March 19, 2013 (Updated March 16, 2023)

Half Marathon Recovery = Yoga Time!

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

13 comments

Hello, friends!

I hope you’re all having a nice week. Thanks for all the congrats regarding setting a new half marathon PR on Saturday! For those who shared their own new PRs and race successes in the comments – I’m proud of you, too!

On Sunday, the day after the race, Theodora and I decided some yoga was in order to stretch out our tight legs.

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We headed over to The Studio in Dupont for their 10:30 a.m. hot vinyasa flow class. As I mentioned, I first went to The Studio last week with Gena. I purchased their $20 newcomers special pass, which is good for a week’s worth of yoga classes, so going again on Sunday was “free.” Woohoo!

Here I am before class, rocking a fun Reebok/Tara Stiles yoga shirt that they sent me a few months ago. I’ve been wearing it a lot lately – it’s really breathable and flowy, which was perfect for a hot class!

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My legs were reeeeally tight so it felt great to do yoga! I kept it low key and enjoyed the stretch. If anything was too much for my tired legs, I simply came out of it and took a break or a sip of water. No big deal. 🙂

Gena joined us for the class as well, and after yoga the three of us headed, nice and sweaty, over to Sweetgreen for lunch. You know, since I hadn’t been to Sweetgreen in at least a couple days. 😉

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I had another massive “make your own” salad creation. This one included:

  • Mixed green + baby spinach
  • Crispy (baked) kale
  • Quinoa
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Tofu
  • Lentils
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Avocado
  • Feta cheese
  • Bell peppers
  • Fresh lemon juice squeeze
  • Balsamic vinaigrette

SO GOOD! No bread on the side this time since I had sweet potatoes and quinoa in the salad. I also enjoyed a peach Honest Tea – needed a little sugar after such a sweaty yoga class!

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You know you’re a food blogger when… 😉

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This picture actually came out rather cute considering how sweaty we were. Thanks for a fun yoga + lunch date, ladies!

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Time to get back to work. On the agenda for tonight? Returning to CrossFit Arlington with Matt – my legs are feeling ready to get back into it! Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone!

How do you recover after a big race or hard workout? I’m a big fan of active recovery – yoga and leisurely walks! I find I’m a lot tighter and more stiff/sore if I sit on my butt all day after a race or long run. That said, it’s important to listen to your body. 🙂

- anne

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13 comments
  • What a delicious looking salad! There's a place like that in State College called Fiddlehead and I always look forward to going there for a yummy meal. I love how cute that yoga place is. I'm glad you had a fun girl's day.
    Reply
  • A yoga session is the perfect post-race recovery exercise! Especially when going with friends. Taking pictures of food with non-bloggers is always so awkward. At least you were able to go with others who understand our weird ways haha
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  • I always walk or do elliptical the day after the race. It's always hard at first, but I feel great afterwards!
    Reply
  • Post-race movement is the best thing for recovery. My favorite is, of course, swimming. The hydrostatic pressure is great for bloodflow. And, well, swimming is awesome.
    Reply
  • I agree with the active recovery. I did an easy 3 mile run on Sunday to loosen up and normally I would head to yoga, but I didn't end up making it. I definitely do a lot of foam rolling and something to loosen up though like walking, biking, swimming, or a very light easy jog.
    Reply
  • I love being active as well after a race. I tend to go walking, I am not really a yoga person. I also like to hop on to the stationary bike and go sloooooow :)
    Reply
  • Keep moving! I got a massage 1st thing in the am after the marathon. I also did yoga in the afternoon!
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  • The day of my first half marathon was also my brother's birthday, so I ended up chilling out and eating cake! But walks and yoga are definitely good options!
    Reply
  • A light run and lots of stretching! Those are the keys to recovery (plus a little motrin, of course!).
    Reply
  • Anne, I tried hot yoga at The Studio DC recently too! I loved it, even though my class was really packed (I went to a $10 class on a Saturday). I really like your recipes and fun posts!
    Reply
    • Thanks, Dawn! Glad you liked the class!
      Reply