Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Now what?

With the marathon behind me, I'm looking for a new goal. My running friends are all thinking about their next race. Maybe a 10K or a half-marathon next month? Hmm.... I don't know. Am I ready for that?

All my running books say I need a few weeks off from hard training, especially after the beating I've just put myself through. I haven't exercised since Saturday. At first, I wasn't physically able to exercise, since I could hardly move my legs. Yesterday, however, I was pretty much back to normal. It was strange and surprisingly uncomfortable to be watching The Biggest Loser from the couch, rather than the treadmill. I felt guilty. In fact, the post-marathon depression that I've heard about is here, big time. Yesterday I felt incredibly down. I kept thinking that I'll never again feel like I did when I crossed that finish line. I'll never have another first marathon. Still, there's nothing I can do about that, so I have to try my best to move on.

I put in a few emails to some personal trainers around Kansas City. I figured a few sessions would be a good idea. Now that I don't have the "I'm a training for a marathon and I need a lot of carbs" card to play, there's no reason why I can't lose the weight I gained during training.

My next move is to just plan my next move. There are lots of options. I just have to research them, pick something, and get on board.

6 comments:

Topher said...

You may never run that first marathon again, but you could always run your first marathon on stilts. Just something to think about/work up to.

SuperDave said...

or juggle while running a marathon.
haha

Queen Sarah said...

I know exactly what you mean about needing a new goal after a marathon! I dealt with (or averted, actually) my let-down in kind of an extreme way, which I don't necessarily recommend ~ I decided to run 50 marathons in 50 states. Later, it evolved into a very, very long-term goal of training for a 5K the Saturday after I turn 100. That made me see the marathons as training runs. :-)

You can read about it on my blog, if it helps give you ideas you can use! I was asked to write about it for the 50 States Club this summer, so the post is back in August.

Now, whenever I run a marathon, I make sure I'm already signed up for the next one or two, and that seems to help.

Good luck with your next goal!

Anonymous said...

what about a tri or a dualthon? I am doing a dual in a few weeks and am stoked about it - it's a shorty but it should be fun plus it changes things up!! I am sure you will figure something out. Be well!

Julie H said...

So what did you think about the Biggest Loser last night? This is the first season I've watched from the beginning.

Sounds like you should start planning a new marathon!

Anonymous said...

How long do they say the depression lasts? How long are you supposed to not exercise? Could you at least do some light-walking on the treadmill for now?

I am all about signing up for a new race the moment I complete one! But... I haven't run a marathon! That may be different ;)