Recovery is vital for muscle repair, strength building, and performance improvement. In humid climates, your body is under additional stress due to excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This makes post-race recovery critical for athletes in high-humidity, high-heat climates like Southeast Asia.
We speak with Dr Foo Gen Lin, Orthopedic Surgeon at Apex Sports Clinic in Singapore to get his take on effective recovery methods and tools that can help athletes bounce back stronger and faster. Dr Foo trained at Cambridge University and St. George’s University, London and was admitted as a Fellow to the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) before specialising on hip arthroscopy. His interest in sports, both as an active athlete and surgeon led him to pursue sub-specialty training in the treatment of sports injuries and he treats patients across the region.
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RDRC: What are the most common injuries or issues you see in athletes after a race, and how can they be prevented or minimized through proper recovery practices?
Dr Foo Gen Lin: Long-distance running, such as marathon running, places significant physiological demands on an athlete’s body. During the lead-up to the Singapore Marathon, I had a few patients who sustained stress injuries from their training load. Being athletes, we often have the mindset that there is 'no gain without pain' and that our resilience will overcome any physical injuries.
Unfortunately, this does not play out well in reality and niggling aches could be signs that we are over-training and if not addressed, potentially lead to more severe injuries. To give you a better idea, here's an overview of its physiological impact of long-distance running, and why proper recovery is crucial:
Muscle Damage and Fatigue:
Long-distance running involves repetitive muscle contractions over an extended period, leading to muscle damage and fatigue. The continuous impact and strain on muscles, particularly in the lower body (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves), can result in micro-tears in muscle fibers. This is the reason for the common sight of runners slowly crab-walking down steps the day after a marathon.
Depletion of Energy Stores:
Running for a prolonged period depletes the body's glycogen stores, which are the primary source of energy during exercise. As glycogen stores become depleted, the body may start utilizing fat stores for energy, leading to increased fat oxidation.
Fluid and Electrolyte Loss:
Sweating during long-distance running causes significant fluid and electrolyte loss, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This is especially the case in hot and humid conditions here in Singapore. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for proper muscle function and nerve transmission.
Proper recovery after a long-distance race is crucial for several reasons:
Muscle Repair and Adaptation:
Recovery allows the body to repair damaged muscle fibers and adapt to the physiological stresses imposed by long-distance running. This process is essential for muscle growth, strength development, and injury prevention.
Restoration of Energy Stores:
Proper recovery replenishes glycogen stores in the muscles and liver, restoring energy levels for future training sessions or competitions. Adequate carbohydrate intake and hydration are critical components of post-race recovery.
Reduction of Inflammation and Soreness:
Recovery strategies such as rest, hydration, nutrition, and gentle stretching can help reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle soreness after a long-distance race. Active recovery techniques such as light jogging or swimming may also aid in promoting blood flow and flushing out metabolic waste products from the muscles.Â
Recovering properly after a long-distance race is essential for promoting muscle repair and adaptation, restoring energy stores and reducing inflammation and soreness. Neglecting recovery can increase the risk of injury, ultimately affecting athletic performance and long-term health.
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RDRC: What are the most common injuries or issues you see in athletes after a race, and how can they be prevented or minimized through proper recovery practices?

Dr Foo Gen Lin: After a race, athletes commonly experience muscle soreness, fatigue, dehydration, and potential overuse injuries. Here are some measures to prevent or minimize them:
Muscle Soreness and Fatigue:
Prevention/Minimization: Adequate cooldown after the race, including gentle stretching, foam rolling, and low-intensity exercise, can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Proper hydration and nutrition, including consuming carbohydrates and protein within the post-race recovery window, can support muscle repair and replenish glycogen stores.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance:
Prevention/Minimization: Rehydration is crucial after a race to replace fluid and electrolyte losses through sweat. Athletes should consume fluids containing electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium to restore hydration balance. Monitoring urine color and volume can help gauge hydration status.
