Post Race

There's nothing better than finishing a race.


Especially if you've done well. So now it's time to put on your sweats and head home, right? Wrong! Post-race cooldowns and nutrition can be just as important as pre-race warmups and nutrition. Here is what you should know:

THE COOLDOWN: After you've caught your breath and you're able to walk again :), it's time for the cooldown. This is just simply jogging for about 10 minutes or less. It might be good to stretch also, if you feel your legs cramping up which happens mostly in the cold weather.

NUTRITION: Eating the right foods and drinking enough fluids is important for adequate recovery after a race. Make sure you replenish the fluids you lost while racing. If it's hot, you’ll need more to drink than if it’s cold. Also the length of the race depends on the amount you need. Foods that will get into your system quickly and replace the lost glycogen and carbohydrates are good to eat after a race too. Examples of these foods are bread, raisins, bagels. Including protein in meals after races will replenish glycogen more quickly. Cereal and milk or chicken and rice are good things to eat.

Congratulations!
You've finished your race. Now it's time to begin preparing for your next one!


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Mail to: 3049@thinkquest.org
Copyright Runner's Oasis, 1996.
Last updated: 8/15/1996