I've heard of taper madness, but has anyone ever heard of post-marathon stir craziness? Symptoms: inability to focus on anything other than running another marathon, ignoring work-related tasks in order to search the web for fall marathons, frequent and prolonged fantasies about finding a training program and sticking it on the fridge. A little self diagnosis? Yep, I've got it.
Since Green Bay, I have not been able to stop thinking about running Twin Cities in October. I really, REALLY want to. But for many reasons (the preservation of marital bliss tops the list), I really can't. I didn't experience this problem after my first two marathons. Of course, the circumstances were a little different. After Twin Cities '06, got knocked up. And Grandma's '08? Well that just plain sucked. No need to fantasize about repeating that. But Green Bay was awesome. If ever I have experienced a "runner's high," it was the last half mile of that race. And I'm anxious to get back into some serious training and continue to improve upon my PR.
I've been using the banana chocolate chip muffin treatment that worked so well for my taper madness, but it's just not dulling my crazy marathon fantasies. I briefly toyed with idea of getting knocked up again (but hubby quickly vetoed that plan). I've also tried focusing on some great races I have on the calendar (Grandma's half next Saturday, and another half in August). Monday night I created a little training plan to take me from post-Grandma's to my Mora half marathon. An eight-week, FIRST inspired "see how much we can break two hours by" type of plan. I'm very excited about these races and looking forward to improving my speed at shorter distances. But, BUT I still can't stop thinking about the marathon. Help!
13 comments:
Yeah, you're pretty much screwed (this is how I ended doing eight marathons in one year). But you did earn the short break. Focus on your half and your sub two hour goal.
That is how I felt last fall! However, running 20 miles early in the morning with temps starting out in the 80's and humidity can turn that desire to run off. But, I am a glutten for punishment and enjoy the challenge. Sorry no help here. I think the shorter races will hold you over.
The "need" dulls after a while. I went through similar after my marathon, but realized training for another was just not realistic at that point. Now, I still want to do one, but I've figured out a time that actually works for us, so I'm ok with waiting.
Good luck with all of your upcoming races!
MCM Mama
Such a familiar feeling! Mine resulted in me launching into another ambitious training program that was cut short by injury. I say...start training for your half...and let it run the feeling run its course.
LOL, I have been doing the same thing, with the exception of talking about getting knocked up. NO WAY!! :)
I just picked up a book about FIRST and am contemplating using it for TCM in the fall. I'm totally freaked out by the fact that they have you do five 20 milers however. Yikes!!!!
I vote that you give hubs an ultimatum - new baby or fall marathon. :) (j/k!)
Better to be feeling post-marathon crazy and post-marathon blue.
I'm planning on doing GB for my first full next May. I'm a huge Packers fan, so that in itself is my motivating factor for it to be my first. Do you think it's a good one to start with? Crowd support, etc.?
I am so excited about a fall marathon this year .... it must be something in the air! I haven't picked one yet ... maybe I should look at twin cities!
I was going to tell you EXACTLY the same thing Marlene said...I think everyone can agree another marathon is the lesser of those two evils.
oh I feel you... which is why I signed up for ALL those marathons last week. yikes haha.
hmmm, looking forward to seeing how this one turns out haha.
There are worse things that you could be doing. I hope you scratch that itch of another marathon.
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