Need some advice. First, the Black Mountain Marathon was awesome! My first marathon and I picked a hard one. Several inches of snow overnight and morning of race up on the trail (total elevation gain of 3,000). Temps at turnaround (around mile 14) were in the teens with high winds (water in my hand carry bottle and at the aid stations was freezing). Trail was basically snow covered rocks with some frozen slush thrown in.
The leader went by on the way down taking huge strides in this mess, don't know how he didn't slip off the trail and roll down the mountain. I didn't set any speed records and my son stuck with me the entire run, but I finished. And definitely appreciated the informal aid station someone set up 3 miles from finish who was serving shots of whiskey!
It was overwhelmingly hard, cold and incredible and will be back next year provided I properly heal my Achilles. And that is what I'm seeking advice for. Started the run with micro tears in right Achilles, I didn't do anything to rupture it but I definitely had swelling and redness in the Achilles when I finished.
What is the best way to fully recover? I'm getting in ice bath 3 - 4 times per day (converted chest freezer with water in it), stretching, was applying heat with heating pad but was told that would not help, took some Alieve but it bothers my stomach so stopped, have a walking shoe (not boot) but it didn't seem to have any impact, elevating my legs for short periods during the day and of course, I'm resting and not running.
Tried posting pictures I have on facebook but it didn't work, will figure it out. Pictures don't do it justice but it was an incredible day with my son on a mountain.