I find the long run to be a staple in many training plans for obvious reason. You need it to build endurance when you want to run far, you have to train far hehe just the way it is.
For me the long run has become an epic event, I plan for it for days and use it to measure how I will fuel and hydrate before my marathon. It consumes my thoughts and I look forward to it but also dread it in some ways. Then the morning comes and it always seems without fail I head out feeling over welmed but come home feeling renewed. When you conquer a new distance it feels amazing, like you won the fitness lottery. And that runner's high lasts for a good solid 24 hours or so.
Then, the hangover comes. Yep I'm calling it my long run hangover and it is where I am at right now.
The tired feeling sets in through your body. It becomes depressing for me. My body went through this amazing thing and now it feels like lugggage being dragged along. It feels like I'm moving in slow motion. I hate that feeling. And then I go for my normal Tuesday run and it sucks, everytime. And that depresses me more.
I feel like a walking zombie and my emotions are hidden. It is unavoidable for me. I get irritated easier and want to hang out alone. It's almost like I'm a total different person for these few days. I feel bad for my family because they can tell I'm just down.
Physically I feel drained and like the onset of a cold is coming. My glands get swollen and sinuses get clogged I really do not feel well. It is strange how my body reacts but I am learning and trying to help. I have started taking extra vitamin c and my usual daily multi vitamin.
I have also tried to get extra sleep. Key word being try. It is hard when you work full time, go to school part time, and have an energetic 2 year old so you can imagine how tough it can be. I did fall asleep on the couch at 9:30 last night which is a new early time for me haha
The good thing about it is it goes away after a few days. Usually by Thursday or Friday I am back to my normal chipper self. So I am just waiting out the long run hangover and trying to stay positive this week!
Do you get a hangover from an epic workout? How do you cope?
6 comments:
I call my long run hangover the running dumb! I am soooo dumb for the rest of the day- Last week after my 36k I backed into a car asnd knew I was gonna do it, but couldn't stop myself-No reaction time left for anything. I tell people for their own safety to just avoid me that day!
Oh gosh this has been me for the past two days! Did u write this with me in mind?
You are putting your body through so much, I guess you have to respect that and give it lots of TLC. I know you like Arctic Ease, but have you tried an ice bath? I was amazed at how fresh it makes my legs feel. I'm trying warm epsom salt baths for the winter though!
I'd get headaches after long runs. I realized I was dehydrated and probably had glucose issues. Gatorade seemed to help me!
Yup, definitely been there. It's even more intense after the marathon with the excitement of finishing lasting for a while and then realizing that it's over.
Hey , I have a long run hangover today...I did 52.6k yesterday in 60mph winds in Scotland UK!! Today I have a sore foot (injury)... and I'm tired and hungry as anything!!
Try to keep the good feeling you got from the run and try and think of what you've achieved, on your run and up to now.
Rest, hydration and recovery are important to avoid feeling bad after a long run. I drink milkshakes, protein and carb rich food and try and get long sleeps to recover x
Post a Comment