Post-Race Letdown and Sickness

crazystepr

crazystepr

Cathlete
Thank you all for your kind responses and support about my participating in the duathalon yesterday. Unfortunately, today I am so depressed that it's over and not feeling well at all.

The high I got from the race (both during and after) was unbelievable. I felt like I could tackle anything. Plus, the commaraderie (sp?) among the people who participated yesterday was amazing.

I was up all night last night feeling horribly nauseous. I have a debilitating migraine today and my shoulders and calves hurt so bad I can barely walk or turn my head. I think during the bike part of the race I had my shoulders hunched really high the entire time. I caught myself doing it at some points during the race but I guess I did it more than I thought.

I stayed home from work today and ended up sleeping until 12:30pm!! UGH! I HATE doing that. So I'm here in my apartment alone wallowing in my own self pity, loneliness, and depression. What is wrong with me? I just want to cry. I keep looking at my race number that is sitting on my kitchen counter and get this horrible feeling in my stomach that it's all over. Yesterday was such a great day. It's so hard getting back into the swing of things today.

I just wanted to talk I guess--that's why I'm posting this. I haven't actually spoken to anyone today (other than my boss this morning when I called her to let her know I couldn't come in). I feel so isolated and sad. I know I should workout (I'm following Cathe's May rotatioin) but just don't have the motivation. I have a load of laundry sitting in the dryer that for some reason I just can't get myself to get up and fold. Ugh.

Anyway, thanks for listening. I feel like you guys are the only ones who'll understand. :)

Allison

http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90
 
Allison,

I wonder if some of your migraine could be due to 1 - slight dehydration or 2 - all those lovely endorphins entering...and then tragically leaving, your bloodstreeam.

I know that if I don't get enough water during a workout, I am sure to wake up with a migraine.

I might not be the best for motivating you to get off the couch:). I figure you did awesome yesterday - you deserve a day of being a couch potato!

Carrie
 
AAAccck, Allison! It's a shame you feel so lousy after such a wonderful day.

I agree that your shoulder soreness could be from hunching forward. In fact, your headache could be from that too. I get a lot of shoulder tension just from the way I sit at the computer, and if I'm not careful, I wind up with a nasty headache.

Know what you should try? A very nice, long stretch. Then a hot shower to relax your muscles and a big dose of ibuprofen to help reduce any muscle inflammation. Hey, it works for me! :7

Forget about Cathe's rotation today and let your body recuperate. I have a friend, whose wife used to do adventure racing, which is incredibly tough. He said it would take her a couple of days to get back to normal, including eating and stuff. She was always dehydrated, etc. Your body endured a lot yesterday, and it was your first race!

You'll be okay. I know you will. Hang in there, and thanks for letting us know how you're doing.
 
Sorry to hear you're feeling down. It's understandable following the high from yesterday. Definitely give yourself at LEAST a day to recover, both physically and emotionally.

I am also feeling rather bummed at the moment. I entered an online contest, my entry was doing well (in the top 10 entries), and then was rejected on a technicality that I didn't know about. I didn't really expect to win, but the sudden rejection has me more upset than I would have expected.

Plus all three kids are in the other room screaming at each other and i just don't feel like dealing with them. Bleh.x(

Sorry to hijack the thread with my own little pity party.:-(
 
Allison,
I'm so sorry you are feeling bad today! I agree with everything Shannon said, and I just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you. I hope you get a great night's sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed, strong, fit, accomplished, and back to "normal."
Hang in there!
 
I think the physical ailments have probably been eluded to, but am wondering of the letdown part may just be due to reaching your goal and naturally you are letdown because you finished - now what?

Well I say find another goal to get started on when you are feeling a little better. Nothing like having a goal to move toward and reaching it !

CONGRATULATIONS for reaching high and making it there !

Hope you find yourself back to "normal" in few days - but I'm with the others, just take it easy for a bit;)
 
Allie,
I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling well! Believe it or not, I went through the exact same feelings two weeks ago after running the NJ marathon. I totally understand because you feel sore and tired….and the anticipation is gone.

