I think I have a touch of the post-race blues. I’m not registered for any new races and while I’m still following a training plan, I’m not training for a specific race. This weekend I’m volunteering at the Achilles 5 Mile race in Central Park – if anything can break me out of the running blues, this should be it. It’s a race sponsored by Achilles International, bringing together able-bodied athletes and athletes with disabilities to race together. It’s inspirational to see people not only refusing to be stopped by their disability, but excelling. It rocks.
What are you supposed to do to get out of the post race funk?
I just don’t know what goal I want to set.
So, what’s next on the running horizon? Well, there are two half marathons in October, a week apart, both of which I’m considering running. One is Grete’s Great Gallop, which I’ve run twice (both times as part of NYC Marathon training). The other is the Staten Island Half, which I’ve never run, but I’ve heard it’s a good course. I do want to chip away at that 1:45 goal.
Then I get distracted thinking about marathons again. I’m planning on finishing the 9+1 NYRR quota for this year so I qualify for guaranteed entry to the 2015 NYC Marathon. I’d love to run a marathon other than NYC sometime soon, too. (By the way, if my husband is reading this, he’s probably already sobbing into his coffee at the thought of all the early mornings I’ll be out running while he enjoys a leisurely 6:30am wake-up from a toddler).
And then, my mind starts going a little crazy, thinking way in the future…like, what about an ultra? I read a guest post over on NYC Running Mama about transitioning to ultras and got all excited about the idea of tackling more than a marathon.
I usually end with a couple of questions, but I have so many for you today! Runners out there, do you ever feel this way after you complete your ‘big’ race for the year? What have you found that breaks you out of your funk? Do you plan races for the whole year, or kind of wing it and sign up for whatever strikes your fancy?
And what about big, crazy goals? Who’s got a goal they’re not even ready to wrap their head around thinking about yet?
Enquiring minds want to know, people! Spill! 🙂
Its amazing how big of a difference setting goals can make isn’t it! I struggle with this often after a big race, especially as I place so much pressure on myself and put so much energy into it. You will find you soon get the excitement back again I am sure 🙂 I have set my eyes on Chicago, but this time I plan to race a lot more along with it to prep myself and not make the big day seem quite as scary, just means I have to swallow my ego and accept some times that are not as good as I would like.
Tina Muir recently posted…Saucony 500 Mile Challenge
I’ve heard great things about Chicago (if it’s not too hot!!). And yes, it’s definitely the energy and emotion that goes into the race that saps you afterwards, too.
My big goal is for next year and it is to do a bike tour of Italy. It’s about 30 miles of riding a day for six days. There are so many logistics to work out though so I’m not sure how it will go but it is something I really really really want to do!
I worked with Achilles International two years ago. It was not a running event but just an event to get kids active through games and other gym-like activities. It was a lot of fun and the kids were adorable!
Britt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…Mid-year Check-in
The little kids are so cute!! The last time I ran the Achilles race, I stuck around to watch the kids races. Just adorable.
A bike tour of Italy sounds AMAZING!! I hope you can make it happen! I want to live vicariously through that. 🙂
Lately I’ve been setting two race goals a year. One for the spring and then the fall. This year it was a local half marathon and now I’m training to run the Chicago Marathon in October. Then I add a few shorter races throughout the year just to add a little variety.
I loved your comment about your husband sobbing into his coffee. 🙂 Those husbands definitely deserve a lot of credit for taking over with the kids while we’re out training!
Angie @ A Mother’s Pace recently posted…5 Fun Activities in Tulsa with Kids
That’s smart, splitting your races over the year. I need to set a late-Fall goal, I think.
Yes, much, much credit and thanks to understanding husbands!!
All of my goals are big and crazy. At least you ate still following a training plan which is very smart.
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Big crazy goals are the best. 😉 Yes, still training, so when I pick a goal I’ll be all set.
OMG YES! I’m right there with you girl. I have signed-up for two half-marathons, also toying with the marathon and my BIG, way in the future goal is the Ironman – which means TONS of half-Ironman(s)/tin mans, etc. along the way. The only way I can actually type this is knowing my husband is def NOT reading your blog :-)))
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I was thinking of you as I wrote this post! I can’t imagine the comedown you must have experienced. You would KILL the Ironman!
I’m actually planning to drive to IL in August to meet up with a blogger friend for an 8 hour race – my goal that I haven’t shared with many people, is to do 50 miles during that 8 hours!!!
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Illinois – so near and yet so far! I want to meet you in person someday. 🙂 That’s such a cool idea, to do a set time for a race instead of a set distance!! You can do it, Kim!
One of my all-time goals has been to complete a triathlon, but every time I think about it, I get anxious, excited and overwhelmed at the same time. I have a bike and access to a pool to train, but I guess I just don’t know where to start. Okay, maybe I DO know where to start, it’s just making the extra effort and not having a buddy to do it with.
Melissa @ Fit ‘n’ Well Mommy recently posted…Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Wow! Triathlon is one of those sports that just seems overwhelming to me! I totally understand where you’re coming from and yes, having a buddy would make it easier. But, I 100% think you would ROCK a triathlon!! You could find some online triathlon bloggy buddies to cheer you on! 🙂