How to protect your health before and after an ultramarathon

Ultramarathon running is a big physical commitment. So, what does it mean for your health? And which marathon recovery plan should you follow?

While running is commonly known for its cardiovascular and other health benefits, the extreme nature of ultramarathons in particular means people need to be fully prepared and to take all necessary precautions.

All running carries some element of physical risk, and it’s generally recommended that individuals undergo medical evaluations before taking part in ultramarathons.

Electrocardiography and exercise stress tests are used to identify any abnormalities during training. While there may be coronary pressure in some extreme instances, there is no evidence that high levels of training or aerobic fitness increase your risk of mortality, and running is usually healthier than not running.

Runners are advised to maintain recommended fluid intake and salt replacement during a race, and afterwards, there will be medical facilities ready to treat everything from blisters to exhaustion. Some runners may experience dehydration, high temperatures or anti-inflammatory ingestion, but this is usually a short-term phenomenon that clears up quickly.

In the first few days following a race, recovering runners are advised to avoid runs over 20 minutes, get at least eight hours’ sleep, resume a balanced diet and treat blisters and any lingering injuries before resuming running. Psychologically, it might a good idea to distance yourself from running until you feel ready to resume.

For unique ultra running recovery strategies that cater to your needs, contact specialist ultra running coach Maximum Mileage Coaching today.