Note: October is a big month for Nike Running, with the Chicago Marathon, Women's Marathon and The Nike+ Human Race. This series of tips will focus on the simple question, "What should I do now that the big race is over?"

Well, if you no longer have the running bug, you still need to be mindful of the fact that you'll only enjoy your next training cycle if you take some active recovery time. What is active recovery? It simply means being active 4-6 times a week, doing any activity that you enjoy outside of running - walking, cycling, yoga, swimming, weight lifting, etc. Why should you refrain from running? There are two reasons.

First, the pounding of a marathon or half marathon is real, and you need to give your muscles and connective tissue time to regenerate. Exercise is a great way to speed that process. For instance, swimming gets oxygen to damaged muscles, but without the pounding.

The second reason is to simply recharge your mental capacity for the training that you'll need to put into your next race goal. Training is hard, and you won't be ready to resume training until you're dying to run again. If you "sorta feel like running," then continue your active recovery for another 5-10 days until you just can't wait to go out for that first run.

*Coach Jay’s advice is provided as general training information. Use at your own risk. Always consult with your own heath care provider for questions relating to your specific training and nutrition.

Interested in Coach Jay's General Strength videos? Click here to check them out.

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