I never considered myself a runner. In fact, the idea of lacing up a pair of sneakers and hitting the pavement filled me with dread. When Covid kind of ended, things changed in 2021, everything changed. Our company launched a summer challenge: 100 days of running, with a tempting reward of a paid day off for hitting 100km and another for conquering 250km. Armed with a shiny new Apple Watch, I reluctantly took the plunge. (Side note I think most company's should encourage this idea.)
Those first few weeks were torture. My out-of-shape body protested with every step. But as the days turned into weeks, something incredible happened. I started to enjoy the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement. The endorphins kicked in, and I discovered a sense of freedom and clarity I'd never experienced before.
I kept running even after the challenge ended. The initial goal had sparked a fire within me. Then, disaster struck. A nasty ankle injury sidelined me, and I was forced to hit pause. It was a tough pill to swallow. The weight piled on, my once-decent pace felt like a distant memory. I felt like a deflated balloon, a far cry from the confident runner I thought I was becoming.
Recovery was a long, frustrating process. But I’m back, stronger than ever (or so I hope!). It took a year, but I'm determined to rebuild my running journey, one step at a time. Fear not I still run, found my inner Zen and went with it.
Running Low: Reigniting Your Passion
There's nothing quite like the rush of crossing a finish line. Heart pounding, lungs burning, and a sense of pure elation – it's a feeling that runners chase. But what happens when the confetti settles, the medals tarnish, and that post-race high crashes down harder than a marathon pace? Welcome to the not-so-glamorous world of the post-race blues.
We've all been there. Whether you fell short of your goal, battled an injury, or just plain lost your mojo, these running lows can feel like hitting a brick wall. But guess what? You're tougher than that wall. And you're definitely not alone in this. Let's lace up our metaphorical running shoes and conquer these blues together.
Crossing that finish line is an incredible high. You've poured your heart and soul into training, and the sense of accomplishment is exhilarating. But what happens when the euphoria fades? For many runners, a wave of post-race blues can wash over them.
It's like the comedown after an epic party. You're left feeling empty, maybe even a little lost. Disappointment, frustration, and self-doubt can creep in, leaving you wondering what to do next. And that's totally normal. Every runner, from seasoned marathoners to weekend warriors, experiences these post-race blues at some point.
Let's be honest, it's tough. You've invested so much time, energy, and maybe even money into this race. When it doesn't go as planned, it's easy to feel like a failure. But remember, it's just a race. It doesn't define you as a runner.
Post-race blues can feel like a marathon in itself. Just so you know it's okay to feel a little lost and unsure of where to go next. Remember, even the pros experience this too. You can always find ways to bring back that good vibe feeling. We can breaking down some strategies to help you find your way back to the starting line (or wherever you're headed next).
- Embrace the Process: Listen, we've all been there. You cross that finish line, and for a moment, it's like the world is in color. Then, bam, reality hits. But guess what? Every race, whether you PR or feel like you're running in molasses, is a chapter in your running story. And trust me, those chapters make the book way more interesting.
- Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Your body is like a finely tuned machine (or a really awesome sourdough starter). It needs time to rest and recharge. Swap those running shoes for flip-flops (or whatever your chill footwear is) and soak up some sun, practice some downward dogs, or just binge-watch your favorite show without guilt.
- Reflect and Reassess: It's time to be your own running coach. Replay the race in your head (or jot it down). Were your goals realistic? Did you feel like you were pushing too hard? Figuring out what went down is the first step to nailing it next time.
- Set New Goals: Okay, so maybe the marathon wasn't your thing. Or maybe you crushed it and need a new challenge. Whatever it is, find something that lights a fire under you. Whether it's a shorter distance, a hilly course, or just running for fun, having something to look forward to is like the secret ingredient to running motivation.
- Cross-Training and Variety: Mix it up, people! Your body (and your mind) will thank you. Swimming laps, hitting the bike, or lifting weights can be a total game-changer. Plus, it's a great way to avoid those dreaded overuse injuries.
- Find Your Running Community: Running with others is like having your own personal cheerleading squad (minus the pompoms). Sharing the highs and lows with other runners can make you feel like you're not alone in this crazy running world.
- Nourish Your Body and Mind: Fuel up, hydrate, and catch those Zzz's. Your body is a temple (or at least it should be treated like one). Eating well, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep will help you bounce back faster and stronger.
- Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Take a deep breath. And another. And another. Mindfulness is like pressing the reset button for your brain. Plus, focusing on the good stuff in your life (like the fact that you can lace up your shoes and hit the pavement) can work wonders for your mental state.
- Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, the post-race blues can be a bit more than just a case of the Mondays. If you're struggling to cope, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. They're there to help, and there's no shame in asking for support.
Running slumps happen to the best of us. It's like hitting a wall during a long run – you know you can push through, but it feels like you're running on empty. But just like those tough miles, this too shall pass. The key is to find your way back to that spark that first ignited your love for running.
Close your eyes and picture that moment when running first stole your heart. Was it the way the wind whipped through your hair on a crisp autumn morning? The feeling of pure freedom as you explored new trails? Or maybe it was the incredible sense of accomplishment after conquering a challenging hill? Whatever it was, that spark is still there, buried beneath the layers of disappointment.
Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to reignite your passion. Swap the treadmill for the great outdoors, explore new neighborhoods, or join a local running group. Who knows, you might discover a hidden gem right in your own backyard! And let's be honest, running with a group can be a total blast. You'll laugh, you'll sweat, and you'll make some amazing friends along the way.
We're all guilty of putting too much pressure on ourselves. Remember, running is supposed to be fun! So ditch the constant comparisons and focus on enjoying the journey. Celebrate every little victory, whether it's running a bit farther, trying a new pace, or simply getting out the door. And hey, if you need a rest day, take it! Your body and mind will thank you.
Running isn't just about physical fitness; it's a mental escape too. Take a few minutes before your run to practice some deep breathing or meditation. It'll help clear your head and get you in the zone. And don't forget to soak in the scenery. Pay attention to the birds chirping, the trees swaying in the breeze – it's amazing how tuning into nature can work wonders for your soul.
Overcoming a running slump is like climbing a mountain. It’s tough, it’s frustrating, but the view from the top is incredible. You’ll have good days and bad days, but remember, every step forward is a win. Don’t be too hard on yourself; everyone hits a wall sometimes. Keep lacing up those shoes, find your people, and most importantly, have fun out there. You’ve got this!
Know Get out there and Run!
Thank you for Reading!!!
Colin and Beth