Post-Half Slumpiness. Is this a 'thing'?

[Stoozie]

Hello all.

I did my first Half last Tuesday, and feel very slumpy about running since. Is this normal?

I ran alone, so I don't think it's the anti-climax of not being in a crowd/under race conditions anymore.

After the Half on the Tuesday, all I did was a 4.25k on Saturday and now a 6.25k today, so not very long at all, but I'm just not feeling it. I just want to get home, which isn't my usual relationship with running at all.

Does anyone relate to this? I'm not injured or anything; it's purely an emotional/mental thing.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

You need to set yourself some new goals! xxx

[LoungeLizaard in reply to roseabi]

Definitely agree with this - most of us are goal orientated (even if we don’t admit it!)

On the flip side, you’ve just run a HM, having a recovery week isn’t a bad thing!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Absolutely! I like to take a week off after a half 😊😊😊

[R4inbow Ultramarathon]

I can completely relate to this, I did my first half in March and only ran a handful of times between then and July and very nearly stopped altogether. You're definitely not alone with this . I've just done my second half and I'm trying to not let the same happen again, this is my plan in case it helps you.

To keep myself running these next couple of weeks, even if it's only 2 shorter runs so it's still part of my routine, I think breaking the habit made it loads harder to get started again. Also, to find something else to aim for. For me this is going to be another half but something a little hillier so the challenge is different and I'm not too focused on getting faster.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Do you fancy entering a race, either HM or shorter? Or are you working towards a full marathon at some point? It sounds like you’ve achieved your first goal and now need something else to interest you.

I ran my first HM solo about a month ago, but what kept me interested after that was having some races to look forward to - GSR 10 miler this coming weekend, and the Bath Half next March. Plus plenty of parkruns and running just because I can.

[backintime 10 Miles]

I was worried about this, I am looking for a 10k for a couple of weeks after my HM just to keep me going

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Up until now you have had a goal and you have focussed on acheiving this. Now you have done it, you no longer have the drive you experienced before - yes it is normal.

Lots of sportspeople talk about how they feel a slump after acheiving a medal/trophy they have strived for. Look at Tyson Fury's downhill spiral after becoming heavyweight champion of the world. Nico Rosberg left the sport all together. Most though turn their attention to thenext prize.

I felt this after my first HM. It tooks me a little while to realise that what I needed was a new set of objectives. I stil wanted to run so for me this was another event. It doesn't always have to be further. My next event was a 10k. But I trained for it and my goal was to get a PB. Once I had this booked I was full steam ahead!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

I've been feeling the same as you since my event in September. It doesn't help that my ankle has been tight since and I've been under the weather. I've signed up for another HM but not until next June. For me, I'm taking a bit of a break, trying to focus on strength training and some shorter runs to try and find the joy again. I feel giving yourself a little break is fine but then some sort of goal should be set to help keep motivated. It doesn't need to be a formal event, but should be a set goal.

[misswobble Marathon]

It is a real thing. It’s the anticlimax, post race slump. After the hiatus what comes next? I’ve definite experienced it I’m sure many here have.

After a rest and recuperation, time to mull over options, you’ll find another challenge. Hopefully, something to keep you training through winter 💪👍😃

[Decker Ultramarathon]

It’s definitely a thing. I usually try to book another smaller race after a big event just to keep the momentum up and have something new to look forward to. You’re not alone

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

One further point, don’t underestimate how much the HM will have taken out of you. I used up about 1700 calories and was ravenously hungry for a few days. I ate my way through a mountain of hi protein yoghurt, topped with honey 😋

[Lordi Marathon]

I think it's a 'thing' too, although I've not suffered too much myself. For me, there's always a bad row of runs that happen for who knows what reason, even when I know I should be super fit and bouncing off the walls. Sometimes we just have nasty unenjoyable slogs that can't be over soon enough. If that coincides with a post-milestone run then it can seem super 'unfair' to not be striding along like a Greek god. ☺

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

It's definitely a thing although I only really realised after my first marathon run. For a couple of days or even close to a week I felt really flat, a sort of "is that it?" feeling. I think that might be why I did the next one so soon after 🤣🤣

Focus either on a new goal or just recapture the joy of the run. It will come back 👍🏻😁

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

Yes totally. I have felt a little low/unmotivated since my marathon, which is the opposite of what I thought I would lol, but I have had a rest and just ran shorter distances to keep my fitness up and I'm hoping a new target will inspire me soon. I had a lovely run this morning in the autumn sunshine so the adrenaline and happy high of running kicks in naturally if you can get back out there. But give yourself time to recover and enjoy your achievement of the half.

[Stoozie Half Marathon]

Thank you all for the responses. I agree I need a new goal, but don't want to do a long distance again for a while. So I've downloaded a 12 week programme to improve my snail-like 5k pace. I'll review after that.

Thanks again

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Stoozie]

A new goal doesn't have to be a new distance, a good goal is simply to run more often, for less miles but more fun 👍🏻😁