You did it! You crossed the finish line of the 2025 Austin Marathon, soaked in the incredible energy of the crowd, and earned that hard-fought medal. Whether it was your first marathon or your fifteenth, there’s nothing quite like that post-race high. But now what?

After months of training, race day has come and gone, and it’s easy to feel a little lost without the next big goal on the horizon. That’s totally normal! The key is to keep the momentum going in a way that keeps you motivated, healthy, and excited for what’s next. Here’s how:

1. Recover Right, but Keep Moving

First things first—your body needs a break! But that doesn’t mean you should stop moving altogether.
✅ Take a few rest days to let your muscles recover. You earned them!
✅ Active recovery like walking, yoga, or light swimming can help with soreness.
✅ Listen to your body. Some runners feel great after a few days, while others need two weeks before running again.

Want a fun way to shake out those post-marathon legs? Take a recovery walk or jog around Lady Bird Lake and reflect on your race day experience!

2. Set Your Next Goal

One of the best ways to avoid the post-race blues is to put something new on the calendar. It doesn’t have to be another marathon—just something that keeps you excited.
🎯 Sign up for a shorter race like the Cap10K in April or a local half marathon.
🎯 Try a new running challenge, like trail running at Barton Creek Greenbelt.
🎯 Train for speed and aim for a new PR in a 5K or 10K.

Already thinking about the 2026 Austin Marathon? You’re not alone! Early registration will be opening soon—why not commit now and give yourself a long-term goal?

3. Stay Social

One of the best parts of race day is the community—so keep that energy going!
👟 Join a local running group, like Austin Runners Club or The Morning Jo’s.
👟 Plan fun, low-pressure runs with friends (think: tacos + miles).
👟 Share your race photos and experience on social media—it might inspire someone else to start training!

4. Mix It Up

After months of structured training, it’s okay to change things up for a bit.
🔄 Try cross-training like cycling, rowing, or strength training.
🔄 Explore new running routes—take a break from your usual loops and check out new trails.
🔄 Consider coaching or pacing—helping others reach their goals is incredibly rewarding!

5. Celebrate Your Accomplishment

Before you get too caught up in “what’s next,” take a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved.
🏅 Frame your race bib or medal.
🏅 Write down your marathon story—how you trained, what you learned, and how you felt crossing that finish line.
🏅 Treat yourself! Maybe it’s a new pair of running shoes, a post-race massage, or a big plate of barbecue at Terry Black’s.

6. Keep Austin Running!