Ealing Half Marathon Recovery

I thought some of you might be interested in my post-Ealing Half Marathon recovery, as it seems to have left my legs feeling pretty good within the space of a week...
Immediately after crossing the finish line:
- at least half an hour of stretching on the grass in Lammas Park
- drank 2 bottles of water
- ate a banana and a nakd bar
Chocolate milk and ice bath post running recovery
When I got home: 
- sat in an ice bath for 15mins (ice cold water really)
- drank some chocolate milk
- ate 2 poached eggs on toast with avocado
- elevated legs and wore compression sleeves for rest of afternoon
- Thai takeaway treat in the evening
 (not a nutritionally advised recovery method but definitely tasty!)
Thai takeaway
The next day (and Tuesday):
- REST day - I tried to get up from my desk at work to walk around a lot to stop my legs getting stiff
- wore compression sleeves under my trousers
- iced hip (troublesome area prior to half) and knees in the evening
Weds- Fri
Went on holiday!
I treated myself to a 2 night break by the seaside in a gorgeous hotel, The Gallivant, just outside Rye. 
The hotel was directly across from Camber Sands- you crossed over the road, climbed over  a sand dune and were treated to this spectacular view!
(Note- I'm now going to bombard you with photos of the beach, sorry)
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
I probably spent at least 2 hours every day walking (ambling) up and down the beach and enjoying the beautiful views and fresh air.
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
Camber Sands is about 5miles long, and so flat that the tide goes out a really long way. This means you get huge expanses of beach to wander along, crunching the shells underfoot and listening to the waves. 
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
Being the first week of October, it was also pretty deserted with only a few dog walkers around, so I felt like it was my own private beach! 
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
My beach
I also ventured into Rye to explore the cobbled streets and old timber framed buildings. 
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex

It was an excuse to fully relax after the race, and not even think about running. 

The Gallivant, Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex
I did consider doing some yoga in my room, but there wasn't a huge amount of space and I wanted to be on the beach mostly! 
The Gallivant, Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex

The Gallivant, Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex

I ate at the The Gallivant restaurant for breakfast and dinner, and the food was as amazing- lots of locally caught fresh fish. Good food, walks on the beach and sleeping really well in a super comfy bed = a perfect break!

Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex

I'd definitely recommend the area - it's so easy to get to from London as well, a 2hour journey with a changeover in Brighton.

Camber Sands, Rye, Sussex


I just wish I could have stayed for longer!

Since then, I've run a 5k parkrun and been to a Spinning class, so I'm easing back into exercise gently and my legs feel pretty good πŸ™‚

How do you recover from races? Do you love the beach? I think it's my favourite place, no matter which coast in the world- I always feel so peaceful and relaxed!


Beki x

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