Overuse Injuries (e.g., Runner's Knee, IT Band Syndrome):
Prevention/Minimization: Gradual training progression leading up to the race can help reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Incorporating strength training exercises targeting the muscles supporting the lower body can improve stability and reduce biomechanical imbalances. Implementing a structured post-race recovery plan, including rest days and cross-training activities, can allow the body to recover adequately and prevent overuse injuries. Do not rush back into training for the next race until you are fully recovered!Â
Blistering and Chafing:
Prevention/Minimization: Wearing properly fitting footwear and moisture-wicking clothing can help prevent blisters and chafing during the race. Applying lubricants or anti-chafing products to areas prone to friction can reduce discomfort. Proper foot care, including trimming toenails and using blister prevention techniques, can also help minimize the risk of blisters. It is also advisable not to wear a new pair of shoes for a race as it takes a few runs to ‘break in’ and adapt to the shoes.Â
Heat-related Illnesses (e.g., Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke):
Prevention/Minimization: Monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting race pace and hydration accordingly can help prevent heat-related illnesses. Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and using cooling strategies such as wet towels or ice packs can help lower body temperature during and after the race. Ensuring proper hydration before, during, and after the race is essential for preventing dehydration and heat-related issues.
Dr Foo is also a dedicated athlete who has first-hand experience with the physiological impact of endurance sport and the importance of proper recovery during training and racing. Â
RDRC: Could you walk us through the initial 24-48 hours post-race? What are the best recovery techniques and routines you recommend during this critical period?
Dr Foo Gen Lin: The initial 24-48 hours post-race are crucial for initiating the recovery process and promoting optimal recovery for the athlete's body.Â
Immediately After the Race (Within 30 Minutes):
Hydrate: Begin rehydrating immediately after the race by consuming fluids containing electrolytes to replenish fluid and electrolyte losses through sweat. Aim to drink water or a sports drink with electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Alcohol-free beers are becoming more common in post-race celebrations. There’s no issue taking them to hydrate but just be mindful that they might not have the necessary electrolytes.
Refuel: Consume a post-race snack or meal containing carbohydrates and protein to replenish glycogen stores and support muscle repair and recovery. Good options include a sports drink, chocolate milk, bananas, or a protein bar / shake. There is a good range of sports drink / bar in the market that are designed to provide a balanced mix of nutrients focused on recovery.
Cool Down: Perform a gentle cooldown routine consisting of light jogging or walking for 10-15 minutes to gradually lower your heart rate and promote blood flow to tired muscles. Follow this with static stretching focusing on major muscle groups to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness.
Within the First Few Hours Post-Race:
Compression and Elevation: Consider wearing compression garments on the lower limbs to promote venous return and reduce swelling. Elevating the legs above heart level can also aid in reducing swelling and promoting circulation.
Ice Bath or Cold Water Immersion: Taking an ice bath or immersing the lower body in cold water for 10-15 minutes can help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and tissue damage. Ensure the water temperature is between 10-15°C (50-59°F) for optimal effectiveness.Â
Rest and Recovery: Allow yourself time to rest and recover after the race. Avoid high-intensity exercise or activities that may exacerbate fatigue or muscle soreness. Instead, focus on gentle movement, such as walking or easy cycling, to promote blood flow and aid in recovery.
Later in the Day and Throughout the Next 24-48 Hours:
Nutrition: Continue to prioritize nutrition by consuming balanced meals and snacks containing carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Include foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins (e.g. chicken breast, steak), to support recovery and reduce inflammation.
Hydration: Maintain hydration by drinking fluids regularly throughout the day, paying attention to thirst cues and urine color. Aim to drink water or electrolyte-rich beverages with meals and snacks to replace ongoing fluid losses.
Active Recovery: Engage in light, low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga to promote blood flow, muscle relaxation, and flexibility. Avoid high-impact activities or intense training sessions during this period to allow the body to recover fully.
Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to support recovery and tissue repair. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment and practicing relaxation techniques if needed to improve sleep quality.
Manual Therapy: Incorporate practices such as foam rolling, massage, massage guns or self-myofascial release techniques to alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation. Focus on areas of tightness or discomfort, applying gentle pressure and rolling slowly over the muscle fibers.
