If you’re gearing up to run the TCS New York City Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, or if you’ve just participated in the Chicago Marathon, then you know that prepping for recovery is just as important as training. I’ve run several half-marathons and a marathon, so I’m familiar with the work that goes into training and recovering after a long-distance race.
One important factor to keep in mind is that your daily habits are key if you want to have a successful race and recovery period. Some added perks you can include, if you have access to them, are recovery tech. We spoke with experts to learn more about what you should prioritize during the post-marathon recovery period and how they use some of their favorite pieces of wellness tech for faster recovery.
Recovery wellness tech to consider after a marathon
An easy way to recover in the days following the marathon, besides focusing on resting and replenishing nutrients, is by applying some wellness tech to support your recovery. Keep in mind that these are not necessary for recovery, but they can be helpful if you have access to them.
“Recovery gadgets can be useful when used mindfully, but they should never replace the fundamentals of sleep, nutrition and rest,” says Anya Culling, run coach at Runna, a running coaching app. As long as you’re following those protocols, you can take advantage of some of the popular fitness recovery tech. Below are our favorites and some expert-recommended picks.
1. Massage gun
A massage gun can be helpful to soothe those sore muscles in your legs after a long-distance race. Chris Kaplanis, co-founder of RTA Triathlon and New Jersey-based triathlon and run coach, recommends using a massage gun to support your post-marathon recovery. “Percussion therapy guns can help loosen tight muscles and relieve tension,” he says.
Some of CNET’s favorite massage guns include: Therabody Elite, Therabody Pro and Ekrin Athletics B37. Culling likes using massage guns right after a race. “Massage guns are great for easing tight muscles 24 to 48 hours after the race, but be careful not to overdo it,” he says.
2. Compression boots
Using compression boots like my favorite Hyperice Normatec Go Boots or Therabody’s JetBoots Pro Plus can help with recovery thanks to their unique pneumatic compression technique. Hyperice recently released the Normatec Elite Hips, which target the hips and lower back, perfect for post-marathon relief.
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