General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal? Rss Feed  
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2006-07-06 7:58 PM

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Elite
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Hurst, Texas
Subject: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

Hello folks.  Well, now that the high from completing IMCDA is tapering off a bit, I find myself a little down in the dumps, mostly because I have been so LAZY since coming back from Idaho.  I haven't exercised at all since the 25th, and I think I'm enjoying it a little too much. 

I have let my nutrition go completely, and I am afraid to step on the scale, because I'm pretty sure it will show a 10 lb gain, if not more.  I was so vigilant with diet and exercise for so long, I now find myself indulging in stuff I wouldn't have even given a second glance a month ago...my lack of self-discipline is irritating me.  I feel like a lazy piece of crap.

Is this type of post-IM setback normal?  If so, what is the best way to kick it and get going again?

 

 



Edited by OldAg92 2006-07-06 8:00 PM


2006-07-06 8:03 PM
in reply to: #475638

Elite
3650
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Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

i was like that for the first week after my marathon.

Sign up for another race and set up a training plan for it.  That will kick your back into gear

2006-07-06 8:06 PM
in reply to: #475638

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Extreme Veteran
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Seattle
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

Dude... You Finished an IRON MAN.... you deserve a wee bit of down time.  I think a little slump after any big huge goal is normal... whether it's graduation, a wedding, a major vacation... life has it's peaks and valleys.

Heck, I had a week long slump after my 8K.   

2006-07-06 8:07 PM
in reply to: #475638

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SF Bay Area, Mountain View
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
dude, it's normal.

i've posted about this a year ago. you've achieved a major, major goal and it's normal that you're feeling the blues. them were with me for the better part of a year. i hope it's not going to be as bad for you as that - my next goal is the Western States 100.

you're not into this because you're an underachiever.
2006-07-06 8:29 PM
in reply to: #475638

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Expert
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San Diego
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

Totally normal man. I put my life into my HIM last month and afterwards I was totally burned. I forced myself to go out and train but that just made it worse and had a totally negative impact on the way I approached, raced and reacted to the OLY in had 2 weeks later. I took a week completely off and got to the point where, like you, I was afraid to step on a scale or even look in the mirror and was indulging in stuff that I turned away from for 6 months. Then it got to the point where I was feeling guilty for not training and lazy, but also realized that I not only have another HIM in about 6 weeks or so, but also that I really missed some of the stuff that I stayed away from and need a reason to still be able to have those things (namely wings and beer, I haven't had a cheesesteak in a while either) and not feel too bad about it, unless it affected my training.

If you don't have a race already lined up go find one. I'd make sure it's far enough out so you can sorta ease into training for it though. Since I already had a race registered I just had to be patient and totally unwind, then something in me snapped and I'm in attack mode now. Reading race reports, specifically IM race reports for me, helped a lot too.

But, don't forget what you have done, which is the most incredible thing ever. You deserve whatever time off you want/need.

2006-07-06 9:12 PM
in reply to: #475646

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Veteran
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Arlington, VA
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
awol - 2006-07-06 8:07 PM
- my next goal is the Western States 100.


That is nuts. Have you read Karnazes book yet? There is an awesome graphic showing the elevation change compared to heartbreak hill.


2006-07-06 9:14 PM
in reply to: #475638

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Veteran
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Arlington, VA
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
Couldn't help myself.



(hill.jpg)



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hill.jpg (65KB - 8 downloads)
2006-07-06 11:34 PM
in reply to: #475638

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Master
1359
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South of SLC
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
Come on and give yourself a break. It is alright to take a little time off and indulge in moderation in those things that you wouldn't eat during your lead-up. Spend a little time with the family and then get back on the road in a week or two. I am betting even with as great as a race as you ran that your body is still recovering.

You are still the man Brandt.

Mike
2006-07-07 5:27 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Master
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brummie land
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

only did a mini sprint last sunday but it was my first ever race. i felt kinda burned out (in small relation to you though) and just took it easy. instead of training i played tennis, badminton and soccer. only yesterday did i feel like doing tri-specific training again. but even yesterday i didn't bother to do my ows or go to my formal swim training - i just went to my local pool and swam.

maybe just go and do something like a nice relaxed swim but don't time yourself, have a set planned or anything. just do it for fun. in the end i ended up doing some interval work, lots of drills and practiced my flip turns - a great workout but my god had somebody else told me to do that - no siree!

btw i read your im report - an amazing achievement - well done.



Edited by sappho96 2006-07-07 5:29 AM
2006-07-07 5:43 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Master
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Katy, TX (West of Houston)
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

Hey Brandt,

I also think this is normal. I used to get the Post MS150 Laziness/Blues, that is one of the reasons I got into triathlon. I needed something else to do. I also agree with finding another race to train for.

And Brandt,

YOU ARE DEFIANTLY THE MAN!!!!

