How can I get my legs to recover faster?

Question

Cross Country Practice is underway now and we are running some long and faster paced runs than what I ran this summer. I am not really that sore this second week but my legs do get very tired.

What can I take to help them recover so they are fresh everyday? Right now I am taking a Shaklee Recover drink with skim milk everyday.

Also this isn't just about drinks, any tips would be helpful.

Answer 1

The  previous poster's answer is really good.  Something else that REALLY help is massage by a licensed massage therapist.  Or even just a friend or relative who is willing to help you out.

Answer 2

Ice you legs, its really cold, but it really helps, and also it will prevent injuries if you ice everyday. You can do mroe stretches at home also, so that they won't be tight the next day that you run.

Answer 3

Make sure to warm-down properly, i.e., slow run followed by stretching

You can also try the hot/cold recovery technique where you go back and forth from a hot tub to a cold tub (about 1 minute in each) and ending with cold.  This get blood moving to your muscles from the expansion and contraction of the hot/cold.  

You may also want to think about keeping hydrated and replenishing your nutrients within an hour of working out (your body takes in food at a higher rate within the first hour after your workout)

Hope this helps

Answer 4

You can ice your legs.

You can also try resting your legs above your heart (lay on your back, prop them up).  Some people say this helps to "drain" the lactic acid out of your legs by increasing the blood flow.

You can also buy "The Stick" to use with your stretching.  

Stretch more is always a good answer too.

Good luck.