5

5 on a very sunny, but very chilly day. the first 2 miles were not good. i really wanted to stop. i just couldn't get my rhythm and i felt heavy. thankfully, it got better. the last 3 miles went really well and i was glad that i went today. i've been feeling unmotivated and kind of blah lately. i think it has to do w/this that i read about today:

Post Marathon depression is a common phenomenon for marathon runners of every experience level. The excitement of the marathon season is over and the intensity of preparation is behind them.

For some runners, there is a sense of relief and they welcome the opportunity to relax for a little while. For some, if there isn't something to replace all the hours on the road, the lull of TV boredom sits upon them. The sense of focus and purpose is lost.

Completing a marathon is a very emotional and physical process.

According to Dr. Suzanne McAllister, a former member of the New York Marathon psych team and a marathoner herself, "runners get accustomed to the endorphins kicking in when they run. It helps them to be happy. When the endorphins are no longer released you have a greater chance of depression setting in. Runners need to find a replacement physical activity if they don't plan to continue running."

i think this is definitely a real thing. i've experienced it in some form after every big race i train for.