Have you ever suffered from post-race blues before? How did you get out of it? What tips can you give people?
On the blog this week, I’m reviewing the Achedaway Cupper (cupping in your own home?) as well as talking about some of the best treadmills out there right now. You know how much I hate writing “best anything” posts, but that’s been asked a fair amount of times.
After my first marathon, New York City in 2013, I was sad it was over. I found other hobbies and it took me a month or so, but I came back to running when I wanted not because I felt like I needed too.
Earlier this year I was able to get of copy of the Canadian Olympic Team's Post-Games Planning Guide for Athletes. It is a wealth of information for post-major event planning for personal well-being and mental health.
It encourages athletes to have a documented plan for after a major event and then provides a multi-discipline planning guide for creating the plan.
I've done way too many races this year, but I've always had another one coming up pretty much as soon as I've finished the last one. Now that I've finished Chicago, I don't really have another major race scheduled for a while. I'm having trouble being super motivated to do more than the bare minimum. Luckily, my dog still wants to go out and run, so I still have to take her. But I'm not really doing much apart from that. Just going out and running. Which is OK.
I'll get back to speed work and so on in a few weeks. Until then, easy trail runs with Roxy....
Oh, I have friends who race almost every weekend (mostly as members of a couple of pacing teams). But yeah, I guess I race a lot. I just registered for a half in November and a trail 50K in December. I might need to seek professional help!
it took me months to mentally recover after Boston 2017. I built it up in my mind so much before hand, it took me multiple attempts to qualify, and then after all of that, my race really fell short of expectations when I cramped up (due to heat).
I wish I knew some specific advice to give others, but Hollie has said it best - your standing with your friends and family doesn't depend on your race time. They care about YOU, not YOUR RACE TIME! I am now at the point where I reflect fondly on the entire experience.
Yes, definitely, especially post-marathon. Our bodies, minds, and hormones are out of whack and that is normal. My advice is just to give it time and know that it's normal. I'm someone who always has another race on the calendar, but that alone isn't enough.
Races- I'm very seldom satisfied with my racing time. Have run several half marathons I was happy with. 50k races- only happy with 1 race. I try to figure out what could have been done differently or better and make changes to my training and racing. Treadmills- I don't have a real expensive one- new price 1,000. I try to use treadmill as little as possible. If I know a bad weather day is coming I use that as my day off. Treadmills- can be good for running a particular pace. I mentioned having bought a 39.95 pair of Sketcher's Go Run Consistent shoes- got 251 miles before tossing hem out.
After my first marathon, New York City in 2013, I was sad it was over. I found other hobbies and it took me a month or so, but I came back to running when I wanted not because I felt like I needed too.
Earlier this year I was able to get of copy of the Canadian Olympic Team's Post-Games Planning Guide for Athletes. It is a wealth of information for post-major event planning for personal well-being and mental health.
It encourages athletes to have a documented plan for after a major event and then provides a multi-discipline planning guide for creating the plan.
I have put a copy on my Google Drive
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UjCq1kqV6aA8gggn5RV05bI-ennc2ap_/view?usp=sharing
It is informative, eye-opening, and incredibly useful for recreational athletes as well.
Wow that is really helpful, thank you for sharing Jeff!
I've done way too many races this year, but I've always had another one coming up pretty much as soon as I've finished the last one. Now that I've finished Chicago, I don't really have another major race scheduled for a while. I'm having trouble being super motivated to do more than the bare minimum. Luckily, my dog still wants to go out and run, so I still have to take her. But I'm not really doing much apart from that. Just going out and running. Which is OK.
I'll get back to speed work and so on in a few weeks. Until then, easy trail runs with Roxy....
I'm sure Roxy appreciates the walk! I think you've had the busiest racing year of anyone I know David, which is cool!
Oh, I have friends who race almost every weekend (mostly as members of a couple of pacing teams). But yeah, I guess I race a lot. I just registered for a half in November and a trail 50K in December. I might need to seek professional help!
it took me months to mentally recover after Boston 2017. I built it up in my mind so much before hand, it took me multiple attempts to qualify, and then after all of that, my race really fell short of expectations when I cramped up (due to heat).
I wish I knew some specific advice to give others, but Hollie has said it best - your standing with your friends and family doesn't depend on your race time. They care about YOU, not YOUR RACE TIME! I am now at the point where I reflect fondly on the entire experience.
It's true Tom! That looked like such a rough year!
Now whenever it comes up in conversation, I laughingly tell people, "I never spent so much money to suffer so much until Boston."
Yes, definitely, especially post-marathon. Our bodies, minds, and hormones are out of whack and that is normal. My advice is just to give it time and know that it's normal. I'm someone who always has another race on the calendar, but that alone isn't enough.
I feel the same way Sara, I like to have more races on the calendar but it often isn't enough for either.
Races- I'm very seldom satisfied with my racing time. Have run several half marathons I was happy with. 50k races- only happy with 1 race. I try to figure out what could have been done differently or better and make changes to my training and racing. Treadmills- I don't have a real expensive one- new price 1,000. I try to use treadmill as little as possible. If I know a bad weather day is coming I use that as my day off. Treadmills- can be good for running a particular pace. I mentioned having bought a 39.95 pair of Sketcher's Go Run Consistent shoes- got 251 miles before tossing hem out.
There is always something we can tweak and make better for the next race. What is next for you Larry?
Ran a hilly 25k 2 weeks ago and placed 1st overall. Will train now for April half marathon. Look to race 15k ro 25k races next year.