The importance of recovery in endurance athletes

What is the secret to successful racing, be it trail or road, ultra distance, or shorter distances?

Many of you would answer with a good training program or a successful training run up to an event.

Of course, nutrition would also be very high on the list, but I would argue one of the most important aspects of successful training and thus racing is RECOVERY!

Even with the best program, nutrition, coach, or talent, if you don’t allow for ADEQUATE and QUALITY recovery, you will not reach your goals in your training program.

Effective training means reaching all your goals set out in your training program, that being distance goals and your quality session goals.

Without recovery, your goals will be mediocre, and you will not reach your top potential.

Recovery comes in many forms and options:

• Nutrition

• Day off

• Cross training

• Epsom salts bath

• Yoga

• Pilates

• Compression boots

One of my favourite methods of recovery are compression boots after a hard run. Combined with the different recovery strategies, these are really miracle devices.

Compression recovery boots, also known as compression boots or pneumatic compression devices, are a type of wearable technology designed to aid in the recovery of athletes after intense training sessions or competitions.

These boots use pneumatic compression to apply pressure to different parts of the legs, helping to enhance blood circulation and reduce muscle soreness. Here are some key aspects of compression recovery boots:

How Compression Recovery Boots Work:

Pneumatic Compression:

Compression boots consist of inflatable chambers that are positioned around the legs. These chambers are filled with air in a sequential or peristaltic manner.

The boots are connected to a control unit that regulates the inflation and deflation of the chambers, creating a compression wave that moves up the legs.

Sequential Compression:

The compression is often applied sequentially, starting from the lower part of the legs and moving upwards. This sequential compression mimics the natural muscle-pumping action of the legs and aids in venous return.

Enhanced Blood Flow:

By applying pressure and promoting circulation, compression boots can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the legs. Improved blood flow also facilitates the removal of metabolic waste products from the muscles.

Benefits for Athletes:

Faster Recovery:

Compression recovery boots are believed to accelerate the recovery process by promoting the removal of lactate and other metabolic byproducts, reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.

Reduced Swelling and Inflammation:

The compression helps prevent and alleviate swelling and inflammation by enhancing the movement of fluids through the lymphatic system.

Improved Circulation:

Enhanced blood circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the muscles, aiding in their repair and recovery.

Muscle Relaxation:

The use of compression boots promotes muscle relaxation, reducing muscle tension and stiffness.

They are particularly good at reducing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) helping you train more effectively following a hard or long workout.

Remember, only with an adequate and quality recovery strategy can you train to your optimum potential.

Medi Active stock a range of compression boots, full leg pants and half leg pants in all sizes.

Kerry will gladly assist with all your queries and arrange a demonstration, whether it private or at your event or running club.