With another successful Georgia Publix Marathon and Half Marathon come and gone, a number of race day participants probably took some time off after the race to rest or do some easy running. Now, some two weeks after the race was held, most people will be resuming their normal running, preparing for the next race or just getting back into their fitness routine. As Atlanta podiatry specialists at American Foot and Leg Specialists, we want everyone to remain healthy and to be able to enjoy training or running for pleasure. With that in mind, here are a few tips, truths, and suggestions as you start running again after the marathon or half marathon.

• You’re going to feel awkward. If you’ve been resting and recovering since your half or full marathon through Atlanta, you’re going to feel odd whenever you start back running. Don’t be surprised if you feel a little uncoordinated or off balance when running, particularly if you stopped training cold turkey after the race. Several days of light training will be needed before you feel “in a groove” like you did in the days and weeks leading up to the race.
• Ease into your routine. Even elite athletes have natural cycles of hard and easy training built into their training schedules. So should you. The large majority of athletes need some days (or more likely weeks) of easy training to allow their bodies to recover from a hard race like a half or full marathon.
• R.I.C.E more than normal. As we’ve explained before, we believe that following the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is the best way to treat minor injuries or normal training pain. Even two weeks after a race, your body is still recovering. Plan some extra time in your day to tend to any minor aches and pains as you begin running once more.
• Listen to your body. Completing a half marathon or a full marathon is quite an achievement. However, these races can lead to inflammation that can cause running injuries like plantar fasciitis, painful calluses, Achilles tendinitis, or a number of soft tissue injuries. As you begin training again, if you have a pain in your lower leg or foot that won’t go away, please contact one of our Atlanta podiatry specialists. We can treat a persistent minor ache or pain before it becomes a larger problem.

So, as Atlanta runners put the Georgia Publix Marathon and Half Marathon in their rear view mirror and begin looking ahead to the Peachtree Road Race, we hope that you will follow our advice as you begin training once more. And if you have a pain or ache that just won’t go away, contact one our many Atlanta metro area locations to schedule a consultation today.