The “Post Marathon Depression” Syndrome

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

I was sitting at the computer trying to dig deep into how I am feeling and why and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.  It’s been almost 2 months since the Commonwealth Games marathon.  I am not in full training which is frustrating.  Both Lachlan and I are sore and I have days where I feel extremely tired, yet I’m not even doing 80km let alone 180km  per week.

I then started googling…

…”Post Marathon Blues”, “Post Marathon Depression”!  Wow there is a made up syndrome described as a ‘certain kind of loss’1 felt after the marathon.  Experienced when all the preparation and planning is over, the result is known and it is time to set a new goal.  It is time to start again!

I couldn’t help but laugh out aloud.  Post Marathon Depression…I don’t think I have that.  I’m exhausted from running 42.2k in 32 degrees, 75% humidity and very polluted air, but I don’t feel like I have the blues!!

In all seriousness, it is taking a little longer than I’d hoped to get back into full training, but a light is appearing at the end of the tunnel.  Lachlan’s OP is starting to show some improvement, my sinus infection has cleared up with antibiotics, my foot has survived a 5km, an 8km and a  12km run after a false start to training and we’re settling back into a routine of more sleep and no more furniture moving!

With Zatopek upon us and the clinics I am involved in Tuesday (adidas womens) and Thursday (little athletes) at Olympic Park, the excitement surrounding the goals for 2011 is brewing.  The way I see it.  The only way to combat this “Post Marathon Depression” syndrome is to plan ahead and clink the glass of Ascend Recovery…”to the next pb”!
1  Isphording, Julie.  Post Marathon Recovery Tips.  http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=259

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