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The Perfect Post-Marathon Recovery Plan: How to Rest and Refuel
Published: 06/05/2025
Disclaimer: This article is a guide only. For personalised advice, consult your doctor, a sports nutritionist, or a dietitian.
So you've just powered through a marathon. Legs feel like jelly, medal's swinging around your neck, endorphins are through the roof — and now you're probably wondering, what next?
Do you keep moving? Eat everything in sight? Collapse on the sofa and binge-watch your favourite show for a week?
The truth is, the real magic happens after you cross that finish line. Your post-marathon recovery strategy isn't just about feeling good for your next run, it's about protecting your body, rebuilding strength, and coming back even better — whether you've just smashed a half marathon or gone the full 42.2k.
If you think all the hard work is done, your body's about to teach you otherwise! Let's break down what you actually need to do to recover like a pro, from the moment you finish to the following days and weeks.
Why is recovery important after a marathon?
You may still be buzzing from that runner's high, but trust me — recovery is something you really won't want to neglect. Marathons can be pretty brutal on your body, due to:
● Energy and glycogen wipe-out: Your body's carb stores get completely depleted, leaving you feeling absolutely wiped.
● Inflammation and muscle damage: Expect some serious DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), microtears in muscles, and stiffness all over. Ouch!
● Chafing, blisters and sore feet: Not exactly glamorous, but absolutely real. Those feet deserve some TLC once you cross the finish line.
● Dehydration: Hours on your feet means you'll finish the race more than a little parched.
● Hormone and immune system disruption: Your stress hormones and immunity can tank, making you feel flat or even ill.
● Cardiovascular strain and mental burnout: Your heart's been working overtime, and your brain's just as tired as your body.
● Heightened injury risk: Ignore recovery and you'll be limping for a lot longer — or, worst case, sidelined with an injury you could have easily avoided.
Bottom line? If you want to feel human again, avoid burnout, and get back to loving your training, you need a proper post-marathon recovery plan.
How to recover post-marathon: from the finish line to 8 weeks later
You wouldn't run a marathon without a training plan — so why wing the recovery? A strategic approach will get you back on your feet faster, reduce injury risk, and help you bounce back mentally. We're breaking it all down for you with expert advice, including:
● What to eat and drink
● How long to rest
● How to treat your legs and feet
● Rehab and recovery therapies
● When to lace up again
Let's get you sorted from the second you cross the line, right up to those first steps back into training.
Immediate recovery: 0-24 hours post-marathon
The first day after your race is prime recovery time. Get this bit right and you'll save yourself a world of pain (and possibly some embarrassing stairs moments). Here's what matters: cooling down properly, fuelling up, and treating your body like the legend it is.
When you cross the finish line
Don't just stop dead — you'll risk blood pooling in your legs and dizziness. Instead:
● Keep moving: Walk it out for 10-15 minutes, letting your heart rate drop gradually. It might be tempting to just collapse, but try not to lay down. No sudden stops!
● Hold off on static stretching: It's tempting to drop into a stretch, but static moves can actually increase muscle damage straight after prolonged endurance exercise.
● Change into dry clothes and comfy footwear: Trust me, your soggy kit isn't doing you any favours. Slip on some fresh socks and comfortable trainers, and use compression gear to help blood flow.
● Try a freeze spray or cooling gel: Your quads will thank you later. Look for products designed for running recovery.
● Skip the painkillers: They can mask injuries and mess with your kidney function, especially after long, dehydrating runs.
● Get assessed if needed: If you feel faint, dizzy, or in serious pain, find the medical tent. No shame in getting checked out — safety always comes first.
● Collect your medal and baggage: Don't forget your hard-earned bling! It's the perfect thing for a post-race boost.
Refuel and rehydrate
You've probably sweated out a small lake, so rehydration is game one. Here's how you refuel after your race:
● Sip water at the finish: Take what's offered, but don't guzzle. Over-hydration can be just as damaging as the opposite.
● Go for an electrolyte drink or hydration gel: You'll need to replace lost sodium and carbs, so make sure to have hydration tabs and gels on standby.
