Post-Race Blues

I had a mid-training-cycle slump, and a pre-race funk, and now it's time for the post-race blues.

Motivation is lacking, my glute/hip area is aching, and the two times I've run this week, it hasn't been pretty. I just feel like I've somehow completely lost all my fitness - even an easy 5 miles this morning felt like an effort.

I have appointments with the orthopedist, chiropractor, and physical therapist, so that I can start getting this achy left leg thing straightened out, and I've also been spending some quality time with my foam roller, which has been helping. But the nagging discomfort, I'm sure, is contributing to my mood.

And I think I'm just in need of a break. I'm running the half next weekend - pacing my friend, and so excited about it - but after that, I'm definitely going to have a few weeks of very scaled-back mileage, and more swimming and biking, and try to forget all about future running goals for at least a little while.

They're out there, and I know I'll get back to them eventually, but right now, I'm beyond burned out.

There have been times during the past few weeks where I've actually thought I'd soon be looking forward to getting back to the track, and doing some intervals and tempo runs again.

But then today, as I was chugging along at an 8:35 pace, the thought of running 8 miles at a sub-8-minute pace seemed completely unfathomable, and the thought of running 26.2 miles seemed completely insane.

But I know I'm capable of it, and I know I will do it again. It's just going to take some time. Maybe a week or two, or maybe three or four - whatever it takes to make running fun and enjoyable again.

Comments

[Wes]

wisdom!

[Sarah]

The ebb and flow - ugh! Take a break from running and give crossfit a shot! I know there are a few "box gyms" in South County (I go to crossfit401 in Kingston, and think there is one in SK)... it has completely reinstated my love of fitness!

[Nicole]

Rest is good. You will want it more with a little time off. BTW, bought a foam roller today. Heard so many good things about it and looking forward to using it tonight.

[Michelle]

@Wes - coming from someone as wise as yourself, that's quite a compliment : )

@Sarah - I've wanted to try Crossfit for a while - there is one right in Peacedale, and I actually know one of the owners. Maybe it's time !

@Nicole - hope the foam roller works out for you. It can be rather uncomfortable, but it definitely helps!

[Laura]

You definitely didn't lose your fitness! Give yourself extra time to recover (that easy day for every mile raced always held true for me!) and your motivation will be back... maybe try some other things to mix it up and give you a chance to really miss running!

[Michelle]

Logically, I know I didn't lose any fitness; it's just so discouraging to have runs that go so badly. I know I just have to wait it out, though. Thanks for the encouragement : )