Post Marathon Blues

I have a whole other entry typed up about training schedules and how I think Ultra marathon trainings are nuts, but then another Idea struck me. After Maggie and I ran Nashville (well then I ran Jersey) she told me that it is common if I go through a small depression. That a lot of runner’s experience a mood fall after the marathon, because they spent so much time preparing and then the race is over. I have not fully experienced the Post Marathon Blues in the past but I think I do remember after my first (NJ) I felt a little empty after. Since then I have pretty much had my next race lined up and so I was able to focus on the next thing. After the race in July I thought about the Philly Marathon (and even the Rock N Roll Half which I did in September). I have Disney in 7 weeks, which I am stoked about! And then the 20 in 24, but there is a 26 week break between Disney and July… I also have 4 nights of school headed my way come Spring, so I do not want to sign up for something and not be able to train properly, however I like to have the countdowns (obviously---> look to the right).


Maggie was texting me Sunday night with an Ultra marathon she is doing in March but I have no interest in that (sounds like a trail run), plus that weekend I am not available to. There are a couple people doing the Half Marathon in DC on St Patrick’s Day and there is also the Shamrock Half and Full in VA Beach St. Patty’s Day. That would give me an excuse to go visit my friend Tam who I haven’t seen since she moved after her wedding in May! Originally I had planned (over 6 months ago) to think about the San Diego Marathon, because my friend Colleen moved there a few months ago…that is in June… Decisions, Decisions… I can always run Broad St in May (But my mind is like 10 miles?) I know, when did my brain get so cocky? I think all the training runs, made me think 10 is a short run…

So right now I have:
Jan-Disney Full
March-?
May-?
June-?
July- 20 in 24…

Now I am getting a little bummed thinking about that Gap. But I also have to remember my school work will be plentiful and work has been getting busier… Wait, why did I start writing this? Oh let’s go to science…or other blogs and internet articles who have elaborated on the issue. Some people have compared training for a marathon to pregnancy and labor…and the post marathon blues to the equivalent of post partum depression…Extreme? Maybe, but maybe not…

I found several articles online on how to AVOID the Post Marathon Blues and so far I think I have done that.. Here are two..

Tips on the Post Marathon Blues

Schmung- The state of being depressed after completing your goal. AKA 'PMB'
OK so it is 3 days after the marathon, I am going to go for a nice calm jog after work. I have to pick up my contacts downtown anyway so it will be working as transportation as well. And I am getting picked up a little after 7 so I will avoid the temptation to just mosey around town. It’s weird how in the mornings it is so hard to get out the door but once I do I wish I had all morning instead of 45 mins- an hour. I will run no more than 3 miles…

I'll leave you with these words of wisdom....
“Marathoning is just another form of insanity.”
~ John J. Kelly (winner of the 1952 Boston Marathon)


Agreed... But who is normal anyway?