If you’re running the marathon, you start training for a few months, gradually building enough endurance to last those 26.2 excruciating miles. And if you’re celebrating the occasion from the side of Comm Ave, you’ve been anticipating the day for just as many months, if not more. You started signing up on Facebook for various Marathon Monday tanks, you made a special playlist for your pregame, you planned your day so you can hit all your parties, and you set your alarm for 7 am to start the day with kegs an’ eggs. Everything has all been planned out for an amazing Marathon Monday!
…but what about Tuesday? No one ever prepares for that day of recovery. Honestly, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should make April 17 a holiday as well, because everyone is exhausted from the day before. The runners have to walk down flights of stairs backwards because their muscles are so sore. And the supporters, if they can wake up, have to figure out how to get through the full day of classes, group projects, and meetings.
I was so excited to write this article because we clearly all need some help when it comes to recovering the next day. But then I realized, I don’t actually know how best to recover from Marathon Monday. In fact, there might be no way around it: it’s going to be a difficult day on campus at Mile 21. You definitely should have chipped away at your homework sometime this weekend before Monday. But here are some tips to help it go a little more smoothly.
Monday morning before you start drinking
- Set your alarm on your phone for when you want to wake up on Tuesday. Set multiple, including a physical alarm clock if you have it, in case your phone dies or becomes a casualty of the marathon.
- Pack your school bag and put some clothes together. Help yourself out as much as you can, you won’t want to make any more choices than necessary on Tuesday.
- Start the day with some solid, substantial food. Just toss down a bagel or eat five or six or ten eggs.
Monday evening
- Take a nap. There’s a lull around dinnertime when the partying slows down and everyone retires for a break. Take advantage of this opportunity to recharge!
- Drink lots of water before you go to bed.
- Go crazy ordering food. Seriously, hit up Cleveland Circle and get some food in you.
Tuesday: the longest day of your life
- It’s going to be rough getting out of bed, but once you finally do, take a shower. Cleanse yourself of all that happened yesterday, including the beer stains on your arms.
- Hide behind sunglasses and a hat. People won’t be sure if you saw them, so you won’t have to make small talk when you feel awful. Pretty sneaky and rude, but sometimes you have to look out for number one, right?
- Continue drinking lots of water, all day.
- Make yourself eat breakfast, even if you don’t feel like it. You’ll need food to soak up any remaining alcohol.
- Take Advil for that pounding.
- Run back to your room when you can to take a nap.
Photo Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bostoncollege/5662529862/lightbox/