I've not used any of these forums in a while, but I remember people being really helpful previously when I had just started running, so perhaps people have ideas for getting me back on track now. Not sure if this is the right place to post this?
I did my first half marathon 3 weeks ago. It was amazing, I didn't stop to walk at any point. I was so ahappy with myself that it was possible and on a proper high afterwards. I then did a couple of 3 mile runs the following week, to check my legs still worked. Since then, I've done nothing. Had plenty of opportunities, took my running stuff on a little holiday, I just can't seem to get out of the door.
I've found a couple of 10 miles and 2 halves which I would like to enter in the rest of the year, but I've not entered anything. I run with a social club on a Wednesday and I've just not gone. I'm actually considering giving up now, but I don't think it's what I want to do.
Any ideas?
Written by
R4inbow
Ultramarathon
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Post run blues is a thing, you can Google it. Best way I found to beat it is to book another event. You got no choice then, you gotta get out there and train. Oh, and it helps that I enjoy devising a training plan.
Awwhh poor you. That definitely sounds like post race blues. I did my first HM two weeks ago but I have my second next weekend! When I booked the second one I wasn't sure if it was too soon, but ever since the first I have been SO glad I have it booked otherwise the come down would have been horrible I'm sure. It's the sense of direction and training structure that kept me going, and of course that's had to continue for my next one. I've already been planning what next. I want to go back to 5 and 10k for a bit and see if I can get comfier with increasing speed. I want to do some Parkrun tourism too. Finally, I have an overall mileage challenge for this year, and keep signing up for a series of monthly ones too - that ensures I keep getting out the door. Oh, and I have an Oct HM booked as well! I'm hoping these fixed challenges will keep me going. I agree with Whatsapp - you need to book yourself a race or a distance challenge; all you're really missing is a sense of direction. Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂
I'm a little suspicious of the "post run blues" idea. Sure it's normal to feel at a loose end when any project finishes, but I wonder if the internet and social media tend to over-inflate the problem somewhat 😊
For my part, I like to take a break after a big event like a half or full marathon. I think it's nice to enjoy the positive aspects of not having to train for a while. So maybe you could try seeing it that way instead? Also, it is possible that you're feeling a little run down - endurance sports can take it out of you! You can still exercise without running - walking, swimming, bob-sled, whatever you enjoy 😄
While you're resting, you can take stock of where you are and what you'd like to do next. Maybe you need to set yourself some interesting new goals. If you've run a road half marathon, maybe look for a trail event? Perhaps you'd like to try shorter, speedier races? Or something different like a triathlon or Tough Mudder? Or even think about stepping up to the full marathon?
As Whats and Linda said, actually booking a race is a great motivator!
But at the more basic level, you could also think about changing up your daily runs. New routes, running without a watch, going out without a plan and just a coin toss to decide your path... Lots of new things to try. At the end of the day the only way to get out there is to get out there. If you're not feeling it it's nice to say to yourself: I'll just go out for 1 km (or whatever) and see how I feel!
I have to disagree. I don't think this issue is over-inflated. It's a common cause of people giving up running for good and should be something for which runners are made aware.
It is my fault as I didn't elaborate on my post. But after I had run my first HM last year it was a great comfort to me to find through the internet that I wasn't alone in my feelings.
It took me a year before I would run another HM, and I have come to realise for me the events themselves are a bit like the reality of Christmas day - a bit flat after weeks of planning. Sure you get an atmosphere and a shiny new medal. But often not the sense of achievement you had expected. Over the events I have run I can only think of one or two where I was truly satisfied at the end. Too many things can go wrong. Last year for example I had a 10k event booked and during training in the run up to the big day I was on for a PB on a couple of occasions, but I stopped short at 6miles wanting to save it for the big day. The big day came and it was so hot I didn't even want to stand in the sun let alone run in it. I finished but I had to walk part way. No PB and a deflated feeling of an opportunity lost.
Its perhaps my fault for allowing that expectation to build, but you pay your money and you spend weeks training in preparation imaging the day itself. I didn't run the full HM prior to the event, because I wanted that to be my first time.
I have learnt to enjoy the planning process, the reason to get out and train. The event is the end goal, but I know in reality it is just another run. If it's a good one the great, but if not it doesn't matter - I don't need to feel anything special I felt like this at the end of C25k too. That last run was a bit flat after all the weeks of getting out there. I was determined of mind, but I can see why others lose enthusiasm.
It’s hard some days for sure. I try to not give myself more than two miss passes. Beyond that its harder work for me to build motivation again. I still take rest days but when its a run day, especially a Saturday long run, I try hard to protect that time. Usually it works out, and if not then there’s always Sunday. I still leave my run gear out and have a long run checklist I made in Evernote, of the stuff i need to have ready the night before so I am not flaking off at the last minute. I don’t know if this approach might help you but I find making it easier to do the thing, takes some of the friction out of the process. Having some motivated running friends helps too. Having said all this, it is still a beast to get out some days.
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Mixed feelings!! Thank you all
2nd 10 miles - a year after the last one!
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