Struggling
Right now, I'm struggling in both my blog and my running. Right now, I have little desire to run another marathon (though the prospect of popping out another Boston qualifier is appealing), and part of me wonders about the ultra guys. The ultra that I did recently was something of an oddball event, so depending on how you count, it may or may not have been an ultra.
In my blog, the lack of directon in my running removes one of the sources of material. The other key area, general health information, just seems less exciting to me right now. I don't know where things are going, and after a year and a half, I don't want to consider walking away from the blog.
I guess one thing that I could do is to ask you, my readers, if there is something you'd like to know about. Please comment!
In my blog, the lack of directon in my running removes one of the sources of material. The other key area, general health information, just seems less exciting to me right now. I don't know where things are going, and after a year and a half, I don't want to consider walking away from the blog.
I guess one thing that I could do is to ask you, my readers, if there is something you'd like to know about. Please comment!
posted by Scooter at 11:01 AM
4 Comments:
Howdy! Sounds like you might be suffering from burnout. You've just ran a marathon, quickly followed by an ultra run, you DESERVE a rest. As you know, after a horrible marathon result I suffered from depression and decided on a change of direction. My direction led to shorter 5k and 10k races as a form of periodization with the idea of eventually adding miles this coming summer for a half marathon (with Allen). Maybe shorter races would be your cup of tea right now? Or better yet, just rest with recovery jogs. Your original premise to help others with their weight loss is an excellent one, especially with approximately 75% of Americans overweight or obese, I suggest you continue with that thread of thought...not too many Americans will identify with us marathoners, runners, or for that matter, racewalkers...they need to learn what you have to give and them reach their own weight loss goals. Keep up the good fight! Happy trails, Bruce
Aren't all ultras oddball events? :) (By the way the definition of an ultra is any race longer than 26.2 miles.)
I also think that you probably just feel burnt out. Believe me, I understand. Struggling to get past this knee injury with mixed results over the years definitely gives me times where I feel like I'm just not excited about running. Thankfully, it doesn't last forever!
Don't give up. Trying to lose weight led me to your blog. I was losing weight and walking which then led to running. It took me a bit to figure out you posted both places. (Don't think I am stalking you, but I have followed your blog then the running on the About.com site.) I too think you have pushed yourself too hard and need some down time. I think some rest then some local small runs or even work with the kids. But most of all have some fun.
Hey Scooter,
Ahhh, the old marathon post-partum blues... I get them after finishing races, books, screenplays, just about anything that you've been devoting a big chunk of your life to completing. Goes with the territory!
You need a new goal or a new direction to take your mind off of what you just finished. You need to look forward instead of backwards!
Aside from your coaching duties, are you in an actual running club where you can spend some time with a group of like-minded souls?
Having done more than a dozen marathons - culminating in Boston - and almost that many ultras, I have to say that there are times and days when my running buddies are all that keep me going. Well, that and the breakfasts after Sunday morning long runs and the pasta meals after speed work!
And I can not tell you the joy that comes from sharing your knowledge with new runners who are eager to try on a marathon for the first time. You come pretty close with your Blog, but it's tough to beat the up close and personal bit.
With a family it can be tough to find the time, but few things top running with other people who can understand what you're going through.
High mileage can lead to high burnout rates.
Why not set your sights on doing some personal bests in some 5Ks and other shorter races? Variety is the spice of life. (I was foolish enough to buy a tri bike!)
I know I speak for many others when I say that your Blog and your comments are often a high point of my morning coffee.
What you do and what you say matters.
Stay the course my friend. But stop to smell the flowers. Put your feet up for a while. You've earned it.
Best regards, Vince Hemingson
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