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Runner's Training Tips: Post-Race Blues

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberborntocry
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2009
     
    borntocry

    Hi guys,

    I am suffering from a horrible case of post-race depression.  Spent about two months training for my half-marathon last Sunday.  Despite having done this race three times before, I was bizarrely hyped and excited about it (I think because this time I had told loads of people about it) to the point where I couldn't eat or sleep for about a week beforehand (yeah, not the best way to prepare for the race but still managed a PB)!! 

    Anyway now I am completely lost, uninspired and demotivated.  Don't know how to fill the void.  Thought about signing up for another race but feel like there's no point.

    What should I do?? 

    I suck at all other sports so cannot focus on anything else instead.

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberspengie
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2009
     
    spengie

    Even if you suck at all other sports, it always helps me to try something new (I suck at most sports, too).

    But I found that when I get down after a race, I like to take a class at a gym or something. Most gyms will offer a free or discounted trial day or trial class, so you might have to call around. Try an aerobic kick boxing class, yoga, or whatever you think sounds different. I even tried a Zumba dancing class once, and it was pretty funny since I'm a really bad dancer.

     The other thing I would try if going to a gym really doesn't appeal to you is to volunteer somewhere that you enjoy. Spend some time at your local food kitchen, animal shelter, public library, etc. 

    Basically, shake up your routine, try something new, meet new people. A lot of times for me, just doing something new makes the difference

    Hope that helps!!

  3.  
    rpetreccajr
    I think that the post-achievement depression is actually pretty common. You've been focused on one thing for months and got it done. Not only that, you got a personal best. So first, CONGRATULATIONS! Repeat that to yourself about 10 times an hour for the next couple of days. Next, you did your race last Sunday, as in March 8? Give yourself time to recuperate. If you really shorted yourself on food and sleep as you described and still got a PB, you need to let your body recover. Finally, set yourself another goal. Doesn't matter what it is. You need something else to look forward to. In the future I would suggest always setting a new goal prior to achieving your immediate goal. That way, once you hit the first goal you have something else to strive towards.
  4.  
    Trainbellsway
    Your goal doesn't have to be the same type of race but something new to shoot for while doing something you love.  Run or walk for charity or help someone else train for a race.  How about working on your speed for a shorter race PR or picking out a race with a reputation (hilliest, muddiest, craziest, most beautiful scenery and include a small vacation)and earn some bragging rights.  Every birthday I choose some challenge to work on.  For my 50th birthday, I ran 5 races in a week. for my 61st, I decided to run 61 miles in a week (a little tougher than I thought HA) Next year I've been talking about doing an Ironman but taking a week or less to swim bike and run the distance.  It gives me something different to train for without making it one race or one PR after another.  But I think rpetreccajr is right.  Right now you're a depleted from giving a race your all.  Bask in your success and use that time to think about where you want to go next.  When you train so hard, burn out is almost inevitable.  Time for a fun goal or just run for the sheer pleasure of feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.
    • CommentAuthorFree Membermchathch
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2009
     
    mchathch

         Suck at all other sports??? I'd say you are depressed. I have competed in almost everything and I have never been down in the dumps like that. I think that you should take a step back do some fun runs... long ones or whatever you feel like.  Even if you took a couple of weeks and tried another sport just change it up and start fresh. Get out in the nice weather take it in. Cuz you sound burnt. Keep your chin up.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberborntocry
    • CommentTimeMar 11th 2009
     
    borntocry

    Thanks for your advice, everyone - you guys are great.

    I think in the future I'll make sure to do what rpetreccajr suggests and set my future goals in advance, because before this last race I was brimming with plans for the next one(s), and now feel too demotivated to even bother signing up for them.

    Was also thinking it might be good to change focus and go for a shorter race - that would be ideal but I'm having a hard time getting motivated even for that.  I just keep thinking, "What's the point, it's not like I'm even all that good anyway."  I guess the elation of the PB has worn off already.

    Maybe for now I'll just do what you guys said and just run for the fun of it and maybe try something new if I can think of anything.

    By the way, that's awesome that you're thinking of doing an Ironman, Trainbellsway, even in your own time frame - I'd love to do something like that but I need to (re-)learn how to swim first, haha!

  7.  
    RunningKnows
    One thing to remember, borntocry, is all of the other issues (that you've mentioned in your other posts) going on, and keep in mind that you may want to let your doc know how you're feeling. It's likely just post-event letdown, but it could be physiological (and hence, perhaps easily treatable). GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS!!!
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberborntocry
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2009
     
    borntocry
    Heh, good memory there, RunningKnows... ;)

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