13 SIMPLE Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Recovery Tips - Recover from your race FASTER!!!

Best recovery strategy for Ironman Blues?
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Congrats on your Ironman 70.3 race and finish!!!

We put so much time into preparing for our Ironman 70.3 triathlon races that so often we haven't even thought about recovery.

Ironman 70.3s are incredibly taxing on the body, but there are a few things that you should be doing to help your body recovery faster and feel fresher.

These tips come from my own personal experience racing 160+ triathlons, 50+ Ironman 70.3s, 25+ Ironmans, and 40+ Marathons. I am one of only a few athletes to ever qualify for both the Ironman 70.3 Worlds and Ironman Kona championship as an age-grouper and then continued working, grinding, and growing to make it back as a professional.

#1 - Drink a protein shake as soon as possible after the race. This will start the recovery process as soon as possible. You will get plenty of carbs at the food tent, but easily digestible protein options are often lacking. Have a family member bring you a protein shake at the finish.

Put your dry recovery product in a blender
bottle. Just add water at finish.

It is so easy to do. I prefer to put some plain whey protein isolate (20g) + 1 scoop of Base Amino (10g) in a Blender Bottle. Whey is very quick to absorb and easily digestible, but Base Amino is free-form amino acids that are immediately ready to be used by the body without any further breakdown.

Drink another shake at night before you go to bed and one more the next morning. Personally, I continue this pattern for two more days after the race.

#2 - Keep moving - Don't sit for extended periods of time. Take frequent short walks to keep the blood moving thru the legs so toxins and dead cells can be processed by the lymphatic system and expelled from the body. If you have a long drive home then try to walk a few steps while at the gas station and again when you get home. If you have a long flight get up mid-flight to walk around.

#3 - Avoid caffeine  - Many rely on caffeine as a staple and need a little pickup, especially the morning after the race. Remember this is about recovering faster. Caffeine is going to add further stress to the system + it is diuretic. If you can avoid it for a few days your body will thank you. Instead, get someone to pour you some decaf without you knowing it.

#4 -  Avoid alcohol - I know everyone wants to celebrate their race and plenty look forward to the post-race drinks. Just remember, alcohol is a diuretic and it negatively affects your sleep. If maximum recovery is your goal look to something else to drink.

Possibly the most relaxing

way to recover!!!

#5 - Get a massage or invest in recovery boots. Treat your body this week and get a nice relaxing massage. If you own a pair of recovery boots then sit in them for 30 minutes post race and again that night before going to bed. If you don't have a pair then think about it as an investment. They are an awesome and relaxing recovery tool!

Here is a short comparison on two units I did many moons ago: Normatec ($1295) Vs Air Relax ($450).

#6 - Drink lots of water - if your urine is dark then you need to be drinking more fluids, but you also need to drink water regardless to help flush those toxins.

#7 - Take a nap - The more naps the better. Don't think of naps as being lazy, think of them as aiding the recovery process.

Bromelain ie Pineapple Enzyme -
 Natural anti-inflammatory + 
breaks down proteins

#8 - Avoid NSAIDs and other painkillers as they are going to be hard on your system. If you need something for pain look to natural anti-inflammatories like Bromelain, the enzyme in Pineapple that is a natural anti-inflammatory.

You can buy and eat Pineapple or just buy Bromelain itself which is extracted from Pineapple. It also aids in the breakdown of proteins which will further the rebuilding process. The following Source Naturals 2-pack is what I purchase. It is a more natural way to deal with pain.

#9 - Limit Exercise - walking is great, swimming is great, spinning is good, some very slow and short runs are ok at best. The key here is to listen to the body. If you are used to wearing gadgets then maybe leave them at home this week. Don't be afraid to go by feel in the week post race.

#10 - Take an Epsom Salt Bath - Epsom salt can help relieve general soreness from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is what you are feeling when you feel that pain in your quads or calves and especially when walking down the stairs. Epsom salt can help relieve that pain naturally. Pour a generous amount of Epsom salt into a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Try to relax the mind as well.

Epsom salt baths can promote
bloodflow and helps with DOMS.

#11 - Be cognizant of germs - The long race + travel can really wipe out your immune system. Now normally in life I actually like to build up my immune system by exposing it to germs, but now is not that time. Some stress is good, but you just did a Ironman 70.3 and your body is overstressed and vulnerable. Be a little extra cognizant of germs for the next few days - they are looking for a weak host.

