I am 9 days post-marathon (and I really raced it), and I confess I'll be taking my first slow run today. A bit sooner than recommended here, but I just love running, and I promise to keep it short and slow. My rule is that the first 7 days are completely off-limits for running. I once wanted a quick turnaround between races and went for an 8-mile, moderate-pace run 7 days after a marathon...and I tweaked my calf muscle and had to take an additional 7-10 days off. Lesson learned.

I’m the kind of runner who ran a full marathon every weekend for a month straight. I also did two marathons for two days in a row. I run a lot and I’ve figured out my recovery to the point where I can do a race every weekend and still be fine. I realized a long time ago that I would never be the best of the best. I love racing and do 12-20 races a year in every distance from 10K to 50K.

I race for the love of racing, and the thrill of incremental improvement. I race (slowly) 2-3 50ks and a marathon or two during the race season (March- November). I typically take 2 weeks off after a race at the start of the season, and as I get more fit, I can cut it down to 1. I often feel great by day 5, but when I've tried to run gently, I developed bizarre niggles. I was told that, though the post race pain/ stiffness has faded, the inflammation hasn't, and to give it the full week no matter how good I feel. That's served me well. I'm also a farmer, so resting with feet up is a pipe dream. I have farm chores every day, including race day. 😆 I've wondered if the constant movement allows for my faster recovery?

I took 2.5 months off after my first marathon. Probably too much time off, I really regret not getting in some kind of training during that time.

Super helpful tips. Thank you very much team.

2 weeks no running 😮, I struggle with not running the first week.. I do everything by intuition and feel, I’m sure it’ll catch up with me at some point

After a marathon I think the most important thing is good food, hydration. Spending more time with the people that support your efforts (spouse/kids) Enjoy a beer. And be mindful of when the training starts again!

I normally take a week off but will do a 30 minute low level indoor bicycle 2-4 days after the race.

I finally broke down and bought a massage gun and I'm incredibly grateful I did. I completed my first half marathon on Saturday. I've used the massage gun each day since and it has made a world of difference for me! This video was crazy helpful, thank you!

I remember me running personal bests on 5km 1 or 2 days after running marathons. Happened on several occasions. Those were the days. Might be one of the reasons I am chronically fatigued perhaps. Taking it much slower these days though. Perhaps my injured hip is a blessing in disguise.

I did the comrades last year, and thought I am strong now. I finished and I feel fit. So I did the Memel to Newcastle ultra. That ultra broke me, it was very difficult to start again.

Thank you for great wisdom again. I've my big race, in 1 month and a left from 12 weeks training block. How will this cross over to half marathon race please, as not moving to marathon for few years. And when/ how soon to bring the recovery then easy runs?

Thanks

That’s why marathon training is the hardest for me 😅

is ice bath recommended right before half-marathon?

How do you guys fit these extended rest times in for Comrades Training? Nobody will get the km's in for Comrades if they have to take 3weeks off after every marathon? Or is this more aimed at someone that aimed for a Marathon and that is the only race they do?

How much slower than race pace and/or shorter than marathon distance can we run before we start doing this kind of damage? We don't take a week off after every Sunday long run. There is a clear difference between 18 miles in three hours and a marathon in four, but when does a long run become a "race"?

What about recovery times after 5, 10, and 21k races?

07:18 omg your eyes are so fucking cool! damn! mine are just brown and borring, hahahha ;)

Listen to them. I know these marathoners, and they are always sick with something. They aren't recovering and I want to add that most of them are not eating right to begin with. What is it with the junk and runners...I feel like they use it the calorie deficit as an excuse to eat terrible. Don't expect heal in a timely, if your diet wasn't on point for several months BEFORE racing.

Sorry to say. This is a bit old school thinking. With all the knowledge of recovery and the super shoes many athletes (elite and non-elite) are racing much more road and trail marathons than 2 in a year. It is good that you focus on the safe side of things, but this is sooo very cautious. A lot of people dont need to be sooo cautious..