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?
I absolutely love the picture of you! You look so happy! Congrats again!
So many congrats! Now put those arms back down (except for a drink, of course) and those legs up!
Congrats! I absolutely love the idea of this charm!
What a nice charm to symbolize completing your tri! Hope you are enjoying some rest and relaxation after a great race!
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.
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!!!!!
I love a post race nap!
I’ve been wanting to get a charm after each race. Love the one with the beads!
I love the idea of a charm to help commemorate a goal race.
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.
I think the Marathon Grandma charm is cute! I’ve been known to buy my reward at the expo…ahead of time.
Great giveaway, I love the believe 26.2 charm! Hope I win!
Great tips and such a great pic of you finishing! Love the idea of commemorating your race with a charm!
contemplating my first full — then I would love a 26.2 charm!
Awesome finishing shot Marcia! Celebrate and celebrate again 🙂
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!
Congrats again on your success – good list to reflect on as well!
Great shot! Congrats! I love the Strength Pendant Necklace.
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!
That necklace is amazing!!!!! I saw too many I wanted to even put just one down!
That swim, bike, run, charm looks cool! I’d love to have it after my tri in about 4 weeks. O_o
ALL the sleep! Haha. I can’t wait for my goal race so I can take time off!
love the strength and courage ring!
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 🙂
The Goofy, 39.3 Disney Necklace
I like the wonder woman t-shirt!
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.
I love all the marathon charms!
I really like the Runner Girl Stick Figure Charm. It would make such a cute necklace!
They have cute charms to celebrate milestones in your running journey
These charms are a great gift idea
I like the 13.1 Running on Faith Double-Sided Charm.
Congratulations…you earned it!!! I love commemorative jewelry! The necklace is very petty.
I had to correct that typo…I meant *pretty* lol