Endurance Run Recovery Plan

Posted on by magnolias + fluff

Race recovery is just as important as race preparation. Here’s a guide to help you recover effectively after a race:

1. Hydrate:

  • Replenish lost fluids by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages.
  • Aim to drink at least 16-20 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during the race.

2. Refuel:

  • Consume a balanced post-race meal within 30-60 minutes after finishing.
  • Include carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, protein to aid in muscle repair, and healthy fats for sustained energy.
  • Good options include lean protein sources, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

3. Stretch and Foam Roll:

  • Perform gentle stretching exercises to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Use a foam roller to release tension and alleviate muscle soreness.

4. Rest:

  • Allow your body to recover by getting adequate rest and sleep.
  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support muscle repair and recovery.

5. Active Recovery:

  • Engage in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling to promote blood flow and speed up recovery.
  • Avoid high-intensity workouts or activities that may exacerbate muscle soreness.

6. Ice Baths or Cold Therapy:

  • Take an ice bath or apply cold packs to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles.
  • Limit ice bath duration to 10-15 minutes to avoid potential adverse effects on circulation.

7. Compression Garments:

  • Wear compression socks, sleeves, or garments to improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness.
  • Use compression garments during the first 24-48 hours post-race for optimal recovery benefits.

8. Massage Therapy:

  • Schedule a sports massage to alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote faster recovery.
  • Choose a licensed massage therapist experienced in post-race recovery techniques.

9. Listen to Your Body:

  • Pay attention to signs of fatigue, pain, or discomfort.
  • Modify your recovery plan as needed based on how your body feels.

10. Reflect and Celebrate:

  • Take time to reflect on your race experience and celebrate your accomplishments.
  • Acknowledge your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Remember, recovery is a crucial part of the training process and plays a significant role in preventing injuries and maximizing performance in future races. Listen to your body, prioritize self-care, and give yourself the time and attention you need to bounce back stronger than ever.

Congratulations on completing your race, and best of luck with your recovery journey!

100-mile Endurance Plan

Posted on by magnolias + fluff

Week 1-4: Building a “Foundation”

Week 1: Getting Started (It’s all about the base)

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: 3 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 4 miles moderate
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (because it’s fun to confuse your muscles)
  • Friday: 3 miles easy
  • Saturday: 6 miles LSD (long slow distance)
  • Sunday: 3 miles easy (you’ve crushed this first week!)

Week 2: Progressing… Slow and steady

  • Monday: Rest (your body rebuilds, your mind refreshes, and your spirit rejuvenates)
  • Tuesday: 4 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 5 miles moderate
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (build those muscles!)
  • Friday: 4 miles easy
  • Saturday: 8 miles LSD (long, slow, and drawn-out)
  • Sunday: 4 miles easy (celebrate every step forward, for each one brings you closer to achieving your dreams)

Week 3: Embracing the Suck

  • Monday: Rest (Rest is a vital part of your athletic journey. Embrace it, honor it, and let it fuel your success.)
  • Tuesday: 5 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 6 miles moderate (because moderate pain is the new normal)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (because muscles love surprises)
  • Friday: 5 miles easy
  • Saturday: 10 miles LSD (long, slow, and delirious)
  • Sunday: 5 miles easy (Every step you take, every drop of sweat you shed, brings you one step closer to your goals. Remind yourself of what you’re achieving.)

Week 4: Starting to Feel Like a Real Athlete… Almost

  • Monday: Rest (rest is a badge of honor for all of the hard work you’re putting in)
  • Tuesday: 6 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 7 miles moderate (keep pushing forward, and remember, your journey is as remarkable as your destination)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training
  • Friday: 6 miles easy
  • Saturday: 12 miles LSD (long, slow, and desperate for a massage)
  • Sunday: 6 miles easy (the new definition of “Sunday Funday”)

Week 5-8: Building Endurance (Look at all you’ve achieved and keep moving forward)

Week 5: The Pain Train Keeps Chugging Along

  • Monday: Rest (resets, refocuses, and re-energize)
  • Tuesday: 7 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 8 miles moderate (feel the grit in your soul)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (celebrate how strong you’re getting)
  • Friday: 7 miles easy
  • Saturday: 15 miles LSD (long, slow, and determined)
  • Sunday: 7 miles easy (remind yourself of your epic week of achievements)

Week 6: The “I’m Definitely in Over My Head” Phase

  • Monday: Rest (allow yourself to recharge your batteries, both physically and mentally)
  • Tuesday: 8 miles easy (soak in your surroundings)
  • Wednesday: 9 miles moderate
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (it’s a great opportunity for yoga)
  • Friday: 8 miles easy
  • Saturday: 18 miles LSD (long, slow, and questioning all life choices)
  • Sunday: 8 miles easy (you are a rock star!)

