I mean, the high from the marathon was so freakin amazing that I can’t help but feel a little sad. It’s like the last bite of a warm cookie. It was so delicious that you are sad there isn’t any more. It was tasty like a rare steak, that is the perfect size. You want more. Or, the last bite of Mom’s mac ‘n cheese. So good. But all eaten. (Hm. I must be hungry.)
Of course, I’m not saying there aren’t more freakin amazing races to come, but the build up for this one was like the build up for the movie Avatar. It kept having preview, after preview, and then – WHAMMY! Awesomeness. (By the way, I use this analogy very loosely, cause I have yet to watch Avatar but you get my point.)
So, here I sit after completely a nice, but not that satisfying 4 miler. (P-Funk, Strawberry E, and others – no offense, the company is , as always, fabulous.) But I feel a little unfulfilled. I need another training plan and another race. I am a junkie.
Post marathon depression is a for real real thing. The interwebs say so. Now, I’m not gonna mow down a gallon of ice cream and wash it down with red wine, but I am gonna be a little wistful as I gaze at my Gasparilla medal in all it’s 4:08 glory (yeah, totally had to add the time in).
Then again, as Jay-Z says….”On to the next one….”
I think alot of people can feel the way that you are feeling right now. It is totally normal…you train your butt off, you prepare and you have a fantastic race with an awesome finish. You bathed in the glory and you want more:) This is a good thing! You need to find another race and start again! Hang in there!
I gave you prophecy on my first (marathon), and y'all lamed out
Didn't really appreciate it, til the second one came out
So I stretched the (hamstring) out, X'ed your name out
Put (B.O.B.) on top, and drop (races) non-stop for ya
Not quite sure what that means either… you'll have to ask Jigga.
-word verification word
"rearyo" – where you be when I'm running!
or better yet… you got 99 problems but a race ain't one
Definitely a let down after a marathon. On to planning the next race, right?
Right on schedule.
O.K. Now you have to focus on the awesomeness of the 5K you are signed up for. Then the awesomeness of getting good on the bike for that little tri-thingy you have on your plate. Then the awesomeness of………
You get the point. And, maybe, a scoop of ice cream.
I have definitely experienced the post-marathon blues before. Gotta get signed up for the next one! 🙂
LOL! Well I've been eating my weight in candy and just emailed Coach EK today to give me a 5k training plan for B.A.A. 5k next month. Structure, I need structure!!! I need to look at a spreadsheet and have it tell me what to do!!! 🙂
Have you been eyeing anything for fall yet??? We must chat tomorrow…
I feel like that after all of my 'big' focus races. Hopefully you'll snap out of it soon.
I totally feel you! I have a month until my first marathon, and I already know that I will be have to be planning some big race afterwards too!
Okay, enough of the downer Debbie, get off your butt and find a race! What are you going to do when you BQ and run Boston?
Yup you just need to set you sights on another race!
Lots of good stuff for fall(since Jen mentioned it) MCM, rock & roll in Denver tons of races!
I have heard this happens..the downside of "runners high" so hopefully you will be racing again soon and get that awesome feeling back. That is KICK ASS btw.
And a little red wine is really, really good for you. 🙂
It's a little like the day after Christmas. I'm sure you'll get a new plan up and going and feel like you're on track again. Keep eyeing that medal! So I have a question for you… what did you use to fuel yourself during the marathon and how often did you do it? I need more details.
Oh man can I relate! After I BQed in November I was excited for about 2 days then really, really freaked out. Like, what is next? And all the build up came crashing down. I was in a running funk for a while and it was crazy because I LOVE to run and I totally lost my mojo after the race of my life.
Hang in there girly, it will be back. I had to give myself some time, then when I hit my training plan in January all the excitement came back. You raced awesome – enjoy it if you can. If you can't, don't beat yourself up too much, the rockin' B.o.B. the runner will be back to her regualarly scheduled programing soon 🙂
I had never heard of the post race blues, but it makes sense. I am going to be running my first 1/2 and marathon this year, so I guess I better prepare for this feeling. The good thing is, even though it's over, unlike alot of events, there are ALWAYS more to train for! Good luck with your next race!
Ugh. You've got it bad! Marathonitis!
I feel the same way! Except, I am running another marathon this weekend–but, I know it won't be as good as the Cowtown because this is a trail marathon and obviously it will be very slow and obviously super freaking hard. Ugh!
Drink enough of the red wine and you'll forget your troubles. Cheers!
I know exactly what you mean. I felt the same way after my marathons. Yes, planning the next race is a must to help curb the depression.
I'm kinda wondering the same thing. My 1st 1/2 is Sunday and I'm already thinking… "Now what do I do?" I like having a plan and knowing what my workouts are week to week. Pick out another one and you'll be back on track.
Well, don't do what I did and that's go on a 4 month vacation from running. My race ran right into the beginning of cold weather. Couple that with being a little burnt out, and you get no motivation to run, whatsoever. I'm still mad at myself for doing that, but I am fighting my way back! Hurry up and pick another race, and work on improving your marathon time. Keep something to motivate you around. At least you have a great group of running friends that you can run with. All I have are virtual running partners, and while you guys are the greatest, it doesn't force me to go run. Do work!!
yeah i have heard that happening! but you will start training for the tri and get all wrapped up in that and then you will be feeling all giddy again!
I feel your pain! The day after Gasparilla I started planning my training for triathlon season.
I'm in a down kinda spot right now too! We should have cocktails…
Totally understand your sentiments, B.O.B. Post-marathon blues is like the end of a fantastic movie. Luckily, there will be more to look forward to. I'm sure you have plans for your next adventure in awesomeness waiting to be revealed.
In the meantime, rest up and maybe volunteer for a race. It'll help take the edge off before the training resumes again.
Take care, and congrats on your 4:08!
i am a post-race pigger-outter, so if you decided to i wouldn't make fun 🙂 it is a big bummer-feeling though! know that you'll have it again one day after another race, and another, and another…
As the poster child for post-marathon blues (did I ever tell you about how I would randomly burst into tears for a week or two after MCM?), I know what you're feeling. Don't be afraid to share…we're all here for you. By all means, find some other races, but don't forget to take time to reconnect with the friends and interests you sidelined while training so intensely. You DO have a life outside of running!
TOTALLY true!! Whether it's a good or bad race there is a period of down..but you had a rockstar race and we all know you'll bounce back and find another goal