This was so relatable to read, Ali. Maybe these post race times are when you can lean into trusting your body over your mind...always something new to try! Before my double HYROX weekend, I journaled about what "success" was for me with it. Part of that was giving myself permission to spend some money and time to mix up my movement afterwards -- hence, pilates!
Thanks Lisa! I've really been trying to trust my body... which actually led me to not one, but 2 races this weekend...LOL! But mostly because I got to hang with some cool runner friends! And so far this week, I've been taking it easy. But I like the idea of mixing things up... maybe I need to journal.... yikes!
I enjoyed this post. I am 28 and just celebrated my wedding and have been feeling a similar melancholy from a void of activity that had just three weeks ago been feverish planning.
There shouldn’t always have to be a “next” thing, but I think society and “hustle culture” indoctrinate the expectation.
I appreciated knowing that I am not alone in feeling the way that I have.
Congrats on your wedding! And thank you for your kind and thoughtful words... and I am glad it resonated and helped you feel not so alone in your feelings. That means alot to me!
Now I have never had a baby....but reading how you felt after achieving your BIG goal reminded me of what I know about postpartum depression. I admire your dedication to taking some down time and easing back into activity and listening to your body and your brain. Too often, runners push their recovery and for us "older" runners, I think we need much more time to heal our body.
“It’s like when you come back from a great vacation and then start planning to move there. Oh wait, everyone else doesn’t do that…” — what do you mean they don’t?! Ha, but truly a thoughtful and honest piece of writing Ali! The post-race (post-anything big) blues are so real. It takes a lot of courage to sit in the discomfort of it rather than auto refill it with the “next thing”. I know when the time is right you’ll start your next adventure and until then, enjoy playing around and finding a new rhythm, even a temporary one.
Love this post: it is all I knew it would be! Mind or body / chicken or the egg. I find it is the post accomplishment grief and then the open ended space without the next goal or structure that can mess with my mental health. Find the balance and fun and mixing it up - let joy and meaning guide you whether it is active pursuit or chilling.
Oh Paula! Thank you so much for so much! For encouraging me to explore the topic in our writing group, for the kind and generous comments, and always having such wise and thoughtful insights.
Spot on my friend....there is definitely a sense of sadness when a big event is over...so good to recognize it and know that it is ok to feel that way. Happy stick season :)
Your honest story about your experience makes perfect sense. As you say you started later in life - i got my “dream job” as a college professor later in life, and I realize that the academic “school year” still creates a mental cycle of an annual fresh start and subsequent goals to achieve each September. Whether it’s the next race, training program, or challenge you might consider, for many people having goals can represent the future - but we may need to take time to figure out what they are. Whatever your next “obvious thing” is… it will be your next chapter.. with many interesting chapters ahead! Please keep sharing!
Thanks Nancy! Such wise , thoughtful and kind words, as well as the encouragement to keep sharing! And I am so happy for you discovering your dream job!!! I love that we are still connected in our lives through technology... but would love to see you IRL one of these days! Be well dear friend!
Loved this post Ali. I too started later in life (49) to challenge myself with physical, open water swimming goals that have only increased as I've aged, and I have found myself completely emptied post event. Training for an event or goal gives me a central principle around which to organize the rest of my life and without one, I too feel lost and wonder why I "need" that to feel satisfied with myself. I agree that aging (now 60), also makes me feel like it's now or never to train for these big events. But then again, Natalie Grabow (80 years old!) just finished an Ironman!
Thank you Pia! And yes... Natalie is amazing and so inspiring! Hopefully we can try and learn to enjoy the middle place... instead of always what's next!
Your writings from your heart, you deliver with total honesty. I have been there and in the past few years climbed over the hump of signing up for races, for many reasons but the main one is finally I keep showing up for workouts without a race on the calendar and for me that is my joy. You must continue to do your joy. And of course I will join you on your adventures
I’ve been there! My advice is, let yourself have fun researching and considering new goals and races, and imagine the travel and socializing that go with them. See what sparks your interest — be open. It’s also a great time to try new things. Maybe I’ll see you in March?!
Definitely having fun researching and dreaming! And this weekend I actually accidentally jumped into a local race and ran an unplanned 28 miles... having fun the whole time!
Ali, this post is honest and open, allowing a gentle flow of curiosity about what's going on for you in the moment. It may be uncomfortable but seems like a good place for you right now. I see a nice connection between your acceptance of your physical discomfort and your awareness of your mind wanting to change it. I love the gentleness and kindness you are feeling toward these thoughts and sensations. Thanks for posting.
This was so relatable to read, Ali. Maybe these post race times are when you can lean into trusting your body over your mind...always something new to try! Before my double HYROX weekend, I journaled about what "success" was for me with it. Part of that was giving myself permission to spend some money and time to mix up my movement afterwards -- hence, pilates!
