5 Steps To Prevent Injuries This Running Season: #4 Cool Down

"Your muscles, fascias, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and nerves deserve the same amount of obsession as a race car or racehorse, if not way more."
     Kelly Starrett 

This step aids the process in which our body recovers.  By allowing our body heat to gradually reduce, as well as increasing the removal rate of lactic acid from our muscles, we can approach our next run or workout quicker and better.

After running, recovery can be enhanced by walking barefoot on the grass,  an easy bike ride until normal breathing is regained, and/or performing body weight movements such as slow lunges, or leg circles. Hip mobilizations are my favorite. It would be beneficial to include  some pulmonary exercises ( nasal breathing / breath cycles).  This can be combined with tissue work/mobility, discussed above to aid in tissue repair.

The rest of your day should be spent drinking fluids and sitting the least amount as possible.