Your individual recovery strategy will depend on several factors:
Race distance: A longer race will require longer recovery time than a shorter one.
Your experience and fitness level: How well-trained you were going into the race will affect how quickly you recover. Additionally, your long-term experience makes a difference. Some structures in your body like cartilage, tendons, and bones become conditioned to the stresses of endurance training over time. So if you are newer to training and racing, you may need extra time to recover.
Pacing/effort level: If this was your “A” race of the season, if you were going for a PR, if you really went all out, you will likely need more time to recover. On the flip side, if this race was part of the training and buildup for a longer or higher priority race later in the season, you were likely more restrained in your effort and thus won’t need as long to recover.
Conditions: Adverse race conditions – heat, humidity, choppy water, wind – that made the race harder than expected can also impact your recovery time.
Race day
Recovery starts as soon as you cross the finish line. Your immediate recovery needs are very similar to your recovery after long training sessions, so you will already have some idea what works well for you.
Hydrate – Replace fluids and electrolytes.
Eat – Consume carbs to replenish glycogen stores and protein to help prevent muscle breakdown within 60 minutes for men and 30 minutes for women.
Elevation/Compression – Elevating your legs and wearing compression socks can help reduce inflammation.
Rest – A nap can help jump start the repair process inside your body. If you are too amped up to nap, shoot for an early bedtime.
Celebrate – Take some time to celebrate your accomplishment! Some athletes like to celebrate with a beer or two, some like to go out for a favorite post-race meal. Whatever your preference, let yourself relax and enjoy.
2-3 days after your race
Depending on the length of your race, you will likely want to take at least one day of total rest. Spend some time stretching and rolling out sore muscles, and take stock of anything that is hurting or may need extra attention. Some athletes like to schedule a massage. Short and easy active recovery sessions will help get blood flowing and aid recovery – walking, swimming, very easy spinning. While it’s absolutely understandable to indulge in food or drinks that you may have been limiting during your training, it’s also important to focus on eating a variety of whole foods to provide your body the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to recover. (It’s not either/or – you can do both!)
This is also a good time to reflect on your race. What went well? What didn’t go well? Where did you veer from your race plan and why? What unforeseen challenges came up? Was your hydration plan successful? How about your race nutrition? Consider writing down your race hydration and nutrition plan and what you would change (if anything). Debrief with your coach. Think about what you learned from this race and how you might apply those lessons in the future.
Return to training gradually
After a few days of active recovery, you may be feeling ready to get back to training. It is important to not jump right back into your full training load. Start with shorter aerobic efforts, and take it slow and listen to your body. Make sure you don’t have any lingering fatigue before you start to add volume and intensity. If you are not able to hit paces you were hitting, or if your heart rate is markedly higher or lower than normal for the effort, you likely need more recovery time.
While you are still in recovery mode, and before your training ramps back up, consider spending some time doing the things that you have been missing during your peak training. Whether that’s catching up on your favorite shows, meeting that friend for coffee or a walk, a weekend away, or just sleeping in, doing things that feed your soul can be a mental break and help you recharge.
How long to wait?
After a sprint-distance race, with a few days of active recovery you may be back to your regular training within a week (and you may not need a full day of rest). For an Olympic distance race, you may need 1-2 weeks before you’re back to full training. You may need 2-4 weeks after a 70.3, and 3-6 weeks after a full Ironman. These ranges are large because of all the variables that can affect your recovery.
Regardless of your specific situation and variables, make sure your post-race recovery is part of your plan. While you cannot anticipate every aspect that will affect your recovery, and listening to your body will be your guide, having a plan will help keep you on track. It’s not hard to spend a little too much time celebrating and resting and late-night Netflix binging, before your one week of recovery turns into three or four, or your nutrition is off the rails, and you find yourself behind your training plan for your next race. With a good plan, a little discipline, and a lot of grace, you can be recovered and recharged for whatever you decide to conquer next.