pre- and post-run recovery tips from saje natural wellness

Congratulations SeaWheezers on the commitment you’ve made to run 21.1k half marathon! You’ve taken the time to register, the time to train, and some of you have travelled a great distance to be in Vancouver for the race this weekend. You’ve earned the right to have an awesome experience and equally as awesome a recovery. We asked our friends and SeaWheeze partners at Saje Natural Wellness to offer their tips for pre- and post-race care, and suggestions as to what products from their beautiful line, crafted from 100 per cent natural ingredients, will make it even more enjoyable.

Pre-Race

• Don’t just train physically; train mentally. Take the time to breathe. Inserting meditation and yoga into your training will make your experience calmer and more enjoyable. Before the race, spend 10 minutes meditating and taking deep, meaningful breaths. When we are tense in our minds, even with excitement, the whole body tenses. When there is tension, there is resistance, and resistance will slow you down.

• Fuel your body sufficiently. We all have different dietary needs and choices, and how you fuel your body has a direct effect on how you perform. Know what you need to be properly fuelled; speak to experts, listen to your body, and choose natural, organic, and clean foods.

• Hydrate, but leave out sugar-filled sports drinks. Proper hydration is imperative for many physical functions in the body. When you run such a distance, it’s important to maintain a balance of minerals in the body too, especially electrolytes. Opt for coconut water or an organic electrolyte boost over other sugar-filled sports drinks.

• Remember that resting is part of the training, too. Stick to your training routine and don’t add any unnecessary strain to your body. For some, the pressure to achieve can be very stressful and this stress may be disrupting your sleep pattern. Stimulants such as caffeine and sugar should be limited or completely eliminated the day before the race. Finish eating dinner at least two hours before you go to bed. Saje’s Sleep Well remedy can help your body relax and fall into a deep slumber.

• Warm-up and gentle pre-race stretching. Of course, taking the time to properly warm up helps to prevent injury. We also think it’s a great opportunity to scan your body, give extra attention to areas that are stiff, and to allow your heart rate to stabilize before the exertion of the race. Our Pain Release and Stress Release will calm inflammation and relax tense muscles Peppermint Halo cools while stimulating blood flow, preventing tension and headaches ensuring that when you are ready to run, you are functioning at optimum.

Post-Race

• Smile and celebrate. We are social creatures and the camaraderie of connecting with others in a common celebration creates a sense of community and a happy, infectious atmosphere, and that’s what SeaWheeze is all about.

• Cool down and s t r e t c h. As you cool down, your muscles tighten up. Although it may be tempting, do not sit down immediately after the race. Gentle movement such as slow walking and yoga will help elongate and stretch your muscles while calming your mind. Deeper breathing will also help to safely stabilize your heart rate. To release deeper tension, Yin yoga will nourish your tissues, ligaments and tendons.

• Rehydrate and refuel. Again, reach for that coconut water. During your run your body’s cooling system, perspiration, has caused you to lose fluids and important minerals that help keep you hydrated, such as potassium. A fresh-squeezed juice is a healthy and quick way to replenish nutrients in the body. Be sure to also eat something with lots of carbohydrates.

• Continue your post-race care at home. A massage two hours after the race will be a huge support to your recovery. If that’s not possible, try soaking your legs in cool or cold water two hours after your race. And don’t underestimate the power of a 30-minute bath. Add Après Sport Bath Salts to relax and heal your muscles, calm and unwind your body and prepare for a deeper quality of sleep than you’ve ever experienced. Much healing occurs while you are resting so a deep sleep is very important.

Other Saje products that will aid in your recovery include Peppermint Halo for tension, headaches and cooling, Pain Release to stretch, reduce inflammation and relieve pain, Arnica Rescue Acute Injury Ointment for injuries and Restoral for abrasions, blisters and chafing.

Above all, as you recover, the best and simplest tip we can give you is to listen to your body. And if you crave a glass of (organic) wine to celebrate this incredible achievement, cheers and congratulations. You’ve earned it!