(avoiding) Post Ironman Blues…
Ironman blues is a term used to describe the lull that often occurs post Ironman… It can be applied to any race or major event in ones life
There are a few things that can be done to help prepare you for this period, and avoid it altogether. Often, prevention is better than cure!
As with any major event it is important to give yourself to acknowledge and enjoy the accomplishment and well as absorb the load (for physical endeavors) prior to moving forward or on to the next challenge…
Here are some ideas to consider whether you have a major event coming up, or you have just completed one.
Have a plan
You plan your race, travel, nutrition, pacing, equipment… plan what you will do post event too. Is there another event? Is there a 7 day down period?
Follow the plan
Whilst being careful not to omit the acknowledgment and enjoyment step, ensure you stick to the plan you have laid out prior to the event. Seems simple (it is) but can be very difficult
Talk it out…
It can help to talk to others… A Coach is ideal, however, friends, partners, training buddies can all help by being someone you can vent to… talk about how you went, if you are happy, why / why not, what it meant to you, how you will fill the void, what you would like to achieve next. For some people this is done in the form of race reports or personal stories
Acknowledge who you are and what works for you
Are you emotional? Do you like structure? Work with your support network to identify what works for you and base your plan off this… Part of the plan just may be ‘no plan’ for the first x number of days. Sometimes you need to take the pressure off emotionally and mentally… sometimes maintaining routine and structure is what works best for you.
Know that recovery and resetting is both physical and mental
It is well documented that an Ironman can take 4-8 weeks for full physiological recovery to occur but also acknowledge the mental and emotional strain and stress of preparing for a major event!
Exercise, not training!
Don’t just do nothing – keep moving… it is important to help you recover and just help you feel better. Exercise is the best medicine. Keep moving but mix it up and enjoy – do it because you want to. Take the opportunity for less structure and enjoy the sheer simplicity of using your body. This goes hand in hand with ensuring you don’t go crazy with food and drink intake… in the end it is not good for you and will hurt you in the long run.
Commit
For most of us the ultimate step is to enter (or to have already have entered) the next event… whatever that may be!
Good luck, enjoy and all the best with the next chapter…