● Eat a snack (carbs and protein): Aim for a rough 3:1 ratio — think a banana with nut butter, or a protein bar. A combo of carbs and protein kickstarts muscle recovery and tops up depleted glycogen stores, according to the University of Minnesota.
● Within 1-2 hours, have a proper meal: Pack in slow-release carbs (rice, potatoes, pasta) and lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu). Your muscles need both after a marathon.
● Keep sipping fluids: Monitor the colour of your urine — pale yellow is optimal.
● Milk-based drinks or protein shake before bed: A hit of casein helps your muscles to repair and rebuild overnight.
● Go easy on the booze: Alcohol will just slow your recovery and dehydrate you more, so take it easy on the celebratory drinks.
Start the physical recovery process
● Compression gear: Keep wearing your compression socks and compression shorts for up to 24 hours. It boosts circulation and can help reduce muscle soreness.
● Grab a 90-minute nap: A proper sleep cycle will help your body repair.
● Ice baths, cryotherapy, or contrast showers: Ten minutes in cold water, or alternating between hot and cold, can help reduce inflammation. Just keep it short — no ice blocks needed.
● Gentle, dynamic stretching: Save the deep stretching for later. Instead, try some easy leg swings, ankle circles, or walking lunges to keep things mobile.
Short-term recovery: 1-14 days post-marathon
Think you're out of the woods after a day? Sorry for the bad news, but the days after a marathon are when it’s going to sting the most with delayed onset muscle soreness (or DOMS for short). Swollen legs, random appetite swings, some emotional ups and downs and your sleep might be weird too. Oh, and stairs are guaranteed to be a struggle.
This is when the real recovery happens.
Allow your body to repair
DOMS usually peaks 24-72 hours after the race — your muscles are inflamed and full of micro-tears. Here's how to help your body bounce back:
● Mobility exercises: Stick with gentle, non-weighted moves — like ankle rolls, hip openers, or cat-cows.
● Massage therapy or foam rolling: Stimulating your muscles promotes circulation, eases tightness, and breaks up knots after a marathon. If you can't face a massage therapist, a foam roller is your best mate.
● Compression clothing: Keep it on for a few hours a day if you're still experiencing some swelling.
● Self-myofascial release: Use massage balls or handheld massagers on trouble spots. Don't go overboard if it's too sore — slow and gentle is key.
Use active recovery techniques
Active recovery keeps blood moving and helps your muscles heal, but only if you keep it light:
● Gentle walks: Short, easy strolls to loosen up.
● Swimming: A gentle swim is a brilliant way to move without impact — try this two days after the race.
● Yoga: Restorative poses like a child's pose, legs up the wall, or downward dog will work wonders. Yoga also helps to stretch tired muscles and calm your mind.
● No running or high-impact activities: Give the running a rest for now. If you're desperate to move, stick to easy cycling or cross-trainer sessions, but only if you're pain-free.
Keep refuelling and hydrating
Your nutrition is your number one ally in muscle repair. Here's how to do it right:
● Up your protein intake: Research from the National Library of Medicine and Sports Medicine recommends 1.2–2.0g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day during marathon recovery (Sports Medicine Review). Think lean meats, tofu, eggs, beans, dairy, or protein shakes.
● Focus on antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds help fight inflammation.
● Hydrate like a pro: Aim for regular sips all day, and keep tabs on your urine colour.
● Electrolytes matter: Use hydration tabs if you find yourself sweating a lot.
● Micronutrients: Iron, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins all help with energy and recovery — whole foods are your friend, but supplements can fill the gaps if needed.
● Supplements: Consider omega-3s for inflammation or tart cherry juice for muscle soreness, but stick to evidence-backed options and follow the recommended doses.
Prioritise rest and sleep
Once you've nailed the nutrition, rest is your next marathon recovery hack:
● Aim for 8+ hours of sleep: This is when all the muscle repair work happens.
● Naps are your friend: 20-90 minute naps are perfect for energy boosts and muscle rebuilding.
