Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
I was all tee'd up to write a review of the Moxie Running Skort from Sugoi for today's post. But I felt inclined to share what's been happening behind the scenes for me post Vineman. I feel like it's one of those 'Duh?' moments.
I read Cotter Crunch's most recent post, which started off with...'Two steps forward, one step back. Story of my life here.', and it really resonated with me. But I didn't know why. I chalked it up to just getting back to the routine of things after a HIM.
Then I read Paula, aka Adventure Junkie Mom's post on the depression that sets in after your first Ironman. I eagerly replied with a 'Oh! My DH had that after HIS first too! SO normal! You'll get it back soon!' and didn't think much more of it.
Well, starting Weds, the wave of wierdness slammed up against me, and I just felt blue. Like really blue. Like sad and didn't know why, or that I was 'actually sad' sort a blue. And while I didn't necessarily feel like talking about it, I shared my thoughts with Ironman Dude. And he said (caringly) "This is your Post race blues". It makes perfect sense. You had the first week high and adrenaline of the race, and now your body and mind are decompressing and you feel stuck. You've been putting all this energy towards this, and now it's over and your mind and body are at a loss'.
At first I didn't believe him. I thought 'Yeah, but I left so much in my tank, I didn't do a freakin' Ironman, it didn't take THAT much out of me, did it?.'
But I thought a bit more, and it DID make sense. Boo.
I AM dealing with the waves of post race mental/physical blues.
But I definitely felt relief once I realized WHY I was feeling this way. Now, I'm just trusting the mind/body of going through it, and it all being part of the process.
It also helped to take the kids out to the beach for the nite. To just play. And be okay to be.
And so here are my battered feet above. The ones I've been asking SO much of these past ~7 months. Thank you feet;-) You look like hell at the moment, but I promise to get you all dolled up and lookin' pretty again- that'll help right?;-)
Comments
But as you said, it passes and you pick yourself up, brush your self off and keep moving forward. I mean, what else is there to do?
I'm training now for my second HIM in Oct. so it begins again.
And I think that your feet look beautiful. They were strong enough to carry you through all that hard work.
You have awesome feet. You should see mine. I look like a hobbit. Without the hair ofcourse..
....and then it's over. And we have to start all over again for the next performance. But we're still coming down from the LAST performance. But we have to shake it off and move forward eventually or we'll end up being all nostalgic about what we did instead of getting excited about what we're GOING to do.
Different, but similar. Ride the waves, you will eventually emerge and be ready for your next performance!