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Post Ironman Depression Syndrome

Is this a real thing? Have you experienced it? What does it consist of, the symptoms? Do you make specific plans in your macro/season planning to deal with it?

I got to thinking along these lines when I realised that, for the first time in my triathlon career since I started in 1999, I do not have any big, season-ending races in October or November. In fact, my last big race came at the end of August. Previously, even in my season which was ended abruptly by injury, I had some event not only pulling me towards the end of the year, but also happening so late that starting the OS usually came after just two weeks of "down" time. I never had a chance to dwell on the end of things, as there was always something else to look forward to.

But I had heard about this PIDS, so I signed up for a couple of Sprint triathlons a week and two weeks after that last big race, to help let me down easy. And I think it helped. I fully enjoyed getting out and busting a gut for a hour or so, with no pressure. But I wondered what about those folks who are either just ending their season (e.g., Mt Tremblant, Wisconsin), or dealing with the fall IMs in Sept/Oct/Nov.

I believe that one factor in success at long-distance triathlon is being able to sustain consistent training and focus over a multi-year period. While some down time, unstructured physical activity, is probably essential periodically, letting oneself slide for an extended period (greater than 3-4 weeks) might be counter-productive. Weight gain, motivation loss, to say nothing of fitness devolution, are all risks. PIDS could age a contributing factor to that.
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Comments

  • @Al Truscott your post came at a perfect time....for me at least. I am currently struggling BIG TIME with some PIDS.  It's been 3 weeks since IMMT and I am just feeling down, out of shape, you name it. It's not a pleasant feeling.  I have been active- following the post ironman plan for the most part...but just not the same. I love routine, plans, ect ect
     I am trying to get back to things I had neglected during my training phase like mountain biking and some strength training....but its still so much less than what I was doing...and just different. I'm in a funk. BLAH. Any suggestions- greatly appreciated!! I'm also a teacher- so we just went back to school which is always super stressful....which probably does not help the PIDS at all! I was going to do a sprint this weekend...maybe that will help. Although not sure what to expect....missing some spring in my step lately.  Any other ideas?  Thanks for the post. 
  • I'm sure it's real although I haven't experienced any symptoms, but that's probably because my bucket list is so long that I'll never complete it.  While I do make changes to my plans, I've never completed an "A" race without having another already on the docket.  The cure to PIDS is simply signing up for another big event in the future.
  • @Laura Becker, I endorse what @Paul Houghsays. I'm always thinking months and years ahead with specific and general targets and goals. But I do remember between age 35 and 50, the pressures and momentum of general life - family and career - were by far uppermost in my mind, and what really drove my moods.
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