After months and months of preparation for my first Ironman in Lake Placid, it seems that I failed to prepare for one thing: the post-Ironman blues. I had read about feeling depressed or sad after completing endurance events, such as an Ironman, but I was in denial that such a state of mind would creep into my consciousness.
Pre-race, I thought: Depressed?! Are you kidding? I’ll be so pumped to have my “regular” life back.
Guess what? Turns out that “regular life” has changed, and I am sad, irritable, edgy, unfocused, and listless. I find myself recalling fondly, nostalgically even, those six hour bike rides that set my butt on fire with chafing and saddle sores. I long for the nervous energy that motivated me through grueling workouts and pushed me to the starting line of Ironman Lake Placid. I miss the electric vibe of athletes and spectators anxiously awaiting for the day to unfold. Just watch the video to get a sense of the electricity that is in the air at the finish line – it’s unbelievable! (This video captures the final minutes at the finish line. All finishers must cross the line in 17 hours from the start, or midnight.)
Regular life has become long bike rides and runs. It’s 4,000 yard swims. It’s biofreeze and foam rollers. It KT Tape and blisters. Its body glide and chafing in areas I forgot to apply body glide. It’s lycra tights and running shoes. It’s gel packets and Accelerade. It’s going to bed as the sun sets and waking up before the sun rises. It’s sneaking naps in the afternoon after eating a large salad filled with vegetable goodness. It’s plates and plates of food followed by another plate of food. It’s watching video after video of Ironman races on YouTube, and weeping with joy for what a fantastic experience it was.
In short, regular life is endurance sport life.
The first week after the Ironman, though, I didn’t realize this funk was coming at all. I was radiant with the post-Ironman glow, and woke each morning with a smile on my face (despite all of the late nights and, ahem, adult beverages during those first few days following the race). I was content to do my recovery workouts, enjoying just 40 minutes on the bike here, and 20 minutes in the pool there. I didn’t even run for 7 days! I thought, Ah, how nice to workout for an hour and then be on with my day.
Now, I think, Hmmmm, not so much. So, it’s back to training for us, in preparation for the Vermont 50 mile ultramarathon on September 26. My first 50 miler, John’s second. Despite the new goal, the blues persist.
So, I did want any normal triathlete would do: Today, I signed us up for another race – the Cannonman Half Iron Triathlon in Schellsburg, PA. This race is a small affair; so far only 107 people are entered for the Sunday, August 22nd event. But, it seems like just what I need for some fun. I’m not looking to make a certain time, or to place in my age group – I’m just looking to soak up some multisport energy and fun for the day.
Is this too soon after a full Ironman? Maybe so, but at least it’s back to regular life.
