The Race 'Comedown'

It doesn't seem to matter how many races I enter and run, I always focus on the excitement leading up to race day, the event itself and finally crossing that finish line: feelings of achievement through sheer exhaustion but an overriding pride in accomplishment. However, if you're new to racing and have sought advice from experienced runners who have done several races (as one naturally does!) then no doubt the information you would have received has revolved round the following topics:

• The importance of tapering the week(s) before race day
• The excitement of the expo (where you collect your number and various goodies)
• The buzz of the crowd on race day and atmosphere as you run the course
• The feeling of crossing the finish line and receiving that all important medal! (surely why else would you have done it?!)

What experienced runners fail to tell you (and I'm admitting that I, too am guilty of this) is what happens over the days after your fantastic achievement.

So, you've completed the race. You have your medal (and possibly t-shirt, energy drinks etc etc). Friends and family think you're fantastic (which, of course you know already but it's always lovely to hear from lots of sources within the space of an afternoon!).  But now, suddenly you're back at work. After all that build up, weeks/months of training, it's now all over. Work colleagues have stopped asking how the running's going, how you're feeling about the 'big day' and all you're left with are DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness!).

It's not surprising that, after a couple of days, you feel...well...low. But why? How come 48hours before you were sky high, feeling like you can run any race in the world and perhaps you are the next Paula Radcliff! Nobody mentioned feeling a bit depressed in the following week? No indication from anywhere that you'll go off the boil as far as training is concerned? Regretting, that in the midst of excitement that you've gone and entered another five races that are longer, tougher and all within six months of each other?!

Firstly, the couple of days after a race, when you're on your 'race high' (and quite rightly so..what an achievement!) STAY AWAY FROM YOUR COMPUTER! You are likely to enter lots of races, keen to run them all immediately! But..and possibly more importantly..

Secondly, be prepared for one of the most neglected pieces of information when it comes to racing: the race 'comedown'. As your adrenaline levels finally normalise, lactic acid dissipates and endorphin levels subside you are more than likely to feel a little low for a couple of days (and sometimes longer). THIS IS NORMAL!

Don't forget, after a marathon, you're body takes at least a full month to fully recover (so therefore a good couple of weeks for a half marathon etc etc). Moreover, you're body may feel recovered fairly quickly but expect to feel tired. Going for those first runs after a race will be slower, shorter distances and perhaps not as comfortable as they were prior to race day. ALL NORMAL.

The one thing I can promise though is that this does pass. But don't beat yourself up for feeling down (more out of confusion than anything else). Experience what you're feeling fully and then move on knowing that the race comedown is always inevitable. Will it affect people in different ways? Absolutely! But only after it's passed may I then give you permission to enter future races :)

With clear mind, recovered muscles and renewed energy levels, go forth and find that next challenge! And start the process all over again..nobody ever denied that racing is addictive. But, remember, like with any addiction the buzz can't be sustained..what goes up MUST comedown!



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