#12 - Roll it out - You might be too sore after the race or even the following day, but use a foam roller to help break up any adhesions and to continue to promote blood flow back to the tissues.

If you don't have a foam roller, you might consider one. Personally, I love my Rumble Roller. It is rough at first, but once you use it consistently your tissues will become more supple and you will never use anything else again. I have the long version for home use (black, firm), and a short version for travel (blue, soft).

My personal collection of *knobby* foam roller

If the idea of using a foam roller like this is too much torture then massage guns can be a great alternative, albeit more expensive, and noisy. The following $145 Bivi, which comes with two batteries, is what I kept after I did my Bivi vs Theragun review.

#13 - Post Ironman Blues - Be aware that the post Ironman Blues are a real thing. You spend so much time and energy focused towards completing your race and then it is over. Some lose that sense of purpose they had while training. Take this time to refocus that energy on things you may have been neglecting - family, friends, kids, pets, work, hobbies etc. Start planning your next adventure too!

So that is it. Conscious awareness is half the battle when it comes to recovery and doing a few things on this list goes a long way. If you liked this post then feel free to share it or tag someone else that can benefit from FASTER recovery!

Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Race Tips - From Age-Grouper Turned Professional

Here are a few tips for a better Ironman 70.3. Regardless of whether you are a first-time finisher or Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, these tips can help you finish faster and fresher.

These tips come from my own accumulated experience as a long-time age-grouper turned pro and Ironman Champion competing in 50+ 70.3s.

Race Week - Pre-Race

#1 Less is more - this is the theme of the week. The hay is in the barn. The logistics of Ironman 70.3 may keep you busy, but resist the temptation to get in any more serious training. It will only hurt you!

#2 Start planning your recovery now - it is easy to get caught up in what you need to do for the race, but think about recovery too! There are a few basic things you can do to expedite the recovery process. One of the simplest and most effective is having a family members bring you a protein shake immediately post race. I wrote a separate article on Ironman 70.3 recovery.

#3 - Get good sleep - The night before the race you probably won't sleep well. Don't sweat it! Worrying about it will just make it harder to sleep. Instead, focusing on sleep in the days leading up to the race - especially the sleep two nights before the race. Do whatever it takes to create the proper sleeping environment for yourself. Take an extra day off from work if you can.

Rolling thru the corn fields
at one my favorite 70.3s

#4 - Communicate with your team - Communicate with your support team ahead of time. Don't let it add stress. Often times our personalities can change in the days leading into the race as excitement builds. Everyone handles the stress differently and it is important for your support team to have an understanding of your needs. Communicate with them along with the way. If you need help, ask for help. If you need space, tell them you need space.

#5 - Write a list of everything you need before travel - Write a list of everything you need then check it off as you pack. If you forget something don't stress it. You can likely get whatever you need on site.

#6 - Stay hydrated. Focus on staying hydrated before the race. This is especially important if you are traveling by air or have a road trip.

Race Day Morning 

#1 - Morning breakfast - aim to have your breakfast finished no later than 2 hours before the start of your race. The simpler the breakfast the better.

For me, I keep it super simple with two Ensure Plus (700 calories) + a couple of gels. Yes gels for breakfast. I know that sounds gross to many but it is fast to digest and I know the result for me. I have another gel about 20 minutes before the start of the race. Do whatever works for you.

#2 - Be mindful of race day logistics - if this is your first 70.3 or your first 70.3 at this particular event give yourself more time for unplanned things like traffic, bathrooms, etc that can leave you feeling rushed.

Keep it simple with Body Glide + Sunscreen

#3 - Refrain from putting on the wetsuit too early - Putting on a wetsuit too early is a recipe for dehydration. Give yourself time to get it on but don't put it on first thing in the morning. It is better to wear breathable clothes if you need to stay warm. Remember body glide on the neck and legs, I personally like the Body Glide Sun and Sport that incorporate sunscreen so I don't have to remember the order of sunscreen first, then body glide. I also like to put my bottom on first and leave my torso exposed until about 15 minutes before I plan to enter the water.

#4 - If you aren't allowed a swim warm-up - bring swim cords to get the body warmed up.

