Quick Recovery for Bare Feet Running

I've often found that recovery from a long bare foot running is just as important than the run itself. I mean who wouldn't want to recover more quickly so that we can get back out there in the world to do the thing that we love doing for ourselves. This is where I've learned about quicker recoveries. Now I'm nowhere near a running professional but if its one main thing that I've learned is that water is one of your most important assets when it comes to running with bare feet. Not only during the run but also days after bare feet running is it still just as important. Getting oxygen to your muscles is important and water is one of the most important assets in accomplishing this task. Now of course this is common sense, but many people neglect it even in everyday life and choose by their own will to drink other things that may actually impose on the bodies ability to get oxygen to the muscles.

There are other means in which I use when I'm running bare foot and that is making sure to get the right nutrients into my body as well. Usually make sure a good source of protein in the morning and throughout the day and a myriad of vitamins... now I don't suggest everyone supplement vitamins as the sole nutrient and it's definitely going to be different for each individual but I find that a good multi-vitamin, a b-complex, and a good E,C, and D capsule is always a good shot at recovering your muscles quicker.

One more tip for bare feet running that I have used since my runs tend to extend longer then I initally think they will last is after the run, I tend to do a stretch which requires one to have your legs up straight against the wall to let the acids circulate back through the blood to allow some dissipation. This is crucial for me as I know its taken affect at the point in which my legs will tend to go numb for a short while and then get their feeling back. Here is an example, image of it courtesy of realityyoga.com

Here is where it gets good for all you bare feet running group and that is dating back to the Tarahumara tribe and what they use to help them recover quicker. There is something specific they use and it is all thanks to a book that I recently read called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall which really sinks into the heart of the bare feet running lifestyle. It is a book of what it means to know life and to live it to its fullest. You can read more about the philosophy behind the book and what I got out of it from my other blog Atomic Potential. Anyway what I wanted to get at is what is referred to in the book as a major energy booster which comes from the Chia Seed drink. This drink is relatively simple to make and it is said while running that it will lift the spirits of even the most exhausted of bare feet runners, and I can attest to this. I always drink this after I go bare feet running and I would have to say that it has helped me feel almost completely energized every single time.

What is Chia Seed?

You've probably guessed it but Chia seed is exactly what you think it is... you know, those Chia pets that you can water and boom! Out grows these little green grass like things. Those are Chia seeds with their magical properties to the left. They are a seed that is native to Mexico and Guatemala which makes a lot of sense as to why the Tarahumara, a Mexican tribe has found this wonderful remedy of recovery. This drink helps not only in overall health, but also in strength and vitality (which is why one would feel more energy after its consumption.)

Not only this but its also a great source of fiber and which may also give one the feeling of fuller longer throughout the day so if you're looking to getting fitter quicker, then this is an essential to recovery and health. The reason why I usually drink this after a run is because of these seeds ability to drastically reduce free radicals in the body which means it helps dissipate those running acids that build up in the legs after a nice long enjoyable bare feet running session. One other thing that these seem to accomplish that other sources may not is the fact that this drink through the seed is chalked full of Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) which according to vitacost.com's description of the seed are "good" fats. They are essential for good health and are something everyone needs but are not naturally produced by the body.

Finally the icing on the cake is that these particular seeds in the link above are gluten free which means that they will not spike your insulin levels which store fat instead of turning it into muscle.

How do you make the Chia Seed drink?!

Its actually extremely easy, given you have the seeds of course. They are relatively inexpesive to purchase a 1lb container of them, and are well worth it for your health. Heres my method to making it which is followed as closely as I know how to the Tarahumara bare feet running tribe which is mixing 1 scoop of chia seed into 8oz. of water and stirring for 1 minute (usually these containers have scoops in them). The container says to let it sit for 5 minutes to let it get its consistency and to do its magic, and then as to not let everything sit at the bottom of the cup I stir after the five minutes while I drink. One last final touch before drinking is that I add a slice of freshly cut lemon or lime as this adds to the health of the body and drink it on down. It doesn't really taste like anything aside from the lemon or lime but the consistency will be much like a more liquidy jello which really isn't bad at all. You might want to follow up with one more cup of 8ozs of water just to get the rest of the seeds out of the cup and that's it! You'll feel recharged in no time and on your way to recovery!

Now slap on those bare feet running shoes and get to running good ladies and gentle sirs!!