first marathon

My first marathon is this Sunday.  What should I expect after I finish the race.  I know what  to do before the race, but what should I do after the race?    

First of all when you finish the marathon, you should feel a sense o*******n and pride that can not be described.    You are also going to get yourself hydrated.  And keep hydrating all day.  Your muscles may cramp up in your legs during the day.  Some people believe in doing an ice bath after a race.  I tried it once and it does work but it really takes a lot of grit to climb in to that tub.  The other tip I will give you that I learned at my first marathon is to walk down stairs backwards from a veteran maratoner.  It is much easier, and you are less likely to tear something.  Even getting off a bus.  Last tip is to enjoy and bask in your accomplishment.  Post your story so we can all enjoy it.
Rob

After The Race "To-Do" List:

Enjoy the moment
Thank all volunteers
Wear your finisher medal all day
STRETCH!!!!
Ice Bath
Get a massage if they offer them
Rehydrate well
Eat a good meal within 30 minutes of finishing
Compression on your legs will help
Sign up for your next race...

Have an awesome race bro!

I just want to put a little emphasis on the ice bath. It will do wonders. I usually get in and then start running the cold water. When it is up above my thys I add some ice to take the temp downa bit. I usually stay in 10-15 min. It will make a huge difference the next day.

Actually, the best I ever felt after a marathon was when I finished and changed right away, then spent the rest of the day at EPCOT. The next day, I woke up feeling great and toured the parks the rest of the week. Keeping moving the rest of the day will help also.

can't add much more, but i would suggest eating something right away (typically they will have food at the finish area) prior to the full meal which you should still do.  if you don't want to do the ice bath or can't, you can lay down and elevate your legs, it isn't as good but has some of the same effects.

The only thing I would add is that sharing this accomplishment especially with your close family and friends makes it even more special.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

1. Drink. Drink. And then Drink.
2. Drink.
3. Take in every moment of your accomplishment.
4. Drink.
5. Get home and sign up for another one.
6. Drink.

(There is no way to describe the dehydration that happens over 4+ hours of running)

Good luck and Enjoy the moment.

Here is a link to an article in Runners World written by Jeff Galloway.
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/microsite/article/0,8029,s6- 369-370-0-12377-0,00.html#
This is what I do after a long run.

pan head