I have heard this is a normal phenomenon. I actually swore to myself that I would not allow myself to have it happen to me. But, alas I have come to realize I have post-marathon blues. I honestly thought that the glow of that huge triumph, that amazing day would stay around forever and I would not feel sad that it was over. But, it actually works quite the opposite. See the fact that that day was so incredible is what causes the blues. I am 3 weeks post-marathon and I have struggled with the realization that this feeling is “the blues”. I mean come one, any “normal” person would be feeling this after a marathon, right:
- Grateful she finished
- Proud that she did it
- THANKFUL that she doesn’t have to run 16-20 miles on Saturday or Sunday morning for a really long time
- Glad to be back to her “normal” workout routine
- Ready to rest
- Happy to let her injures heal (you know, if you are injured like this girl)
Instead I am feeling:
- Sad the marathon is over
- Less excited about things
- Slightly bored
- Restless
Do not get me wrong here! I am feeling grateful, proud, thankful, glad, ready to rest, happy many other wonderful feelings too (like, um, UNSTOPPABLE) . There are just these underlying feelings there of “blues”. I am aware that I am not a “normal” person (it’s okay feel free to shake your head in agreement. It’s fine with me), but I did some research on this and realized post-marathon or post-race blues is actually VERY common. Who knew?!
It is especially common if a person runs a marathon during a difficult time in their life (Hello-job loss, building a house, family illness, injuries and personal illness). This is because training for and running a marathon is a huge physical and emotional process. I really can’t explain why that is or what that means, but training and running a marathon is like nothing else I have ever experienced in my whole life!
There is also some actual science behind PMB (yes, I gave it an acronym). Runners get so used to the endorphins they get from running, it helps them to be happy. When running long distances, I know I have mentioned this before, I would get those blasts of endorphins or “runners-high” several times per run. As I person that admittedly has an “addictive personality”, having those endorphins taken away makes it difficult. Mentally, there is a change too. You move from that place of “Can I do it?” to “I did it”. The difference here is reality vs. mystery. While the “I did it” feels incredible (TRUST ME!), as humans we all love the mystery of something new and unknown. It is exciting!
Ultimately, these PMB will dissipate eventually. I would not give up one second of my training or my marathon to make them go away either. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I will do another one someday and then I will be prepared for the PMB. The first marathon is an experience that lasts far after it is over, I guess. I am glad to be back at Crossfit (as long as this ankle heals up 
) and to be running more “normal” distances. I just need to write about it because it was something that has been on my mind and I also know that I am not alone since PMB are so normal. This phenomenon is common with life events: Post-Wedding Blues, Post-Baby Blues Post-I-Went-On-An-Awesome-Vacation Blues, etc.
Just in case you were wondering, when I think back on 10/16/11, I still feel like this:
and this…
Oh, and this:
Have you ever experiences Post-Something Blues? What was the event? What did you do to help yourself through it?
PS- Check out my “Ask A Blogger” Interview with Danielle over at Eat, Sweat, Smile!
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Post- wedding blues, post-race blues…I’ve had many post event blues…but they really do pass eventually. Acknowledging the blues is step one and continuing on finding things that make you happy help too. I think the only thing worse than dealing with my post-race blues is dealing with my husband’s and his taper madness. (although somehow his most recent taper wasn’t nearly as terrible as some of the previous ones)
You’ve had a lot going on Ali! Hope those blues are chased away in no time.
Taper is difficult for everyone, I think! I HATE TAMPER. Tapering feels like opening the flood gates for self-doubt. But, in the end it is always the smart thing. I bet Adam would commiserate with you, Kristen. I am the worst during a taper, but the promise of the upcoming race makes it easier to deal with
Ali, you just described the way I’ve been feeling to a T. I was really interested in the fact that this happens more often when people are going through a difficult time in their life. I had never heard that, but it definitely makes sense!
Yeah! I think it makes a lot of sense. Glad I am not alone. The race does make the PRD 100% worth it though!
Ali — totally understand how you feel. Even though I just ran two marathons, I’m STILL jealous of the people gearing up for NYC this weekend! If you really loved the marathon and enjoyed what came with it — you should definitely consider signing up for another so you can let the countdown begin again. That helps me A LOT! Even just running a small race will help you get back into normal mode. I ran with a group this morning and it helped me! Just a thought!
