You know the Super Bowl commercial that asks football players, “you’ve just won the Super Bowl, what are you going to do now?!” (and they say “I’m going to Disney World!”)? Well, replace “won the Super Bowl” with “finished the NYC Marathon” and that’s been the question of my week. Although I could technically drive to Disney, that hasn’t been my response.
Truthfully I have no idea what I’m going to do next, but I’m learning that I don’t need to know. As someone who is the typical Type-A planning, goal-oriented person, I hate the unknown. I loved following a training plan because, even though it was just for running, it kept my whole life in a routine. I’ve talked about my struggle with too much routine, and I was expecting to be a wreck this week after “breaking” my routine, but I wasn’t. I was also prepared for the post-marathon blues like I had after my first marathon, but I haven’t had any bouts of sadness.
Source That’s OK!
I actually consider this a huge success because I was admittedly very distraught after my marathon in January. For one, I was injured and couldn’t run for about a month which made me sad enough. But on top of that, I felt like I had nothing to look forward to. Dramatic, as usual, but I was really not ready for a severe emotional crash. It’s like when little kids and sometimes me build up to Christmas morning and then have a breakdown when it’s over. Even though I wasn’t gunning for a certain time, I was expecting the magnitude of the event to cause some sadness. Yet I’ve felt just the opposite.
I think this calmness has to do with my extremely relaxed training plan (compared to 90% of other marathoners) and my mindset going into the race. Because this was my second full I knew that I could a) finish the race and b) that there would be others in my future. While I do have some fun, family half-marathons on the horizon (early 2015) they won’t require as extensive training as NYC and won’t take up my time or focus as much. Yes, I will do another marathon eventually. Maybe in 2015, maybe not. Until then, exercise-wise, I’m just going to do what I want. If that’s running, great! Yoga, great! Nothing, great! Let’s be real, I’m not going to stop running or give up setting goals. Instead, I’m going to take a “normal” approach to running and exercise and just do what feels good that day. You can’t be constantly “training” for something, which I feel like many bloggers/people do. This is life, not a countdown to the next race. Plus your body just needs a break!
I have so many things to look forward to that aren’t even “things.” Spending the holidays with my family, visiting friends from home, and just working on aspects of my personal and professional life. The marathon was an incredible personal victory and I hope to maintain that spirit and sense of fulfillment for as long as I can.
How do you respond to “what’s next?”
Have you cried after Christmas morning? Yes, many times.
Nice post – this week I was debating whether I wanted to train for a Spring Marathon or wait until next fall. In the end the latter one out – I wanted to have more time to spend with family, friends and my so.
Jennifer recently posted…Charleston Half Training 11/3-11/9 – Week 1
Especially during the holidays/colder weather, it’s going to feel nice to relax and enjoy the season! I’m looking forward to it myself
Its tough isn’t it? The post marathon blues. I went through it too after chicago, and I am still kinda going through it now, as london marathon is not till april, and I am kinda stuck! You will find your way, but first, embrace that time off. You worked damn hard for NYC, and you deserve to give your body and mind a little break :) Enjoy those other “things”, they are often actually the best things!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Berry Quinoa Kale Salad
I’m very impressed that “the blues” haven’t been as bad this go-around. This recovery period really comes at the perfect time…the holidays!
Just chilling and going with the flow sounds good!
I actually dislike Christmas for that reason. I LOVE Christmas Eve (best day of the year), but Christmas is just to sad….everything is over and the long cold horrible months of January, February, and March loom!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…I Mustache You Some Questions
That’s exactly why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I may hate most of the food, but I love that it’s the start of the excitement not the peak of it. Annnnddd January, February and March are the reasons why living in Florida is awesome :P
I enjoy taking a break from training- it’s mentally exhausting! And physically it definitely takes it out of you. Sometimes it’s nice to run without a purpose so you have more time for yoga, spinning, life, etc. But I also totally get the whole lack of routine feeling. It’s good practice though! Also I need to email you so we can figure out if we will be able to run into each other in a few weeks!!
Sarah recently posted…Workouts 11/3-11/9
Running without a purpose is SO awesome. Plus, I no longer have to get up in the dark and run on the treadmill if I don’t want to. YES! I’m still not 100% sure of our plans but hopefully in the next few days we can figure something out.
As easy as life is with structure, it’s okay to not really know what’s next. I’ve been in your shoes before, and gosh was I freaked out by not have a back up plan after the race. But for now, enjoy this time off. Have fun with your family/friends, eat loads of cookies over the Holiday & ring in the new year with a smile on your face
Jessie recently posted…Ways to Change An Unhappy Mindset + A Workout
I am going to do all of those things you suggested :) I think this time of year is ideal to not follow a routine.
Post marathon blues. We all get them. I find that I feel so much better with a plan of some sort. Even if it’s not training for a specific event I stick to a planned running and workout routine.
jill conyers recently posted…Flying Home and The Fit Dish
After my first marathon I was very relieved to read that I wasn’t the only one who was depressed after the race. I definitely feel better (physically and mentally) with structure, so the next few weeks are going to be interesting.
What a great outlook! I think it will be healing for you both physically AND emotionally to take a break from any sort of “plan” :) And I tooootally get that same feeling after Christmas, haha. It brings to mind that Dr. Seuss quote though .. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Have a great week, Emily!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…The Grass Is Greener…
That’s a great quote! One I should try to remember at times like this. Phew, glad I wasn’t the only Christmas crier!
Now would be a fantastic time to just drop dead and sleep until inspiration hits you one day to get up and do something. :)
Linda @ The Fitty recently posted…My Superb Paleo/Keto Lunches- Life In Pictures #10 + WIAW #9
I’ve definitely been sleeping a lot lately!
I’m posting about the same kind of post-marathon feelings tomorrow! I’m trying to figure out what I want to do-esp as it gets busy with the holidays and travel!
You wouldn’t think that there are any decisions after a marathon besides “what do I want to eat?” But the emotions and post-race high make the process more complicated! I read your post and you have some serious dedication if you plan to brave the winter for a spring marathon :) That’s the only reason doing a spring marathon would be OK for me in FL…not too hot, not too cold.
I took two weeks off after my last marathon to do whatever I felt like (which most days was honestly nothing). It was a great way to recharge and get me excited to train again. Good for you for taking so much time off afterwards, I don’t think I could overcome my Type A-ness as well as you are.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Run Less Run Faster: Week Two
I definitely felt sad after my first half – I think the first race of any distance comes with a let down afterwards because you’ll never have that amazing special first time experience again. And my half was in Disney so it felt like an even bigger deal to me! But all my half marathons afterwards have made me feel happy and stronger, and I’m glad your marathon is doing the same. Also, I want to go on the record as someone who also cries after Christmas. I love it so much and get so sad when it’s over and I have to go back to real life with no pretty lights!
kristenk recently posted…Home Is Where You Drop Your Anchor
Despite the fact that my birthday is 5 days after Christmas, December 26 is such a sad day. I agree…both my first half and full (both Disney!) came with extreme emotions post-race. But I guess that shows how much the race meant to us!