Post Marathon Depression
During a marathon-training clinic I was trying to explain how to handle the days following the marathon. I explained how post marathon depression is common, especially after the first one. I went on to say that like any big event in life that after the planning and work to have it all come together, the result, no matter how great, will leave you a bit let down once it is all done. I was grasping for an event other than the marathon to help make the connection and said it is like coming home from your honeymoon, after the big wedding and all the events and work that led up to it. A guy in the back grumbled, Oh my God, it cant be that bad.
The guy next to him responds with, Ive been married 3 times and the let down keeps getting worse. I decided I needed a new analogy.
Setting New Goals
After the accomplishment of any goal there is a void that is created by the loss of the goal. Life is a journey. We must keep focused at the task at hand and not live in the future or today could be lost! There are no exact formulas for life but I would guess that if you gave 5% of thought and planning each day to the future and 95% to the task at hand, you will not miss much that life has to offer. As the big day approaches it may drop to 1% and 99% respectively, as it probably should. Keep in mind that if you are not a nervous wreck marathon day, (or week) after all the thought, planning and preparation, you are not taking it serious enough. Dont forget, enjoy every minute! (Is this guy a nut?)
Will I Ever Run Again?
I meet people who quit running cold turkey after the marathon. Either its like retiring while you are still on top or its because they had a bad day and have a good memory. As a runner it is hard for me to conceive such a thing. Racing or completing a marathon are facets of running just as the perfect morning run during a crisp fall sunrise. One of hundreds of memorable runs. These people must not really be runners.
You Worked Hard To Feel This Bad
Savor the pain, you deserve it. The couch potato lives in a body numb world not knowing the feeling of being totally awake, alive and aware. The non-athlete will never experience the true feelings of taking the body to the limit. As an athlete you will also experience true satisfaction when you are at rest or relaxing. You will not only deserve the rest but also will need it and wallow in it. The couch potato will never know the feeling of true relaxation. Live it up!
Come Back Slow
The tank is empty; there is no such thing as an easy 26 miles. You are in need of rest. Your susceptibility of cold or flu is up. You need rest, a good diet (replenish the carbohydrates) and time off the road. A rule of thumb is to take an easy day for every mile of the event. 26 well deserved easy days. Remember easy days are days off or runs that dont leave you spent. Dont push. Walk when you feel like it. Stretch a bit more than usual. Start planning!
Randy Step
Stress is when you wake up screaming and realize you weren't asleep.