Sometimes I think endurance athletes need a coach or at least a handbook after they cross the finish line of their ultra marathon or endurance triathlon. There’s a big difference between training for an ultra marathon or endurance triathlon and no longer training for one.

Here are a few things I’d include in Real Life Rehab Post-Ultra guide:

1.     Yes, despite having just run 50 miles or raced 140.6 miles, you will probably be heavier post-race than before you got the crazy idea in your head to sign up for a freakishly long race in the first place. Yes, it’s not fair; move on. Try to curb your diet and remember what balance looked like way back when.

2.     You no longer have to spend twenty hours or more each week in training. No, really. Think back to what you used to do with a free Saturday morning. If it was that long ago, ask a yogi or CrossFitter. They have nice Saturday mornings.

3.     Put the credit card down and back away from the sign up page. Or not. I mean, if you’re doing ultra marathons or endurance triathlons, you’ve obviously already lost your mind.

Adjusting to life without a training plan is bittersweet. I’ve hardly run this past week. I did CrossFit and hot power yoga this morning and am thinking about running later but may decide not to. And it’s okay because I’m not training for anything. Less pressure.

On the other hand I miss my training plans that told me what to do when. It gave me routine, daily successes and at least one big challenge to look forward to every week. With back to back marathons, ultras and a 140.6 over the past year, this is my first actual break in training.

After a week off from exercise from not feeling too well I made it out to Orlando’s Corporate 5k. I’ve done this race several times in the past and wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s basically a huge office party with a 5k to kick it off along the streets of my favorite city. With my friends and coworkers. Win.

It was my first race since the tragedy in Boston and I think all runners were especially sympathetic and aware. Lots of moments of silence and silent prayers went out to Boston.

It’s a crowded race and it’s not chip timed, so I didn’t worry too much about time. Still, I finished in 26:20. I’ll take that right after a 50 and a week off.

Other than a run here and there I’m getting back into CrossFit. My legs and endurance are in tip top shape but it’s frustrating to have lost so much strength. I miss the barbell and all the personal records I was working on before I dedicated all my time to just running (and running and running).

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I have to say, the week after the 50 is making me want to sign up for another! I feel great!

Of course the day after the race was a rest day. The next day I eased back into it with yoga, and by Tuesday I was ready for CrossFit and running. I’d never push my body to get back to things if it wasn’t ready, but I do think jumping back in soon after tough races has helped me recover more quickly after each race.

One week after the race I ran 15 miles with friends. It’s funny- despite completing 15 miles with a partner the week before, I was still nervous about completing the distance and not slowing anyone down. I guess pre-run anxiety is pre-run anxiety no matter the distance! My body felt strong all 15 miles but my mind wandered. 

Saturday I was so excited to finally make it to the box for a Saturday group WOD. WIth long runs Fridays and Saturdays preparing for the ultra, I missed out on the most fun day at the box. Every Saturday we do an extra-long team WOD and so many of the members come out for it. 

The WOD was a killer, the perfect “welcome back” to weekend WODs. The soreness is only starting to wear off!

I think it’s safe to say my body’s back to normal. I’m so thankful to have escaped any aches or pains… I love running too much to have to sit out for too long.

I was thinking about the race and running in general today and realized that endurance events help me prove the impossible possible. Never before would I have believed I could run 50 miles (or race an ultra triathlon), but (eventually) I did. And so the impossible was possible and not such a big deal anymore. I think this lesson has helped me take risks in my own life. I’m familiar with being out of my comfort zone and testing the limits. 

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