post race depression- getting out of the funk

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2011-03-31 7:35 PM

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Subject: post race depression- getting out of the funk

I have a bad case of the post-race blues.  I did a trail marathon 2 weeks ago, and it went great - it was my first official running-only event, I had lots of fun, and finished 3rd overall female. 

I know this has been discussed before, but what are the best ways to get out of the funk? 

I tried a group trail run last weekend, but it went miserably and the boys (who I usually run with) left me in their dust.  Even Zumba has lost its appeal.  HELP!?

2011-03-31 7:40 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
Sign up for another race.   It focuses one immensely.
2011-03-31 7:50 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
MadMathemagician - 2011-03-31 8:40 PMSign up for another race.   It focuses one immensely.
X2.....had the post race blues after two 3rd place finishes last October. I was on top of the world (at least in my world) but felt like crap mentally.... Signed up or at least picked out next challenge and got refocused. Good luck
2011-03-31 7:57 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk

Perhaps something new to get excited about? Either just something for fun - like a MTB with some friends, or find some new trails to run (I'm fond of anything which involves getting wet or dirty like coastal trails, river crossings etc) - or find a new challenge to chase. I'm not sure what your background is, but in the last 9 months or so I've constantly been chasing after my latest challenge, my first HM, then a sprint tri, currently an Oly and as soon as that's done I'm chasing a sub 1:40 HM and then onto marathon training.

I have a lot of things I want to achieve, and a lot of events I want to try which keeps me in eager anticipation of the next phase of my training. If I get bored of things within my current scope of interests (all variants and differing combinations of S/B/R), there's plenty of other stuff in the back of my mind to try - other multisport events (we have lots of run/kayak/mtb type events here), different ways of applying current skills (orienteering sticks out to me as something to have a crack at someday)

I know that's a bit me-centric, but I hope some of what works for me might provide the right inspiration for you

2011-03-31 8:01 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
MadMathemagician - 2011-03-31 6:40 PM Sign up for another race.   It focuses one immensely.
x3!! I try to always have the next 2 to 3 races on the calendar to help prevent this from happening..I usually lose my discipline getting to bed on time after a race, for some strange reason. I usually suffer from taper blues, too......Good luck and let us know when the funk is gone!
2011-03-31 8:13 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk

I always thought it was just me.  Whenever the event that I am working towards is over it leaves a "motivational void" for me.  This year I have at least one event every month so I can constantly focus on the next thing. 

Some people think that I am crazy (not you all), but I enjoy pushing myself and working hard.

2011-03-31 10:36 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
This is a tough one.  I went through this after doing Ironman, and I think it was a catalyst for ending a relationship at the time too.  There's very much not to say about this except the for the fact that life will get back to normal, and that you'll get used to occupying your time with other things that's really cool.
2011-03-31 10:40 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
I suggest you:

1. start by writing a race report and posting it so that we can all read about your adventures.

2. start logging your workouts so we can comment on how awesome your workouts are.

3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

4. start logging your workouts...oh I said that.

5. Join a mentor group, I think these are coming up soon.

6. and write a gosh darn race report, what is the point of racing unless you show it off, I promise I will comment.

Trail marathoners rock btw.
2011-03-31 10:44 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk

BigDH - 2011-03-31 10:40 PM  3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

 

What's a 20 minute workout?

2011-03-31 11:03 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
jdagley - 2011-04-01 5:44 PM

BigDH - 2011-03-31 10:40 PM  3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

 

What's a 20 minute workout?

Eating pizza

2011-03-31 11:07 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
MalcolmG - 2011-03-31 11:03 PM
jdagley - 2011-04-01 5:44 PM

BigDH - 2011-03-31 10:40 PM  3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

 

What's a 20 minute workout?

Eating pizza

That's awesome! I did that last night...the entire pizza.  Does this mean I can add it to my training logs under "sports"?