-Ericka
I ran my first marathon my sophomore year of college, totally unprepared for the physical and mental consequences that would follow. My soreness went away, but for weeks after, I was SO sluggish and downright depressed, feeling blue, napping between classes, which I never did. I kept that memory with me, and years later when I ran my second marathon, I was prepared to just let my body really rest. It might have been weeks ago, but it takes its toll on your body, and you just have to take extra care of yourself physically and mentally and realize that the down feelings are normal! Maybe going for a nice brisk walk to get your blood flowing and to get some fresh (chilly!) air will help.
Ali – thank you for writing this!! I am totally there with you, I want to run and can’t right now – I want to experience the immense high and overwhelming sense of accomplishment I had at the finish…
GOod luck with the ankle and eventually this PMB (love the acronym) will pass
I was worried I would be sad after finishing my first marathon too, luckily I escaped it probably because I immediately focused on half ironman training. I am worried I will get the blues after my ironman, so any tips on how to feel better will be appreciated!
I definitely had PMB too. I missed the routine of training. The accomplishment of a new long run distance. The anticipation of the race. Having that “goal”. But that just means you get to sign up for a new race soon:)
I just has this very thought before I went to bed last night that I need an athletic goal (after the half marathon). This was following eating a whole dove bar and half a bag of lays at midnight. Ugh! I have been doing two hours of strength training and dance cardio a few times a week, but I get restless, irritable, and discontent without a running goal…Thanks for sharing this Ali!
I think I had the post wedding blues. I had put so much into planning for 7 months, that when it was over, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I wanted to keep planning! Thankfully my mom’s surprise 50th party got me out of that funk.
Hi Ali! I’ve read your blog for over a year but never commented :/ Anyway, I just HAD to let you know how much of an inspiration you’ve been to me to live a healthy and balanced life! I ran my first half marathon around the same time you posted about running your first one, but I never seriously considered running a full. Last week I was going to sign up to run my 3rd half, but after reading all of your marathon training (and completion!) posts, I knew that I just had to bump it up a level and set that outstanding goal for myself… so I registered for the full marathon instead! I’m sooo excited for the challenge it will bring and I just really want to say thanks! You really are an inspiration, and I hope you continue finding new challenges to motivate you!
Sarah-
I am so glad you commented! Congrats on your halves and for registering for a marathon! Just registering is a HUGE step! Please feel free to e-mail me with questions or anything else you need.
I get the post-younameit-blues more often than I’d like to admit. Christmas, birthday, show closing, wedding. I get so excited and built up about things I always have a hard time once they’re over, but I wouldn’t change that about myself. I like that things are important and that I let myself get that excited! What’s life without a little emotional rollercoaster?
PMB makes sense to me. Spending so much time on something, and then it comes and goes and after life feels boring. That endorphin thing totally makes sense, too. When I’m feeling blue sometimes I exercise just for those suckers. Yeah, endorphins are suckers. Maybe taking a new class or learning/mastering something new might help.
Also, if you remember (I know you have a lot of readers!), I’ve been training for the 5k turkey trot… And I’m now able to run 20 minutes straight! It feels awesome since when I started I could barely run 2 minutes! I want to say thanks to you, because your blog is one of the things that inspired me to start.
Hope you start feeling better soon
Jennifer:
I do remember you telling me that. 20 minutes straight is awesome! I bet you are getting super excited. I love Thanksgiving races, I am sure you will have a blast! Keep up the great work, you are doing awesome!!! YOU CAN DO IT!
I feel ya! Every time I finish a marathon I get the post-marathon blues. I think it’s exacerbated by the fact that I can’t just jump back into running high mileage, I need to reverse taper. But I’ve learned that this is the case for me so I always try to plan another race so I have something else to look forward to (even if it’s just a half marathon or a 10k).
Hey Ali,
First, huge CONGRATS on your marathon!! I too experienced those blues, and they do subside. As I was contemplating my next running goal, a friend told me to watch Obessive Runners – the HBO sports special that’s On Demand now. It documents how running becomes like a drug for people – the people it chronicles all went through hard times and running was what ultimately kept them alive. Not saying you’re that obsessive, but you can totally understand why these people are hooked on running.
Having friends (specifically your running buddies) to talk about it with certainly helps you to re-live the moment too!
After first marathon you need a goal to achieve right away. The blues set in and no remedy is better than a fresh goal. Start with another race of any magnitude to help with the anxiety. I am preparing for second marathon in a week for my medicine. My friends think I’m nuts but I feel I can do it with lots of prayer. Who knows it might be the answer.