● Sleep disturbances are normal: Your hormones can be all over the place after a marathon — if you're struggling to nod off, try breathing exercises, mindfulness, or herbal teas. Melatonin supplements can be a good option for those really struggling, but chat to a doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
● Keep stress down: Gentle walks, light reading, or listening to music can help settle your mind and get you into a healthy sleep routine.
Long-term recovery and returning to running: 2-8 weeks post-marathon
Your body's done the hard work, but full recovery takes time — weeks, not days. Over the next month or two, you'll notice soreness and fatigue drop off, sleep and appetite return to normal, and your energy levels rise back up. This is the phase where you rebuild for your next big goal.
Slowly return to training
Tempted to dive straight back in? Hold up! Here's how to make a comeback that lasts:
● Check in with your body: Are you feeling energetic? Has the soreness faded? Appetite back? These are all positive signs that you're ready to start moving again.
● Start slow: Your first run back should be short and easy — think 3–5k max, at a gentle pace.
● Build gradually: Only increase distance or intensity if your body's responding well.
● Watch for warning signs: If you feel pain, unusual fatigue, or low mood, dial it back and rest.
● Mind your mood: Post-marathon blues are real. If you're feeling low for weeks, talk to someone — your mental health is just as important as physical recovery.
Embrace sustainable recovery
Want to make recovery gains that stick? Try this:
● Mix in active recovery: Keep swimming, yoga, and easy walks in your routine as you reintroduce running.
● Light strength training: Rebuild muscle strength with bodyweight moves, resistance bands, or light weights. Focus on core and legs for injury prevention.
● Balance rest and movement: You don't need to go hard every day. Alternate recovery days with training, and listen to your body's cues.
● Keep eating well: Fuel up with a balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Think whole foods, not junk.
Make a post-marathon training plan
Ready to plot your running comeback? Here's how to get it right:
● Plan your first run back: Keep it super easy and celebrate the small wins. If 5k feels good, stick with that before building up further.
● Set realistic goals: Whether it's another 10k, a new half, or even prepping for another marathon, focus on healthy progression and definitely don't rush.
● Reflect and refine: Take time to think about what worked (and what didn't) in your post-marathon recovery. Make notes for next time.
● Build in recovery: Your next plan should include regular rest days, active recovery, and injury prevention strategies.
● Focus on longevity: It's not just about smashing one race — it's about running happy and healthy for years to come.
Post-marathon recovery FAQs
Here are some fast answers to the most common post-marathon questions.
What happens to your body in the 48 hours after a marathon?
Expect muscle damage, inflammation, dehydration, hormonal rollercoasters, and major mental fatigue. It's normal to feel exhausted, stiff, and even a bit emotional. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself — it's all part of the process.
What to eat after a half marathon
Right after you finish your marathon, it's a good idea to have a snack with carbs and protein — think a banana and a handful of nuts. In the following hours, eat a balanced meal with lean protein and complex carbs. Over the next few days, focus on colourful fruit and veg, quality proteins, and plenty of fluids.
How long to rest after a half marathon
Most runners should take at least 2–5 days off running, sticking to gentle walks or swims. Only start running again when you feel genuinely ready — don't pressure yourself.
What to do when you can barely walk after a marathon
Take it slow, use compression gear, keep moving gently, and hydrate well. If you're struggling to walk after a few days or have severe pain, see a medical professional.
What not to do after a marathon
Don't stop moving completely, don't binge on alcohol, don't take painkillers without medical advice, and absolutely don't rush back into hard exercise. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint!
What is post-marathon syndrome?
It's totally normal to feel a bit down after the buzz of race day fades — a mix of hormone crashes and general fatigue causes low moods for many runners. Focus on rest, good food, connecting with mates, and gentle movement. If the post-marathon blues stick around, don't hesitate to talk to someone about it.
Enhance your post-marathon recovery
You've done the hard part — now give your body the respect and recovery it deserves. Take your time, follow these steps, and you'll come back stronger, faster, and happier. If you want to supercharge your post-marathon recovery, check out our running recovery collection for everything from compression gear to foam rollers, protein shakes, and more. You've earned it — so rest up, refuel, and get ready to smash your next goal.
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