Marathon Withdrawal

This morning, just over a week since the marathon, I went for my first post-marathon run.  My muscles were so sore last week that I decided to baby myself and let them heal. I was feeling great over the weekend, and it seemed like the perfect way to start off the week.

Prior to the run - rocking the mock and being photo bombed by my dog
I wish I could say something witty about my fantastic first post-marathon run. When I first started I was planning my proud Facebook status as saying how this run felt like home or something equally charming.  It did feel great for about two miles.  During the last mile my IT band tightened up not unlike it did at the end of the marathon.  It hurt. A lot. I felt like my muscles had healed, but my old IT band injury has clearly reared its ugly head.

Marathon training is so all consuming, and a week after the race I feel disappointed. After months of training and the build up to the race, it is a giant let down once the race is over. It was a fantastic experience, and I had a great weekend. Now my race calendar feels impossibly empty, and I am entrenched in marathon withdrawal.

This means only one thing - I need a new race. I need a new focus. The question is what race should I do? Michigan in the winter isn't exactly a hotbed of races. I am running the 2nd Annual Morgantown Running Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and another 5k the first weekend in December. Other than that my race calendar is clear, and it feels disconcerting.

Running 26.2 miles is an exciting achievement, and I'm proud of it. But now that withdrawal has set in it's time to let the IT band heal and find the next race. I'll also try to enjoy this down time, but we all know I'm not good at relaxing.

Comments

  1. ErinNovember 5, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    There's a series of winter races up in Mt. Pleasant - one each in January, February, and March. I think all three have a 5k, 10k, and a half...

    ReplyDelete
  2. SamanthaNovember 5, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    I did one of the 10ks a few years ago. I wasn't impressed, but desperate times call for desperate measures. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnitaNovember 7, 2013 at 9:36 PM

    It is actually quuite common to go through Marathon depression. I would take the time to rest, recover and plan your next spring marathon. In the mean time there are some fun smaller races. Howell had The Fantasy 5k. This is one of Michigans best runs. I love this race because it is the Friday after Thanksgiving. It is also a Night run and it is followed by a incredible parade. So much fun and a great family event.
    Congrats on your Marathon!
    Anita

    ReplyDelete
  4. SamanthaNovember 8, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    Thanks Anita!! I know you understand this more than most. Nice job rocking it out in NYC!

    ReplyDelete

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