2011-03-31 11:12 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
jdagley - 2011-04-01 6:07 PM
MalcolmG - 2011-03-31 11:03 PM
jdagley - 2011-04-01 5:44 PM

BigDH - 2011-03-31 10:40 PM  3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

 

What's a 20 minute workout?

Eating pizza

That's awesome! I did that last night...the entire pizza.  Does this mean I can add it to my training logs under "sports"?

"Eating pizza" is a euphemism round 'ere, I'll give you 5 points if you can guess what it really means. Failing that I'm sure if you search "pizza" you'll catch it in a context that makes it abundantly clear

2011-03-31 11:19 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
jdagley - 2011-03-31 11:07 PM
MalcolmG - 2011-03-31 11:03 PM
jdagley - 2011-04-01 5:44 PM

BigDH - 2011-03-31 10:40 PM  3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

 

What's a 20 minute workout?

Eating pizza

That's awesome! I did that last night...the entire pizza.  Does this mean I can add it to my training logs under "sports"?



Ummmm....  around here Pizza has a bit a a different meaning.   I guess it could be considered a sport.  Sometimes it requires flexibility.  
 
2011-04-01 6:20 AM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
AV842 - 2011-04-01 12:19 AM
jdagley - 2011-03-31 11:07 PM
MalcolmG - 2011-03-31 11:03 PM
jdagley - 2011-04-01 5:44 PM

BigDH - 2011-03-31 10:40 PM  3. remember that sometimes working out can be fun and worthwhile even if there is no race planned. In fact, it can be somewhat enjoyable to go out and just get a 20 min workout in.

 

What's a 20 minute workout?

Eating pizza

That's awesome! I did that last night...the entire pizza.  Does this mean I can add it to my training logs under "sports"?



Ummmm....  around here Pizza has a bit a a different meaning.   I guess it could be considered a sport.  Sometimes it requires flexibility.  
 

 

I'm willing to bet the OP never thought she'd get this much help in her thread.... but the train wreck was spectacular!

2011-04-01 6:45 AM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
I havent had pizza is soooooooo long. THAT is depressing!
2011-04-01 7:55 AM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
Congrats on your outstanding finish!!!

I think it's almost to be expected to have those emotions going on after a race, especially where you've had such great results.

It's just like after a brutal workout your muscles being sore.

You can't have up without down, no good if there is no bad, no success without failure, no happy without sad.

For me realizing that this is going to happen, accepting it for what it is, just another normal thing to deal with if you are a competitive person. You've accomplished a major goal and now you've got noting on your agenda and noting wrong with that. Reflect back on the training you did, the accomplishment of not only you race but of all the hard work that went into it. Understanding that this is just a normal emotional reaction to what you've been working towards for xxx time.

And like someone else said,,,,, pizza with all the toppings can't hurt a thing.


2011-04-01 8:55 AM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk

I think a lot of people experience post race blues. I think whenever you finish or accomplish a big goal there is going to be a let down period. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatic_structure However I think with experience you get better at handling it, its part of the process so accept it, take some of the advice here, like make new goals right away...etc.

I dont know about this whole pizza thing

2011-04-01 10:31 AM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
I see triathlon/endurance sports as a lifestyle.  The races, for me are just there to focus my training.  Although it is fun to compete and it is a lot of work to get ready for an IM, in the end it is the training, healty lifestyle that pushes me to improve constantly whether I am last or first (haven't had to deal with that first thing yet).  So the race is the focus of my training, the recovery is something that one has to do to recenter and prepare for the next set of challenges.  I race against myself, so showing up at the starting line and making to the finish line faster this time than last time is always my goal.  But just finishing is still pretty sweet.  We do what others do not, we compete as athletes rather than drink beer while watching otehrs compete.  We are the figure, not the ground.    
2011-04-01 2:50 PM
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Subject: RE: post race depression- getting out of the funk
Thanks for the advice.  I'm looking for the next challenge to tackle, but I'm not sure what that will be yet. 
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