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Overcoming the Post-Race Blues: Life After the Finish Line

Hey Reader,

Crossing the finish line for your big goal race is an incredible achievement, but what happens after the race? Many ultrarunners, including our recent podcast guest Lucja Leonard, talk about the unexpected slump that can follow an intense race – often called the “post-race blues.” In our latest Run the Riot episode, Lucja dives into her personal experience with this common feeling after completing massive races like the Divide 200.

The Post-Race Blues: What Are They?

For ultrarunners and endurance athletes, training and race preparation can take over life. Then, after the race, there’s suddenly a void where the intense focus and energy expenditures were. Lucja described feeling a kind of “emptiness” after reaching her long-awaited finish line – a sentiment echoed by many athletes who find the transition from the race-high to normal life a challenge.

Here are Some Suggestions for Dealing with the Post-Race Blues:

• Embrace the Feeling: Acknowledge that these feelings are normal. It’s okay to feel a bit down after the big day.
• Set New Goals: The best way to reignite your motivation is by finding new challenges. Explore some shorter races, or try a new trail to mix things up. (You might want to get your spouse's permission before you go to ultrasignup.com!)
• Reflect on Your Journey: Use this time to remember why you started. Reflecting on the moments of growth and achievement can rekindle the joy of your accomplishment. I like to journal during this time, both personal and by writing or recording a race report.
• Reinvest in Routine: Enjoy the downtime by reconnecting with family, friends, and personal routines you may have missed during training.
• Seek Community: Staying connected to the ultrarunning community can help you feel understood and inspired as you transition post-race. Volunteer at a race. Show up to those group runs you were missing because of your specific training.

Remember, the Post-Race Blues Are Normal – But You’re Not Alone

Experiencing a sense of loss or low energy after a big race is completely natural, and something many endurance athletes go through. But just like you trained to push through miles of trails and tough climbs, you can push through the post-race blues, too. With a little time, some self-compassion, and new goals, that same drive that got you across the finish line will help you find motivation and joy again. You’ve conquered tough races before, overcoming this phase is just one more finish line you’re more than capable of crossing!

Listen to more of my conversation with Lucja on our latest Run the Riot episode.

🎧 Listen Now: [Podcast Link]​

On the Journey,

David