You didn’t think we’d let you run a half marathon and then just leave yah hanging, did you? Coming straight from Rob your TackleBox Trainer, here’s everything you need to know now that the wheezing is over (well, for this year….)

the AfterWheeze

celebrate your success!!!
Take a moment to reflect on what you have accomplished. It is really an amazing feat. Dude! You just ran a half-marathon bragging rights are officially granted.

hydrate
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – drink fresh water! It’s super important to replenish your body's water stores for recovery.

sleep
Your body repairs itself while you are catching zzz's. Make a point to set yourself up for some great sleeps in the weeks following your run (hey, you don’t need to tell us twice).

therapy
Here’s the excuse you’ve waiting for! Massage therapy is always a plus, especially after a run. Book yourself some ‘me time’ to help increase circulation (for better muscle recovery) and to release tension from those overworked muscles.

to run or not to run?
Itching to get back out there? First and foremost, listen to your body when deciding when’s the right time to lace up again. For more experienced half-marathoners, you may be able to get out for a run the very next day. Some of us may not even want to think about running (EVER. AGAIN). I would suggest taking a week run-cation to let your body recover.

If you are feeling stir crazy without running, some great recovery activities are:
• Yoga: hatha, yin, restorative are all really great recovery forms of yoga
• Swimming
• Cycling

keep the momentum going
What now? One thing I find after people finish a program like the TackleBox is that they need two things to keep the momentum going: a goal and structure. Set a goal to create focus for what you are going to do. Find structure in creating a new program for yourself.

You came. You ran. You partied. Congrats everyone, thanks for joining us!

My First 100 Marathons: 2, 620 Miles with an Obsessive Runner By: Jeff Horowitz

As someone who has an extensive library of running books, I was happy to add My First 100 Marathons to my collection. Horowitz takes the reader on his journey from newbie runner to experienced marathoner. Each recounting of his races tells of lessons learned through both triumphs and disappointments, and how the experience of every one of his marathons has enriched his life.

Each chapter begins with running tips, which includes advice for trail running, injury prevention, race recovery, form drills, and beyond. The book reads like a novel, but is packed with valuable information for both the novice and elite runner. Further, this book is filled with inspiring words that make you itch to lace up your running shoes and head out the door more and more with each turn of the page.

Horowitz lives, runs, writes, and coaches in Washington, DC. I have been fortunate enough to get to know Jeff, and I now count him as an important mentor and friend. He has also worked directly with our lululemon Logan Circle run club! For more information about Jeff Horowitz’s book, check out www.runtothefinishline.com