Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

What to Do The Week After a Half Marathon or Marathon: A Science-based Post Race Recovery Guide

Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

Show Notes

Post-race recovery is not the avoidance of training. Rather, it is a crucial component of a well-periodized training plan, especially for a marathon or half marathon. In this episode, we first examine the physiological impact of racing a marathon or half marathon on the body. Then, we detail how to approach a recovery phase, including what can enhance or impair recovery after a race.

In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What happens to your body after you run a marathon ✅ Should you do a recovery run after the race? ✅ How to structure a recovery phase after a half marathon ✅ How to recover after a marathon ✅ How to improve your post-race recovery ✅ Health risks during the recovery phase Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

References 🔬PMID: 42298171 🔬PMID: 39094181 🔬https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01244-7 🔬PMID: 41101781 🔬 PMID: 31045685 🔬 PMID: 42299359 🔬PMID: 27338452

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like: 🎧 Tune Up Race Formula (14 August 2026) 🎧 Do You Need to Cool Down after a Run? (13 June 2025)

Let’s stay connected: ➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/ ➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/ ➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/ ➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en ➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

More from Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

Oct 17, 2026

“You’ve got to have high challenge and high support.” In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Duncan Simpson of Dartmouth’s Teeven Center for Peak Performance to discuss the psychology of pushing yourself to your limits as a runner.

Oct 10, 2026

If you google “Half Marathon Training Plan,” the search engine presents you with an overwhelming variety of options: Galloway, Hansons, Hal Higdon, Daniels, and more. In this episode, we discuss the fundamental principles of volume, intensity, and progression in the most popular half marathon methodologies.

Oct 3, 2026

Running is not bad for your knees - if anything, consistent running is remarkably beneficial for your cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health. In this episode, we delve into the research around running, disease risk, and mortality/longevity. You will learn how running improves heart health, lowers cancer risk, helps you sleep, and more.

Sep 26, 2026

Recovery tools have proliferated in the running world over the past few years: red light therapy, ice plunge buckets, peptides, and more. However, the expensive price tag does not guarantee efficacy. In this episode, we look at the data behind various recovery tools and if they actually work - or if they just come with a powerful placebo effect.

Sep 19, 2026

Are broccoli sprout shots the secret to your next PR? Will U-Can gels help you manage weight? And are greens powders a scam or magic bullet? We sit down with registered dietitian Alex Larson, the founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. She answers all our questions on GLP-1s, cortisol-reducing supplements, lactate gels, if Laura can make her own Nomio at home, and more.

See all episodes →