By following these recovery techniques and routines during the initial 24-48 hours post-race, athletes can support optimal recovery, reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, and lay the foundation for future training and performance success.
RDRC: How do nutrition and hydration play roles in the recovery process, and are there specific guidelines athletes should follow post-race?
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Dr Foo Gen Lin: Properly fueling and hydrating the body can support muscle repair, replenish glycogen stores, reduce inflammation, and promote overall recovery. Here are some guidelines athletes should follow regarding nutrition and hydration post-race:
Nutrition:
Carbohydrates: Consume carbohydrates within 30 minutes to 2 hours post-race to replenish glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. Aim for a carbohydrate intake of approximately 1-1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per hour during the first few hours post-race. Good sources of carbohydrates include pasta, rice, noodles and certain fruits e.g. bananas. RDRC note: Here are some carbohydrate-rich energy nutrition options that taste good and are gentle on the digestion.
Protein: Consume protein alongside carbohydrates to support muscle repair and recovery. Aim for a protein intake of approximately 20-25 grams within 30 minutes to 2 hours post-race. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and plant-based protein sources like tofu and tempeh.
Fluids: Drink fluids regularly throughout the day to replace fluid losses from sweat and promote hydration. Aim to consume enough fluids to maintain normal urine color (usually a pale/light yellow colour) and volume. In addition to water, consider consuming electrolyte-rich beverages such as sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes.
Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Foods: Include foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients to reduce inflammation and support recovery. Examples include fruits (berries, citrus fruits), vegetables (leafy greens, tomatoes), nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel).
Hydration:
Pre-hydration: Begin hydrating before the race by drinking fluids in the hours leading up to the event. Aim to consume approximately 5-7 ml of fluid per kg) of body weight 4 hours before the race, and an additional 3-5 ml/kg of body weight 2 hours before the race.
During the Race: Drink fluids regularly during the race to replace fluid losses from sweat and maintain hydration. Aim to consume approximately 150-250 ml of fluid every 15-20 minutes, adjusting based on individual sweat rates and environmental conditions. Sweat rate tests should be conducted in the expected race environmental conditions and can be done with a simple measure of body weight changes over time.Â
Post-Race Hydration: Continue hydrating after the race to replace fluid losses and promote recovery. Monitor urine color and volume as indicators of hydration status, aiming for pale yellow to clear urine. Consume fluids with meals and snacks, and consider including electrolyte-rich beverages to replace lost electrolytes.
Electrolytes: Replace electrolytes lost through sweat by consuming electrolyte-rich beverages or foods post-race. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride are essential electrolytes for maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Good sources include sports drinks, coconut water and fruits.
Recovery Drinks: Consider consuming a recovery drink containing carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes post-race to replenish energy stores, support muscle repair, and promote hydration. Look for products specifically formulated for post-exercise recovery, or make your own using ingredients like chocolate milk, fruit smoothies, or electrolyte powders mixed with water.
It's essential to individualize nutrition and hydration strategies based on factors such as race distance, intensity, environmental conditions, and individual sweat rates and preferences. Working with a sports nutritionist or registered dietitian can help athletes develop personalized nutrition and hydration plans to support their recovery and performance goals.
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RDRC: In terms of recovery tools and technologies (e.g., compression garments, ice baths, massage guns), what do you find most effective for athletes, and why?

Dr Foo Gen Lin: Recovery tools and technologies can play a valuable role in aiding athletes' recovery by promoting muscle relaxation and reducing inflammation. While the effectiveness of these tools can vary depending on individual preferences and needs, here are some commonly used recovery tools and their benefits:
Compression Garments:
Benefits: Compression garments can help improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and provide support to tired muscles post-race. They may also help enhance the removal of metabolic waste products from the muscles and promote faster recovery.
Effectiveness: Compression garments are widely used by athletes across various sports and have been shown to have positive effects on perceived muscle soreness and recovery time. While research results are mixed, many athletes report subjective benefits from wearing compression garments during the recovery period.
