Post-Ironman depression?

JClishe

I just saw Nate Parady's Dashboard post about it being weird to not see a workout loaded on his dashboard after IMLP, and that reminded me about how I felt after IMLOU last year. I was in a funk for like 2 weeks, almost depressed. I think I felt like I had "nothing to do". All that training for so long, and then poof the event was over. It was weird. Anyone else have that feeling or am I the only weirdo?

I guess if you qualify for Kona you don't have that problem.

Swanie

I got a little bummed after IMCDA this year. Luckily I had a 70.3 three weeks later that I could look forward to. It's important to schedule another race after your A race to combat those blues. I'm a little worried about how I will handle that time after IMAZ when there are no races to be had until next summer.

Scott Alexander

I've had it every time too. You work all that time, have all that structure and routine, then like you said...POOF. Nothing.

I've found that I have to have a post-IM goal set before the IM is even over. It doesn't have to be tri-related, but something to focus on beyond the IM. Could be another event, definitely something fun, work back some of those SAUs you burned!

mattsull

I think the key is to find something else to focus on. It doesn't have to be another race or even triathlon related. I so easily get obsessed with my training and racing that it's one of the best times to start focusing on something else, like spending more time with the family on weekend mornings. Think about what a sacrifice it is for them to allow us to do what we do.

From an exercise perspective, I find it liberating to just go out on a group ride or a run without my Garmin.I will most likely be plotting my next season already. I just try to keep it quiet.

 

jburbatt

Yeah, not having something planned can make it really tough. I would suggest having a non-athletic plan too. Last year after IMWI I had planned out a bunch of hiking, but when I got hurt I couldn't do it anymore and without a backup plan I struggled for sure.

Al Truscott

Posted By Scott Alexander on 26 Jul 2011 09:30 AM

...I've found that I have to have a post-IM goal set before the IM is even over. ..

This year, I scheduled a root canal for two days after IM CDA. Then a 4-hour oral surgery a week later. The result: I sure had something else to focus on (like trying to get enough calories thru a straw) and the IM experience made the dental work a breeze by comparison!

Nate Parady

@jason,...I'm expecting a "funk" to settle in but I am hoping to enjoy some more normal fitness things like going to the gym or taking a spinning class. I'm not registered for any other races and will not register for anything else until that fire in the belly returns. I also have been pushing off some work related goals which I plan on focusing on for the next couple of months. For now i'm 100% focused on recovery.

trigirl1203

I get that every year after Ironman..I find it good to try to do "regular people" workouts. I'll go mountain biking, take a class at the gym, walk with my husband (yes, walk), things that you dont have time for during training. And researching and finding new races for next year is always fun. Sign up for something well in advance to have to look forward to in the future

Steve West

I started to think about this Sunday evening..... seemed like there was an emptyness looming. I have been avoiding any serious considerations of what to do post IM till now. There are a bunch of things that need attention and a few more I'd like to get to, but the lack of structured workout is almost scary.

This weekend I will stack some firewood and finally get that screen door fixed. My 82 yo mother will be here for 2 weeks in August. Will try to get a 4-5 day canoe trip in then a wedding in mid September. So, there are a bunch of 'regular' things to do, just lacking the now familier workout routines.......

Keith Wick

Since IMLP on Sunday, I've eaten everything in site and drinking lots of beer. I started trying to locate a Sept. HIM or I'm afraid I'll eat myself into looking like the Nutty Professor. I feel good and want to carry this into Sept., then take Oct. off, then hit the Nov. OS

Steve West

@ Keith - sign up for Pumpkinman in North Berwick. Unfortunatly there are only Charity slots left..... but you can do a sprint on Saturday then the HIM on Sunday. Last year they gave out ceramic mugs for doing the double..... I got one! I cant go this year - going canoe camping with Carole then a wedding.



http://www.pumpkinmantriathlon.com/

 

Chris G

@ Keith - check out the big George triathlon in lake George. I am racing the Olympic on Saturday. Labor day weekend so a day to recover after. Should be awesome. Bike course will be awesome.

Steve Ross

@everyone above. Do what ever feels right for you. I have done this enough times to know what I have to do to come down off the IM high.I usually rest,beer,food,then build an Oly a couple weeks after IM (done) then I finish with a HIM.@Chris G and @Keith I will finish up in Lake George HIM on the Sep long weekend. Both Brenda and I are registered. Cheers I hate post IM blues!

[Deleted User]

Just signed up for the Lake George Olympic distance. Take that post Ironman depression.

Nate Parady

@ jim, you are impressive, as is anyone else working towards another race. I'm still sore, sunburn, and down 2lbs from check in weight...100% focused on recovery now.
although, there are some local races this fall...just sayin...

Coach Patrick

Sitting here, eating cookie dough from the nestle wrapper, I sympathize with all of you. Kona or not, your body is physically and mentally smashed...some recovery is good, but you might as well use your fitness before it's time to bundle up for another OS (did I just type that???).

Keith Wick

@ Steve & Chris---Do either of you know how crowded Lake George is on that weekend for lodging? That race seems looks nice and the only thing I can find around here is a HIM ocean swim in Narragansett, Rhode Island (FirmMan). I'm trying to sell it to the wife right now.