LOST: Motivation (or, have I recovered yet?)

Triathlon Forum
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Similar themes have been discussed, but not sure if I fall in any of those camps. So I’m posting anew. It’s been a little over a month since my first IM, and I was hoping to feel better by now. Still sluggish, things hurt in ways that don’t feel “normal” (my legs still have no “pop”, and I feel like I’m on the verge of a pulled hamstring or calf on many runs). Tired, run down, skipping workouts, eating like crap. Yesterday I didn’t leave the house (I logged enough TV time for all of us for a week). This morning, I was awake, but chose to stare at the ceiling and stay in bed late rather than get up to train. I didn’t take much time off after the race (preferring to do a week-2 weeks of not much intensity stuff rather than take days off), but I really thought (hoped) I’d be “recovered” by now. Or is it something else? I know this can be very individualized, but any thougths/experiences would be appreciated. How long until you felt “right” again? Did you “want” to get back out and race (this isn’t a case of frustration, as I had a MUCH better time than I would have anticipated). Even if you wanted to, did you? Do you feel like your body would have let you race (or even train) at a high (it’s all relative) level?

thanks

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Funny as it sounds, I tend to be less motivated after I performed well. When I am disappointed in my performance, I am motivated to get back out there, train harder, prove to myself that I can do better. When I’ve done well, there just isn’t as much to get me going.

I haven’t ever done an IM, but the training has go to be such a huge commitment! Do you have other races/events that you need to train for? If not, don’t worry about it. When you’re ready, physically and mentally, you’ll feel like going again. After training for marathons last year, I really didn’t want to ever run again, but I found other things that I enjoyed. Perhaps try other forms of exercise that you have forgotten about- rollerblading, trail running, kayaking… stuff that you used to like to do before triathlons consumed your life. No pressure to perform, meet splits, log enough miles, just get out there and enjoy!