After months of training and hard work, you’ve crossed the finish line. Congratulations. But now what? Let’s talk about things to do post-race:
Recover: You’ve got about a 30 minute window to take in some protein and carbs to start the muscle repair process. Hydrate too with an electrolyte drink. With the thrill/exhaustion of the finish, you may not feel like eating a whole lot but be sure to take in at least a banana and some chocolate milk.
Rest: Even if you feel great in the days after your race, give your body some rest! Take a nap, get a full night’s sleep and ease up on your workouts in the days/weeks afterward. Your actual recovery time will vary based on the distance of your race.
Assess the day: What went right? Where could you have done better? What was out of your control? It’s important to not beat yourself up here and not fall into the comparison trap. Learn from your experience, don’t wallow in any negatives, and move on.
Set new goals: Do you want another go at the same distance or type of race? A new distance? Something completely different? What will your focus be? Setting a new goal and formulating a plan to get after it will help alleviate post-race blues.
Reward yourself: Here’s the fun part. You definitely earned a treat! Go get that fun gear you’ve had your eye on. Or a massage. Or both. How about a new sticker for your car? One of my very favorite rewards is commemorative jewelry I can wear and remember that special day for years to come. It’s also a great conversation piece, not to mention gift item for fellow athletes. One of my favorite places to get inspirational race jewelry is Lift Your Sole.
I spotted this Lift Your Sole necklace on Instagram and had been coveting it ever since. How much do you love the beads? To me the colors represent all the ups and downs, emotions and blood, sweat and tears I experienced in all the months of training. I was energized and hopeful one moment and challenged to even continue the next. Race day brought many of the same emotions with the weather, the delays, the eventual triumph! Bless her heart, Jill at Lift Your Sole sent the necklace to me! I put it on after my tri and haven’t taken it off since! Right now through the end of June, Lift Your Sole has a summer sale you need to check out. Use code LYSSUMMER to take an additional 15% off sale items.
And because Jill rocks, she wanted you to have a chance to win something too:
WIN IT!
One lucky reader will win this SWIM BIKE RUN charm, or if triathlon is not your thing, any Lift Your Sole charm of equal or lesser value.
What is your favorite way to reward yourself after a race?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I absolutely love the picture of you! You look so happy! Congrats again!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
So many congrats! Now put those arms back down (except for a drink, of course) and those legs up!
Judith says
Congrats! I absolutely love the idea of this charm!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
What a nice charm to symbolize completing your tri! Hope you are enjoying some rest and relaxation after a great race!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Great tips! And what a cute necklace! I always keep a bar or something on me to consume right after I cross the finish line – then I aim for a bigger meal a bit later when my stomach has settled.
Mary Beth Jackson says
I like the dare,dream, do charm! You look thrilled when you crossed that line! Exciting!!!!! I tried chocolate milk for the first time after the Nashville half, I am now a believer!!!!!
Courtney @ eat pray run dc says
I love a post race nap!
Wendy @ Wholistic Woman says
I’ve been wanting to get a charm after each race. Love the one with the beads!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I love the idea of a charm to help commemorate a goal race.
Char says
I don’t wait till after my race to set new goals. I do them way before so I have something new to look forward to. And as for new gear – I’ve been very generous with myself this year but I figure that seeing as I don’t buy regular clothes I can splash out on my running stuff.
HoHo Runs says
I think the Marathon Grandma charm is cute! I’ve been known to buy my reward at the expo…ahead of time.
Toni says
Great giveaway, I love the believe 26.2 charm! Hope I win!
Sharon says
Great tips and such a great pic of you finishing! Love the idea of commemorating your race with a charm!
steph says
contemplating my first full — then I would love a 26.2 charm!
jill conyers says
Awesome finishing shot Marcia! Celebrate and celebrate again 🙂
Elena says
Great tips! I have only just started drinking chocolate milk after a race and love it! And what a beautiful necklace – I love Lift Your Sole!
Kovas - Midwest Multisport Life says
Congrats again on your success – good list to reflect on as well!
D Johnson says
Great shot! Congrats! I love the Strength Pendant Necklace.
Elle says
I never got anything to commemorate my half marathon so I would choose one of the Runner Girl sets… perhaps with the shoe that says 13.1 and the RUN charm. Your necklaces is just beautiful!
Jody - Fit at 57 says
That necklace is amazing!!!!! I saw too many I wanted to even put just one down!
Emily says
That swim, bike, run, charm looks cool! I’d love to have it after my tri in about 4 weeks. O_o
Carmy says
ALL the sleep! Haha. I can’t wait for my goal race so I can take time off!
michelle says
love the strength and courage ring!
Amber@Eat2SaveYourLife says
I just finished my first triathlon since I had baby #2 so it was the perfect time for this post. For me im on the step refocusing on training and getting ready for the next race 🙂
liz l says
The Goofy, 39.3 Disney Necklace
Danielle says
I like the wonder woman t-shirt!
Jenn says
Amazing finish line shot…you look so happy! Love the idea of goal race charms…the 13.1 collection has a bunch of cute ideas.
Tessa says
I love all the marathon charms!
Sarah L says
I really like the Runner Girl Stick Figure Charm. It would make such a cute necklace!
Ruth C says
They have cute charms to celebrate milestones in your running journey
Ken C says
These charms are a great gift idea
Sadie B. says
I like the 13.1 Running on Faith Double-Sided Charm.
Artney @ My Pretty Brown says
Congratulations…you earned it!!! I love commemorative jewelry! The necklace is very petty.
Artney @ My Pretty Brown says
I had to correct that typo…I meant *pretty* lol