Ever notice a day or two after a target race you have a feeling of let down or even a little depression? It doesn't happen to me much anymore; probably because I haven't set up target race in a while. My only target these days is measuring the 'fun factor' in every pedal stroke... 'Fun' defined as being strong & fit and the expression of this in races and training. The results aren't that important to me now although continuing to learn the complexities and positives within a race and the lifestyle are. And yet regardless of this Monday's after a weekend of racing can still be a bit rough. I'll feel a fluttering anxiety throughout the day and maybe be a bit bummed out too. It's a murkiness nobody wants on their shoulders but I suspect many athletes experience the same thing on a regular basis.
Personally speaking I'd have a weight in my head after a big event. Sorta like a 'now what' question mark that would spiral in my head. 'What am I gonna do with this fitness and focus; ...all the sacrifice, those training hours....what do I do with all of that force now?' Stuff like this would swirl in my head. Couple this with a honed physiology and acute urgings for an outlet, it makes for a potent projection of fight or flight nervousness mixed in a grey sense of drift at the same time. It sucks!
Sport psychologist's have it all mapped out but for guys like me I think simple reasoning is a good approach. I don't have a solution but I think awareness of it will make for better preparation going in and help manage expectations & emotions going out...you know? Be aware and recognize it for what it is, then figure out a way to deal with it that works best for your personal makeup. I reckon that'd be the first step.
Peace and roll strong.
Yep, back in mid-late 90s when I was doing ultrarunning events the letdown after those was intense, particularly ~1 week after the VT100 miler, shattered right after but then a void as in, what's next and how could I top what I just did?
ReplyDeleteyeah, like that Jerry.
ReplyDeleteMany experts call this phenomenon post-event depression.
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