You’ve spent months coaching and making ready on your race–after which the large day comes alongside, flies by, and is gone earlier than you recognize it. Now what? Going from intense emotions of anticipation constructing as much as your main aim, to instantly enjoyable and questioning what the next step is, can really feel like a large letdown. Even in case you are ecstatic about your efficiency, you should still end up batting the post-competition blues.
Attempt to keep in mind that you’re not alone. That is one thing even probably the most elite and skilled athletes battle with. Particularly in operating, the place a lot psychological resilience is required to push your self, your thoughts and physique can actually take you on an emotional rollercoaster. These relaxation days that comply with competitors to permit your physique to get better bodily, particularly after a marathon, will be extra mentally strenuous than you imagined. Put up-race despair will be characterised by fatigue, lack of urge for food and motivation, temper swings or insomnia, and being ready for it’s the neatest thing you are able to do.
Create a plan
Making a plan forward of time on your return to coaching will assist you keep accountable, even should you aren’t working towards something particular. Be certain to offer your self these relaxation days to permit your self to get better and heal, however it doesn’t should (and possibly shouldn’t) entail mendacity round doing nothing. A lightweight stroll, bike trip, or signing up for a yoga class can all be good alternatives to get in some lively restoration whereas being social–with out the main target of gaining health.
Set a aim
What’s the subsequent factor you wish to accomplish? In case you overview your massive efficiency, take into consideration what went proper, and what didn’t. You possibly can hold working to satisfy your authentic goal, set the bar larger or swap gears to strive a brand new distance. Committing to reaching this subsequent aim offers you the sensation of goal and encourage you once more.
To prime that: pre-emptively decide to that subsequent step, and keep away from gazing an empty calendar. Overthinking and criticizing your current efficiency will simply amplify that low you might be already experiencing. Waiting for the subsequent section of your journey as a runner and not treating this achievement as the top aim will soften that post-race crash–leaving you feeling like your self and able to get again to work.
Keep busy
In case your coaching has saved your calendar full in the course of the previous few months, fill it with one thing else to shift your focus throughout your restoration interval. Purpose to do one thing you’ve just lately needed to flip down since coaching took priority. This is perhaps heading to your native ice cream store, spending the day on the seaside or grabbing a drink with a buddy.
One other tip: strive to not take issues too severely. You’re allowed to (and presupposed to) have enjoyable together with your operating journey. As soon as you are feeling extra recovered, drag your mates out for a leisurely native race, and even only a enjoyable jog.
Speak about it
Don’t battle silently. If you’re coping with the blues, your coaching companion could also be feeling the identical means. Reaching out to family and friends will reassure you that you’re supported and have a goal, plus occupying your time and thoughts till you are feeling like your self once more.
