Overcoming the Post-Marathon Blues

If you recently completed the marathon - congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment, and you have a lot to be proud of. Don’t be surprised though if after the post-marathon glow wears off you feel a bit…off. You may feel sad that it’s over and the months (and sometimes years) of training suddenly aren’t a part of your life any more. What are you going to do on Saturdays without your long run?   

You’re not alone. This is completely normal.  As the co-manager of Athletico’s Endurance Program and a marathoner, I know how it feels. Here’s some of my advice for overcoming the post-race blues.

Slow Down – For many runners, right after the marathon they choose to jump directly into another huge challenge. Getting caught up in being faster and better so soon after the race can lead to overtraining and overuse injuries. Take some time to slow down and take a break before tackling a new challenge. Think of doing a “reverse taper”: take it easy for three weeks after the marathon just like you did for three weeks before the race.  It is nice to have the next goal, but don’t make it too lofty because you may take longer than you think to “get your legs back”.  This may even be a good time to set a non-running goal - try a new pilates class or indoor triathlon for the winter.

Monitor Your Recovery – Aches and pains after a race are common, but if you’re still experiencing any lingering pain weeks after a race – that’s not normal. See your doctor or head to your nearest Athletico facility to get it checked out to make sure it’s not a more serious condition. Athletico provides complimentary screenings to help identify and address injuries, as well as a Video Gait Analysis to determine if your running gait is contributing to chronic issues and/or to learn to run more efficiently.

Pat Yourself on the Back – Allow yourself time to enjoy your accomplishment.  Even if you didn’t run the race of your life, you should be proud of your efforts. Many people don’t make it to the starting line let alone the finish line!  Reward yourself: maybe get your medal engraved or buy some new running gear.   

You already finished the race, but follow these tips to have a great post-marathon experience as well!