#5 - If the water is really cold (ie below 62) - Try to get in and warm up. If that isn't allowed dump a bottle of water in your wetsuit a few minutes before getting in. This will help build a barrier and the cold water won't shock the system when you do finally jump in.

The Actual Race

1# - Slow down - You are likely tapered, excited, and caffeinated, and it is very easy to start too fast. The beginning of each segment should feel easy - if it doesn't feel easy you are going too hard!

I suggest the 20% rule. For roughly 20% of each segment (ie, the first 400 meters of the swim, 10 miles of the bike, and 3 miles of the run) start below your race pace effort for that segment. This will allow your body to work into the effort and this is likely the fastest way to do the race regardless of your fitness.

#2 - Check your ego - don't let your ego get the best of you on race day. There will be people who are faster and slower than you and they come in all shapes and sizes. Stick to your race plan! Stick to your pace! Don't chase!

#3 - Be mindful of transition - Your heart rate will be very high in the transition from swim to bike. Be mindful of running thru transition and try to consciously slow down a bit. With the excitement of the crowd. it is very easy to get carried away and blow your race.

#4 - Keep the nutrition simple - the less stuff you have on your bike the better from an aerodynamics, digestive, and simplicity standpoint. Focus on foods that are easily absorbed and digested even with a high heart rate. Gels, gummies, and very basic bars work the best.

#5 - It is ok to walk during run - yes sometimes incorporating some walking can be faster than continuous running. Doing so can give your muscles a chance to reset, your core temperature falls, and your body absorbs calories. Try incorporating strategic walking for 5-15 seconds thru an aid station.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Craig Alexandar (3x Ironman World Champion) walked sections of the Ironman Kona marathon when he set the course record? Strategic incorporation of some walking can yield faster running.

#6 - Keeping your core temp cool on hot days - For hot and/or humid races it is important to make sure you keep your core temperature in check. Overheating the body is a sure way to slow your pace and make for a miserable run. Start the first 5k on the run below race pace.

You can help shed heat by grabbing ice and carrying it in your hands, chewing on ice, dumping ice down your jersey or shorts, wearing a visor, grabbing sponges and glasses of water and dumping them on your head, neck, and shoulders.

#7 - If food or drink keeps coming back up - Then you are likely going too hard and/or taking in too much. Slow down and give your body a chance to digest whatever is in your stomach. You can't force it, your body is smart. Switch to water if you feel thirsty.

#8 - Positive attitude & smile - Racing is as much about attitude as anything. For full Ironmans I always tell people if they can't smile at any point they are going too hard!

Trying to practicing what I preach -
Smiling & starting slow to finish strong!

#9 - If you are struggling - try setting smaller goals - like getting to the next aid station. Take it one pedal stroke and one stride at a time.

Also, try giving someone else encouragement - you would be surprised by how much energy you get back from what you give.

#9 Enjoy the finish - Finishing is awesome. Slow down and enjoy the finishing chute emotions.

Lastly if you are a triathlete or endurance athlete, I have set up a FREE Ironman Q&A group on Facebook. Feel free to ask any question you might have about Ironman Training or endurance sports.

A few more Ironman 70.3 race tips for first-time triathletes

Body glide is your friend

#1 - Body glide is your friend - make sure you have Body Glide for the back of your neck, arms, nipples, armpits, and legs to prevent chafing. In addition, Body Glide makes taking off a wetsuit much easier, and it prevents serious chaffing to your neck.

#2 - Avoid changing clothes - you would be surprised just how hard it is to change clothes in transition. First, clothes don't go on wet very easily. Second, you might have severe mobility restrictions from tighter muscles after the swim. Third, you heart rate is high and your manual dexterity is greatly reduced

#3 - Never make your first open-water swim the race - If you have never swam in open-water please at least swim open-water once before race day. Swimming in open-water is different than a pool.

#4 - Never make the race your first swim in a wetsuit - Wetsuits can be restrictive, both from a physical perspective but also psychologically. Get comfortable with your wetsuit by swimming in it prior to the race. Join an open water swim group or practice in the pool. If you don't have a wetsuit you should consider one... they make a big difference in terms of speed and buoyancy. Here is an article on some things to think about when purchasing a NEW wetsuit.