Marathon Prep & Recovery: How MLD Supports Runners Every Step of the Way
Training for a marathon? Recovering from one? Whether you’re gearing up for race day or working on feeling like yourself again after crossing the finish line, your body deserves the best support. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)is an often-overlooked but powerful tool for runners, helping to boost recovery, reduce swelling, and keep you moving—before and after your race.
How MLD Helps During Marathon Training
Your training is in full swing, and your legs are feeling it. Long runs, speed work, and race prep take a toll. That’s where MLD comes in:
✅ Eases Muscle Fatigue & Soreness – MLD helps clear out metabolic waste (like lactic acid) so your muscles recover faster, keeping you fresh for your next run.
✅ Reduces Swelling & Inflammation – Running increases fluid retention, especially in the lower legs. MLD helps drain excess fluid, leaving your legs feeling lighter and more mobile.
✅ Boosts Immune Function – Logging serious miles can stress the immune system. MLD helps move white blood cells through the body, supporting overall immune health.
✅ Enhances Recovery Between Runs – Your training doesn’t stop, so neither should your recovery. MLD helps your body bounce back so you can keep pushing toward race day
Recovering Post-Marathon with MLD
You did it! But now your legs feel like bricks, and stairs are your worst enemy. MLD can help get you back on track by:
✅ Reducing Post-Race Swelling – After 26.2 miles, your body holds onto extra fluid. MLD encourages natural drainage, easing that heavy, puffy feeling in your legs.
✅ Speeding Up Muscle Repair – By improving circulation and clearing out waste, MLD helps decrease soreness and accelerates healing so you can move comfortably again.
✅ Preventing Injury & Supporting Joint Health – Post-race stiffness can lead to compensation patterns (hello, weird aches and pains). MLD keeps things balanced, helping you avoid setbacks.
When to Book MLD for Marathon Recovery
For best results, try scheduling MLD:
🕒 24-72 Hours Post-Race – This helps kickstart recovery and reduces that initial stiffness and swelling.
🕒 1 Week Post-Race – Supports deeper muscle repair and helps you feel more mobile.
🕒 Throughout Training – Regular MLD keeps your body performing at its best, helping you recover faster between runs.
Keep Running Strong with MLD
Marathon training and recovery are a process—one that deserves the right support. MLD isn’t just about feeling better (though that’s a huge bonus); it’s about helping your body perform, recover, and stay injury-free so you can keep doing what you love.
At Same Stars Wellness, we specialize in athletic therapy and recovery techniques tailored to runners like you. Book your MLD appointment today and give your body the recovery it needs to go the distance!