Week 7: The “I Might Actually Survive This” Phase… Maybe

  • Monday: Rest (your rest days are just as important as your training days)
  • Tuesday: 9 miles easy (easy, as in “I’m just here for the snacks”)
  • Wednesday: 10 miles moderate
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (building strength and improving endurance)
  • Friday: 9 miles easy
  • Saturday: 20 miles LSD (stay fierce, stay focused)
  • Sunday: 9 miles easy

Week 8: The “Tapering” Phase (aka the Calm Before the Storm)

  • Monday: Rest (take a deep breath, relax and enjoy this rest day)
  • Tuesday: 8 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 6 miles easy (because you’ve earned the right to take it easy… for now)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training
  • Friday: 4 miles easy
  • Saturday: 10 miles LSD (long, slow, and drawn-out)
  • Sunday: 4 miles easy (the world can’t stop you now)

Week 9-12: The Final Stretch (Or in This Case, the Final Struggle)

Week 9: Increasing Intensity (Because Why Not?)

  • Monday: Rest (mentally prepare for the adventure that lies ahead)
  • Tuesday: 10 miles with intervals
  • Wednesday: 8 miles moderate
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (remember why you started)
  • Friday: 8 miles easy
  • Saturday: 22 miles LSD (keep pushing, keep grinding, and keep believing in yourself)
  • Sunday: 8 miles easy

Week 10: Hill Training (Because Why Not Add Insult to Injury?)

  • Monday: Rest (rest is the secret sauce that will propel you forward)
  • Tuesday: 9 miles with hill repeats (keeping pushing onward and upward)
  • Wednesday: 10 miles moderate
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (remember the passion that burns within you)
  • Friday: 9 miles easy
  • Saturday: 25 miles LSD with hills (long, slow, and wondering why you ever thought running up hills was a good idea)
  • Sunday: 9 miles easy (shake out run)

Week 11: Speed Work (Because Torture Comes in Many Forms)

  • Monday: Rest (rest well for your next triumph awaits)
  • Tuesday: 8 miles with speed intervals
  • Wednesday: 10 miles moderate (greatness is unfolding)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (hard work and dedication)
  • Friday: 8 miles easy
  • Saturday: 28 miles LSD (visualize your finish line achievement)
  • Sunday: 8 miles easy (another epic week!)

Week 12: The “Tapering” Phase (aka the Beginning of the End)

  • Monday: Rest (self care is the best care)
  • Tuesday: 6 miles easy (put on some happy tunes and get your body moving)
  • Wednesday: 8 miles with hills (you now eat hills for breakfast)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (your greatness shines)
  • Friday: 4 miles easy
  • Saturday: 10 miles LSD
  • Sunday: 4 miles easy (remind yourself how great this feeling of accomplishment is)

Week 13-16: Peak Training (Or in Other Words, the Final Countdown)

Week 13: Longest Runs (Because There’s No Turning Back Now)

  • Monday: Rest (recharge and reignite)
  • Tuesday: 8 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 12 miles with speed intervals
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (you’re getting stronger every day)
  • Friday: 8 miles easy
  • Saturday: 30 miles LSD (where will this adventure take you next?)
  • Sunday: 8 miles easy (you are achieving great things!)

Week 14: Back-to-Back Long Runs (Because You Clearly Haven’t Suffered Enough Yet)

  • Monday: Rest (embrace comfort for your body and mind)
  • Tuesday: 8 miles easy
  • Wednesday: 10 miles with hills
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training
  • Friday: 8 miles easy (it’s okay if the easy days feel challenging too)
  • Saturday: 35 miles LSD (this is where you get to push your limits)
  • Sunday: 8 miles easy (pushing to train on tired legs)

Week 15: Final Push (Because There’s No Turning Back Now… Seriously, You Can’t Turn Back)

  • Monday: Rest (relax and let your mind wander)
  • Tuesday: 8 miles with intervals
  • Wednesday: 12 miles moderate (the grind is real)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (you are stronger than you know)
  • Friday: 8 miles easy (conserve your energy for your highest mileage week)
  • Saturday: 40 miles LSD (you’re chasing your dreams)
  • Sunday: 8 miles easy (you did it!!)

Week 16: The “Tapering” Phase (Because Even the Pain Train Needs a Rest… Right?)

  • Monday: Rest (this rest is so well-deserved)
  • Tuesday: 6 miles easy (embrace these easy miles)
  • Wednesday: 8 miles with hills (this is what athletes are made of)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training
  • Friday: 4 miles easy (keep your eye on the prize)
  • Saturday: 10 miles LSD
  • Sunday: 4 miles easy (your dedication is inspiring!)

Week 17-20: Taper and Race Preparation (The End is Near)

Week 17: Tapering (Or in Other Words, the Beginning of the End)

  • Monday: Rest (focus on the journey that has brought you here)
  • Tuesday: 4 miles easy (you are capable of more than you’ve ever imagined)
  • Wednesday: 6 miles easy (you have some so far!)
  • Thursday: Cross-training or strength training (and make sure to get some extra stretching)
  • Friday: 3 miles easy
  • Saturday: Rest (you are here because of your grit and determination)
  • Sunday: Race day preparation (nutrition, gear check, and hydration)

Week 18: Race Week (You’re here and ready for an unbelievable experience)

  • Follow a very light running schedule, focusing on rest, hydration, and mental preparation for the race.
  • Remember to fuel and give your muscles the nutrition they deserve.

Week 19-20: Recovery (Race recovery is as important as your race training and preparation)

  • Gradually ease back into running with short, easy runs. Focus on recovery activities such as stretching, foam rolling, and adequate rest.
  • Be sure to keep hydrating and fueling your recovering muscles.