Today is my first day home after IMF (I flew in last night). I never got the extreme elation after the race (I think I actually got it before…I never got nervous before the race), but now I’m sort of wondering what to do…I feel fine, feel like I’m recovered (I doubt I am…but I didn’t push the run hard at all because I have achilles tendonitis…so I was shuffling the run…and to be honest I didn’t push the swim or the bike since I dind’t want to blow up on the run), but tomorrow I want to go for a 2 hour bike ride and a swim. Right now feel similar to how I felt when I was training and it was the the afternoon/evening of a day off…ready to get back to working out. I really want to go for a run, but I’m taking 2-3 weeks off from running because of achilles tendonitis, so I really want to swim and bike (I even put my bike together first thing this AM…and I don’t like to bike). Anyone else feel like this? Am I crazy to get back into working out this week…of course if I start the ride and it sucks, I’ll stop.
Whatever feels good. Let that be your guide.
I’m heading back to the pool today.
My only rule getting back into it is not to wear a watch during the workouts for a few weeks.
I stop when I feel tired, regardless of how short the workout is.
Sounds like the post-race depression to me. Schedule another race, only way I know to get over it.
I did my first post-IMF workout the third day after the race. I did a ten minute swim and a ten minute run. Then, the second day after (Weds), I rode my bike for an hour at a very leisurely pace, and then ran for 20 minutes.
Granted, I do have the 70.3 Championships this weekend, but I think light workouts for the first week are a good idea. No tough efforts, and quit if you’re hurting.
I’m the same way. I was only slightly sore on Tuesday and then almost perfectly OK yesterday. I’m getting anxious to get back to working out in some capacity though. I’ll probably start some easy swimming and biking by early next week because I’m feeling fat and lazy right now, but I do really enjoy beer and pizza again.
First IM? If not, you probably know how you are feeling and how you are going to feel in 2-3 weeks. I think swimming and cycling at low intensity and low duration are fine. Seems like you are taking a deserved and needed break from running at the right time. Just don’t push it and you will be fine. Active recover is your friend, as is the couch, bed, and good nutrition :).
First IM? If not, you probably know how you are feeling and how you are going to feel in 2-3 weeks. I think swimming and cycling at low intensity and low duration are fine. Seems like you are taking a deserved and needed break from running at the right time. Just don’t push it and you will be fine. Active recover is your friend, as is the couch, bed, and good nutrition :).
yes, it’s my first IM, and I guess I’m feeling much better than I anticipated, and just anxious to do something again, but don’t want to end up burnt out or injured by not allowing myself to recover.
Sounds like the post-race depression to me. Schedule another race, only way I know to get over it.
I’m doing a 2K open water swim on Sunday and training for a 4.7 mile open water swim in Mid december to keep me motivated. I figured the swimming races would be ‘easier’ on the body, but still give me a reason to workout. I just don’t want to start back into the training for the longer swim too early and get burnt out.
Congratulations!
I think most people will tell you that the real fatigue will set in 2-3 weeks from now. That will be the true test as to how you are recovering. Give it some time. Next year is a long way away. FWIW- everyone goes through what you are right now. It kind of sucks to go from 20 hour weeks down to nothing. Boredom sets in and you really want to get out and start piling on the miles again. Go slow and take some down time. You will be glad you did in the spring when you start ramping up again. In short, make it fun and unstructured. Swim, bike, run when you want to but just don’t plan it and you should be fine. Nows also a good time to play basketball, ski, or do something else.
Good idea. I like to drop back into base building mode and cap HR at 145, I find my enjoyment goes way up.