Proper recovery is essential for a positive first-race experience. Take it easy. Keep things low-key for a few days after your race. Stretch a little more than usual. Jog a few miles if you feel like it or take a day off.
Some runners enjoy cross-training by cycling or swimming to keep their legs loose.
Get a massage. Reward yourself by scheduling a deep-tissue massage 24 to 48 hours after your race. A light rubdown is safe postrace, but a deep-tissue massage too soon after racing can tear already sore muscles. Gentle stretching and self-massage will hasten recovery. Pay special attention to the calves, quads and buttocks, which are likely to be the tightest, sorest areas.