Now spring marathon season is fully underway, it’s likely that you’re in the midst of the last few recovery runs in preparation for the big 26.2 mile day itself. Whilst running the last few miles in your marathon trainers is a vital part of training, you should also be thinking about what happens once the race is over.
I’m sure you’ve heard all of the possible post-race nightmares. Lost toenails, tight muscles making it nigh impossible to walk, blisters and chafing quite literally everywhere. Whilst you may or may not fall victim to these horrors, why not make the weeks following that bit easier with products that are specially designed to help?
From pummelling yourself with a massage gun to laying in a bath that’s infused with muscle-relaxing magnesium bath salts, walking around in ultra-cushioned sliders to exfoliating devices to restore your feet to their former beauty, these will elevate your recovery process to new heights.
You - and your body - can thank us later.
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Therabody RecoveryAir PRO Fully customizable pneumatic compression system
Whilst Therabody’s compression boots are on the pricier end of the recovery spectrum, if you’re a regular runner they’re well worth the investment.
The future of passive recovery, they offer fully customisable compression and programs that you can control via an easy-to-use app - there are four preset options to choose from. Benefits include a relief of muscle fatigue, a boost in circulation and lymphatic drainage and a reduction in swelling and stiffness.
Buy now £1129.00, Therabody
Rituals Magnesium Bath Crystals
Magnesium bath salts are proven to alleviate muscle tension and spasms as well as tiredness and fatigue, making them a post-marathon essential. Even better, Rituals’ crystals will improve your sleep, too, thanks to a blend of tranquil sacred wood and soothing lavender.
If you’d rather go for classic magnesium flakes instead, Westlab’s tried and tested unscented soak is currently available for half price from Holland & Barrett.
Buy now £16.00, Rituals
Pulsio Massage Gun
Pocket sized, lightweight and effective, Pulsio’s massage gun packs a powerful punch that’s roughly 50 per cent more powerful and much quieter than others on the market - which is especially surprising considering its titchy dimensions.
It comes with four premium attachment heads, each of which are meant for a different muscle group, and boasts a twelve hour battery life from a full charge so you should only need to plug it in once a month.
Shop the best percussive massage guns here
Buy now £69.99, Pulsio
Gymshark Foam Roller
Ah, the humble foam roller. An easy way to give yourself a deep-tissue massage at home for a fraction of the price of a massage gun, it will help with both injury prevention and post-run muscle rehabilitation.
It’s designed to iron out knots and clear out lactic acid so your legs will be feeling refreshed in no time.
Buy now £25.00, Gymshark
Fitflop Iqushion X Yinka Ilori Mens Water-Resistant Slides
After running the Paris Marathon, these are the sliders that brought my battered tootsies back to life.
With padded straps, an ergonomically shaped, ultra-cushioned midsole and natural arch support, your feet will be crying out in joy when you swap your race day trainers for these. Better yet, artist Yinka Ilori’s bold colourway is an added bonus.
Buy now £45.00, Fitflop
Compeed Blister Plasters
Immediately after the race, blister plasters are a guaranteed necessity.
We’d recommend Compeed thanks to the hydrocolloid active gel technology the brand uses which heals whilst it protects. You might need them for a few days, so stock up on a few of the mixed sizes to ensure you cover all of the bases.
Buy now, Amazon
Magnitone Well Heeled Rechargeable Express Pedicare System Pink - USB Plug
Once your blisters have gone down, it’s time to buff away the dry, hard and rough skin that built up during the 26.2 miles, especially with summer fast approaching. Enter Magnitone’s Pedicare System.
Featuring micro-crystal rollers that can get under toes and along the curves of your soles, your feet will be back to their salon-soft standard in no time.
Buy now £23.99, Seophora
Glissade Anti Chafe & Blister Stick - 80g
It’s likely you may have experienced some chafing in the, ahem, delicate areas during the race, so an anti chafe stick will certainly come in handy afterwards.
I actually experienced no chafing during my run thanks to dousing myself with Glissade beforehand. If you’re not so lucky, it’s a formula that would definitely help with recovery, too, thanks to vitamin E and shea butter with cools and shields the skin against friction.
Buy now £1799.00, Amazon
ESPA Fitness Muscle Rescue Balm 70g
A luxury brand that’s known for its natural spa-quality formulas, ESPA’s products are a pampering treat - and this Muscle Rescue Balm is no exception.
Infused with invigorating peppermint which soothes irritation and inflammation, ceramide-rich eucalyptus to uplift and relax muscles and warm clove for improved blood circulation, it will at once help relieve pain and soreness - and it smells amazing.
Buy now £30.00, Cult Beauty
Kloris Luxury CBD Balm 60ml
The high amount of cannabidiol blended into this balm makes it a favourite with athletes as well as at the luxury London Bulgari hotel spa where they use it in their signature CBD massage.
If you’re lucky enough to have someone massage your legs, the product is rich and stays on with a good level of slip if you’re trying to undo stubborn knots - and leaves a satin soft finish once the pampering is over. At once soothing the skin and the muscles, you‘ll be left feeling great inside and out.
Buy now £46.50, lookfantastic
