The Importance of Cooling Down After a Marathon
So, you’ve crossed the finish line of the marathon, but the race isn’t over just yet.
It’s common for runners to come to an abrupt stop after completing a marathon and head straight to their cars. However, it’s crucial to keep moving even after the run and bring your heart rate down by engaging in some simple breathing exercises and stretches.
The dangers of skipping a proper cool down cannot be overstated. When you engage in cardio or high-intensity activities, your active muscles require increased oxygenated blood flow. Abruptly stopping exercise can lead to blood pooling in the lower extremities, potentially causing dizziness or fainting due to decreased blood return to the heart.
In addition, the body produces lactic acid during exercise, which needs to be released through a cool down routine. A 15-20 minute post-run routine can also help reduce stress on the joints.
An effective cool down should include stretches for the quadriceps and hamstrings, accompanied by rhythmic breathing for 15-30 seconds.
Instead of rushing home after the race, I recommend savoring the celebratory atmosphere at the marathon venue. Taking photos to commemorate your achievement can serve as a powerful motivator for future challenges.
Meet the Author: Shaik Moyeenuddin
