I started training for Columbus half-marathon in July 2025. From that, I went right into marathon training. So for the last approximately seven months, I've been on a plan. Now I'm not, at least other than on a recovery plan.
I've been running...a lot...for months, and now I am not. I didn't have much time, and now I have a little more time (but maybe not much more energy). What do I do with it? I don't know. I feel flat and a little purposeless. It's not like I can train again right now.
I've been sleeping well (more and better-at least after that initial day) since the race, but I still feel fatigued. I am back to running short distances, and have energy, but for lack of a better description, my legs feel dull and heavy.
Despite more sleep and lots of nutrition (I have felt SO hungry, even with the massive reduction in exercise), I still feel tired. I wake up in the morning after a good number of hours of sleep wanting to sleep more. My husband has to work really hard to wake me up from my weekend naps.
My body also just feels like yuck. I can't really describe it as bloated or fluffy. Maybe swollen. Food sits heavy (but then I am really hungry again). I am fidgety. My clothes feel uncomfortable. It's not great.
Running blogger Amanda Brooks (2023) writes that she doesn't run marathons often because it reduces her ability to run for so long afterward. I get it. I am so, so thankful and proud (I hope in a good way!) of my marathon results, but the drop afterward is just well, crappy.
Most of my symptoms right now align with post-marathon recovery, so I am not worried. I am just bummed and irritated and documenting it so that I remember it. Here's to healing, and feeling, remembering all this if/when there's a next time!
References:
Brooks, A. (2023, March 9). Post-marathon training: Running and strength training plan. Run to the finish. https://runtothefinish.com/post-marathon-fitness/
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