I just want to tell you it gets better and in a couple of days you’ll be back to normal. Take time to rest and recuperate and set a new goal (that always helps!)

Again, girl you did awesome! I didn’t do half as well as you did in my duathlon (but I’m blaming my age since I’m twice as old as you are, lol). ;)

(((big hug)))

Kathy G
 
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate it.

My SO took some pictures at the race but they all turned out blurry except for a few. Here's a couple:

Just received 2nd Place!! Could my expression be ANY dorkier????!!!
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL396/9445780/17247974/317926565.jpg

Mmmmmmm...bagels. I was SO hungry after the race!
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL396/9445780/17247974/317926560.jpg

Waiting for my 2nd place award....a pair of socks and "arm warmers"....weird....lol
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL396/9445780/17247974/317926011.jpg

Oh, and this was right when I crossed the finish line. It's a little blurry but I'm ready to hurl! Thank god I didn't!! ;)
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL396/9445780/17247974/317944663.jpg

Allison

http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90
 
{{{Allie}}} Hugs and more hugs. Never having experienced anything like your race, that's all I have to offer. You did a wonderful job with something you were nervous about. The physical ailments will pass in a day or two, and I'm sure sharing with co-workers, friends and family will help raise your spirits. I wish I could sit down next to you and hear every detail about your race. Thanks for sharing the picture. {{{More hugs}}}
 
Allison,
You are such a smarty for posting when feeling crummy. I know you've gotten great advice so far, but wanted to contribute my .02. I know after a longer run/race I have to expect to spend a few days with ZERO motivation to do anything. I think the rule of thumb is 1-2 days for every mile run. I'm not sure what the duathlon mileage is, but please don't get down on yourself for feeling wiped today!!!
 
Allison:

I want to congratulate you on finishing the race, and for doing so splendidly. Girl, you did yourself proud and we are all so proud of you too!

Sounds like the migraine is a direct result of physical exertion and dehydration. Do nothing today except drink fluids, rest up and watch mindless TV. Don't sweat it. You do not need a workout today, nor do you need to fold laundry.

As far as your topsy turvy emotions are concerned, don't sweat them either. Just let them ride through you until they are done and don't question them. Who knows why we feel the way we do? The emotions themselves are still valid, even if we do not understand them.

Rest today, get rid of that headache and see how you feel tomorrow. If you still can't fold that laundry, maybe one of us can come round and do it for you!!!!;-)

Cheers and congrats again,

Clare
 
Allison,

Your pictures are so awesome! Dorky!? Are you kidding?! You look so great :) I cannot believe you were even thinking of doing a workout after that race! :eek: That race would be enough for me for several days!

You did awesome, your pictures are great and you look fit, happy and as cute as a button! I wish I was your age again and could get out there and do what you did!

Take it easy, love on your kitties and be kind to yourself :)

Mary
 
Love the pix, Allison. Congratulations, let yourself recover physically and mentally, and then select your next event. Triathlon, anyone?
 
Allison,

Congratulations on your race! That was quite an accomplishment. I think it's natural to have a letdown after the completion of a big goal. I hope you feel better soon! You looked great in the pics (even the first "dorky" one ;) )

BTW, I always enjoy your posts and look forward to meeting you at the July road trip!:7

Laura
 
Love the pics Allison! You look great, and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! Congrats again on such a fantastic job!!:7
 
Allison,

Congratulations!! I love the pictures. You look great!! As someone new to racing (5K, 10K), I understand that wonderful high you feel when you complete something challenging. Unfortunately, I'm the kind of freak that gets more motivated after a race and it takes me a long time (days) to crash. I have a friend that does dualthlons and she is trying to get me to do one. Ok, first I need to get a bike and see if I can still ride but you are giving me the motivation to get out there and try it.

Just wanted to give you a high-five and keep on trucking. I'm glad you're feeling better.
 
How very exciting!! The pictures are great :)! You should make a scrapbook using them and all your accomplishments !!!!
 
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