Thanks Lisa! I've really been trying to trust my body... which actually led me to not one, but 2 races this weekend...LOL! But mostly because I got to hang with some cool runner friends! And so far this week, I've been taking it easy. But I like the idea of mixing things up... maybe I need to journal.... yikes!
Journaling is just writing that I don’t publish. At least that’s one way to think about it!
I like that!
I enjoyed this post. I am 28 and just celebrated my wedding and have been feeling a similar melancholy from a void of activity that had just three weeks ago been feverish planning.
There shouldn’t always have to be a “next” thing, but I think society and “hustle culture” indoctrinate the expectation.
I appreciated knowing that I am not alone in feeling the way that I have.
Congrats on your wedding! And thank you for your kind and thoughtful words... and I am glad it resonated and helped you feel not so alone in your feelings. That means alot to me!
Now I have never had a baby....but reading how you felt after achieving your BIG goal reminded me of what I know about postpartum depression. I admire your dedication to taking some down time and easing back into activity and listening to your body and your brain. Too often, runners push their recovery and for us "older" runners, I think we need much more time to heal our body.
Thanks, Jenn. Trying to "listen to my body" (and ignore my mind...LOL!) is a work in progress. Doing my best. Thanks for reading and your words!
“It’s like when you come back from a great vacation and then start planning to move there. Oh wait, everyone else doesn’t do that…” — what do you mean they don’t?! Ha, but truly a thoughtful and honest piece of writing Ali! The post-race (post-anything big) blues are so real. It takes a lot of courage to sit in the discomfort of it rather than auto refill it with the “next thing”. I know when the time is right you’ll start your next adventure and until then, enjoy playing around and finding a new rhythm, even a temporary one.
Thanks Courtney! Working on enjoying the middle place and exploring what "might " be next....
Love this post: it is all I knew it would be! Mind or body / chicken or the egg. I find it is the post accomplishment grief and then the open ended space without the next goal or structure that can mess with my mental health. Find the balance and fun and mixing it up - let joy and meaning guide you whether it is active pursuit or chilling.
Oh Paula! Thank you so much for so much! For encouraging me to explore the topic in our writing group, for the kind and generous comments, and always having such wise and thoughtful insights.
Spot on my friend....there is definitely a sense of sadness when a big event is over...so good to recognize it and know that it is ok to feel that way. Happy stick season :)
Thanks guys! I know you know this... and yes... happy stick season to you... here's to dreaming of warmer days.....
Your honest story about your experience makes perfect sense. As you say you started later in life - i got my “dream job” as a college professor later in life, and I realize that the academic “school year” still creates a mental cycle of an annual fresh start and subsequent goals to achieve each September. Whether it’s the next race, training program, or challenge you might consider, for many people having goals can represent the future - but we may need to take time to figure out what they are. Whatever your next “obvious thing” is… it will be your next chapter.. with many interesting chapters ahead! Please keep sharing!
Thanks Nancy! Such wise , thoughtful and kind words, as well as the encouragement to keep sharing! And I am so happy for you discovering your dream job!!! I love that we are still connected in our lives through technology... but would love to see you IRL one of these days! Be well dear friend!
I agree! PPPS - I would love to see you!!!
Loved this post Ali. I too started later in life (49) to challenge myself with physical, open water swimming goals that have only increased as I've aged, and I have found myself completely emptied post event. Training for an event or goal gives me a central principle around which to organize the rest of my life and without one, I too feel lost and wonder why I "need" that to feel satisfied with myself. I agree that aging (now 60), also makes me feel like it's now or never to train for these big events. But then again, Natalie Grabow (80 years old!) just finished an Ironman!
Thank you Pia! And yes... Natalie is amazing and so inspiring! Hopefully we can try and learn to enjoy the middle place... instead of always what's next!
Your writings from your heart, you deliver with total honesty. I have been there and in the past few years climbed over the hump of signing up for races, for many reasons but the main one is finally I keep showing up for workouts without a race on the calendar and for me that is my joy. You must continue to do your joy. And of course I will join you on your adventures
Thanks friend! Can't wait for our next adventure!!!!
I’ve been there! My advice is, let yourself have fun researching and considering new goals and races, and imagine the travel and socializing that go with them. See what sparks your interest — be open. It’s also a great time to try new things. Maybe I’ll see you in March?!
Definitely having fun researching and dreaming! And this weekend I actually accidentally jumped into a local race and ran an unplanned 28 miles... having fun the whole time!
Ali, this post is honest and open, allowing a gentle flow of curiosity about what's going on for you in the moment. It may be uncomfortable but seems like a good place for you right now. I see a nice connection between your acceptance of your physical discomfort and your awareness of your mind wanting to change it. I love the gentleness and kindness you are feeling toward these thoughts and sensations. Thanks for posting.
Thank you so much for reading and for your thoughtful and kind comment!