Ice Baths or Cold Water Immersion:
Benefits: Ice baths or cold water immersion can help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and tissue damage by constricting blood vessels and decreasing metabolic activity. They may also help decrease swelling and improve recovery time post-race.
Effectiveness: Cold water immersion is a popular recovery strategy among athletes, especially after intense training sessions or competitions. Research suggests that cold water immersion may help reduce muscle soreness and improve subjective recovery measures, although individual responses can vary.
Foam Rollers and Massage Guns:
Benefits: Foam rollers and massage guns can help release muscle tension, improve flexibility, and promote blood flow to tired muscles post-race. They may also help alleviate muscle soreness and discomfort by breaking up adhesions and trigger points in the muscles.
Effectiveness: Self-myofascial release techniques using foam rollers and massage guns are commonly used by athletes to enhance recovery. Research supports the effectiveness of foam rolling in reducing muscle soreness and improving range of motion, although optimal techniques and protocols may vary.
Recovery Boots or Compression Therapy Systems:
Benefits: Recovery boots or compression therapy systems like the Therabody compression boots shown above use pneumatic compression to enhance circulation, reduce swelling, and promote recovery in the legs post-race. They may help improve lymphatic drainage and accelerate the removal of metabolic waste products from the muscles.
Effectiveness: Compression therapy systems are increasingly popular among athletes for post-race recovery. Research suggests that they can help reduce muscle soreness, improve perceived recovery, and enhance athletic performance, although more studies are needed to fully understand their effects.
Honestly, experimenting with different recovery tools and techniques and incorporating those that provide the greatest benefit can help athletes develop personalized recovery routines tailored to their unique needs and goals. Every body is different, so find out what works for you by trying out different things.
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RDRC: Looking beyond physical recovery, how important is mental recovery after a race, and what strategies do you recommend for addressing this aspect?

Dr Foo Gen Lin: Mental recovery is just as important as physical recovery for athletes after a race. Endurance events can be physically and mentally demanding, and the stress of competition can take a toll on an athlete's mental well-being. Burnouts and mental fatigue have led to athletes calling it quits early and in severe cases, self-harm and psychiatric disorders. Several elite high-profile athletes have been more willing to share their struggles in recent years, allowing greater recognition of this issue and ways to manage it.
Here are some strategies for mental recovery:
Set Realistic Goals: Set realistic, achievable goals for your training and competition, taking into account your strengths, weaknesses, and personal preferences. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, celebrating each milestone along the way. Setting goals that are challenging yet attainable can help maintain motivation and focus.
Reflective Practice: Take time to reflect on your race performance, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Consider keeping a race journal to record your thoughts, emotions, and lessons learned from each race, helping you gain insights into your performance and develop strategies for future improvement.
Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, or yoga into your post-race routine to promote relaxation and reduce stress. These techniques can help calm the mind, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.
Positive Self-Talk: Practice positive self-talk and self-affirmations to build confidence and self-belief. Replace negative thoughts or self-doubt with positive affirmations and reminders of past successes and achievements. Cultivate a mindset of resilience, optimism, and self-compassion to overcome challenges and setbacks.
Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Take time to engage in activities outside of running that bring you joy and fulfilment. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or exploring nature, engaging in enjoyable activities can help recharge your mental batteries and provide a sense of balance and perspective.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from coaches, teammates, friends, or mental health professionals if you're struggling with the mental aspects of recovery. Sharing your experiences, concerns, and goals with others can provide valuable support, encouragement, and perspective.
Mental recovery is an ongoing process that requires patience, self-awareness, and commitment, but the benefits extend far beyond the racecourse. Please remember to 'listen to your body' and hopefully the pointers from this post will help you maintain an illustrious and injury-free sporting career!
Learn more about maintaining musculoskeletal health with a dedicated Sports Screening service at Apex Sports Clinic. Or book a consultation with Dr Foo Gen Lin to discuss a customized injury prevention plan, or to optimize your athletic potential with expert care.
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Need more help with your recovery and training? Talk to our friendly RDRC crew to get the guidance you need to amp up your sporting journey. Head down to our store at 108 Sims Ave or check out our post-race recovery products online.