Take care



Edited by Freeswimmingfish 2006-07-07 5:55 AM
2006-07-07 5:58 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Elite
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Hurst, Texas
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

Thanks for the input folks.  I do have a couple more races on the schedule this year (although one may need to be canceled) and then in October I start training for IMAZ.  I guess this is just my body telling me it needed a break for a while.  I had become so used to the strict diet and non-stop training that it just feels like a complete letdown to be doing nothing (except eating), yet somewhow I am enjoying it at the same time.  A classic case of mixed emotions.

I'm sure this will pass, and hopefully soon.



2006-07-07 8:59 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Elite
3223
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Hendersonville
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
I felt it too, Brandt. Normal. I am happy to be training again, but it sure does suck that I took 2 moths off and lost so much fitness. But I know ultimately that time off was good. I want the IM thing to be a life-long habit, and if I don't take these breaks I will crash and burn in a couple years.
2006-07-07 9:17 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Coach
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Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
I just posted about the same thing after alcatraz. it was 1 monht ago. I am just now getting back into a training program and feeling "normal". Don't worry about it, just relax and enjoy the rest. DO make healthy food choices, though, that will help you get back into training less painfully.
2006-07-07 9:26 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?

RE: life in general but it applies here.  I'm repeating this so if you like it I don't get the credit.  Most people think of life as one being one normal pattern (hopefully happy) day after day occasionally interrupted by events/tragedies/milestones/memorable events.  If you think of life as a continuous series of events/tragedies/milestones/memorable events occassionally interrupted by down times of a few routine days then it is easier to to take those things in stride.

Peaks and valleys, flow with it.  Right now you are coasting downhill.  Don't start climbing the next hill until you get there.

I'm feeling particularly deep this morning.  Someone please hit me.

 

2006-07-07 10:10 AM
in reply to: #475638

Master
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Colorado
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
OldAg92 - 2006-07-06 8:58 PM

Is this type of post-IM setback normal?  If so, what is the best way to kick it and get going again?

Brandt- check my logs.

I'm waiting until the tattoo heals before I do jack

2006-07-07 10:16 AM
in reply to: #475919

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Runner
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
hangloose - 2006-07-07 10:26 AM

RE: life in general but it applies here. I'm repeating this so if you like it I don't get the credit. Most people think of life as one being one normal pattern (hopefully happy) day after day occasionally interrupted by events/tragedies/milestones/memorable events. If you think of life as a continuous series of events/tragedies/milestones/memorable events occassionally interrupted by down times of a few routine days then it is easier to to take those things in stride.

Peaks and valleys, flow with it. Right now you are coasting downhill. Don't start climbing the next hill until you get there.

I'm feeling particularly deep this morning. Someone please hit me.



*SMACK!!!!!*

There. Better?


2006-07-07 11:37 AM
in reply to: #475638

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Elite
3498
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
OldAg92 - 2006-07-06 6:58 PM

Hello folks.  Well, now that the high from completing IMCDA is tapering off a bit, I find myself a little down in the dumps, mostly because I have been so LAZY since coming back from Idaho.  I haven't exercised at all since the 25th, and I think I'm enjoying it a little too much. 

I have let my nutrition go completely, and I am afraid to step on the scale, because I'm pretty sure it will show a 10 lb gain, if not more.  I was so vigilant with diet and exercise for so long, I now find myself indulging in stuff I wouldn't have even given a second glance a month ago...my lack of self-discipline is irritating me.  I feel like a lazy piece of crap.

Is this type of post-IM setback normal?  If so, what is the best way to kick it and get going again?

 

 

While i wasn't slumped or depressed after IMAZ this year, I definately cut back on workouts.  I've been cycling once a week and that's it...only running 3 times since April 9th and swimming 3 times too.

I look at it this way....I'm enjoying the ability to do whatever I want to do, how I want to do it, and when I want to do it.

since you and I had the same coach for IM...you know how great that feels. 

 

2006-07-07 12:02 PM
in reply to: #475958

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Master
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Newbury Park, CA
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
Stake - 2006-07-07 7:10 AM

I'm waiting until the tattoo heals before I do jack

Are you trying to let that slip by?  Pics or it didn't happen...

2006-07-07 12:04 PM
in reply to: #476063

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Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
PGoldberger - 2006-07-07 12:02 PM
Stake - 2006-07-07 7:10 AM

I'm waiting until the tattoo heals before I do jack

Are you trying to let that slip by?  Pics or it didn't happen...

Should we get a location on that tatt before we request pics?

Just sayin'.

 

2006-07-07 12:54 PM
in reply to: #476063

Master
1597
1000500252525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Post IM Laziness/Blues - Normal?
PGoldberger - 2006-07-07 1:02 PM
Stake - 2006-07-07 7:10 AM

I'm waiting until the tattoo heals before I do jack

Are you trying to let that slip by?  Pics or it didn't happen...

After it heals.  It's not exactly photogenic right now.

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