that, unless you're running 80 miles a week or churning out sub-2:45 marathons, recovery doesn't really matter. The evidence certainly suggests otherwise. Sidestepping good recovery practice can leave you more susceptible to aches, pains, colds
Congratulate a loved one after months of dedicated marathon training - or just treat yourself after making it across the 26.2-mile finish line. We've compiled the best selection of gifts to help commemorate the day, boost recovery and pamper tired
. The party doesn't stop when you reach the finish line - visit runnersworld.co.uk for expert recovery tips plus readers' VLM stories and photos. We'd love to hear about your race - tell your 2012 Virgin London Marathon story at www.runnersworld.co.uk/vlmstories.
mins alternating between half-marathon pace (11:00) and jog recovery pace (12:00 - 13:00) per minute Rest 20 mins easy or rest 75-80 mins slow (11:00 - 12:00) Week 3 (w/c Aug 4) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 10 x 400m at 5K pace (sub-10:00) with 1-min
x 800m at 10K pace (6:00 - 6:15) with 2-min recoveries, then 10 mins cool-down 60 mins easy 45 mins, with the middle 20 alternating between half-marathon pace (6:30) and marathon (7:30) per minute 30 mins easy or rest 45 mins, including 30 mins
, including 10 mins at half-marathon pace (8:00) 30 mins easy or rest 90 mins slow (9:00 - 10:00) RestWeek 2 (w/c July 28) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 5 x 800m at 10K pace (7:45-8:00) with 2-min recoveries, then 10 mins cool-down 60 mins easy 45 mins
15 mins at half-marathon pace (10:00) Rest 30 mins easy or rest 60 mins slow (11:00 - 12:00) Week 2 (w/c July 28) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 4 x 5 mins at 10K pace (9:00 - 9:30) with 2-min recoveries, then 10 mins cool-down Rest 45 mins steady
recoveries, then 10 mins cool-down 60 mins easy 45 mins, including 20 alternating between half-marathon pace (7:15) and marathon pace (8:00) per minute 45 mins easy 100 mins slow (8:00 - 9:00) RestWeek 3 (w/c Aug 4) 30 mins easy or rest 10 mins warm
've no idea how quickly I'll recover."– Soon to be skinnyYour best answersYou need more post-marathon recoveryThere's no point. You will get round, but you won't do yourself justice. The rough rule of thumb is that you need one day's recovery (that doesn
