Something that isn't talked about a whole lot is the phenomenon of "post race blues". For me, the more important a race is to me and the more I have invested, time, money, etc. the higher the high of completing the goal and the lower/longer the low. Finishing the Moab 240 only a few years after starting to run ultramarathons, or run at all, was incredibly fulfilling. I tried to soak in the post race glow of accomplishment and share my "victory" with all the people in my life that had made this possible.
Inevitably though, the post race blues came on. Getting Covid-19 less than 2 weeks after the race didn't help things. I feel lost. I'm not sure what I'm working towards anymore. I mean, I go to work, exercise (some), invest in my recovery, spend time with my girlfriend, etc. But still, I feel like something is missing. It's tough because I don't want my only fulfillment in life to be completing races, but I also know that exercise is extremely good for my mental health (physical health is a nice bonus) and it's hard for me to be motivated to really push myself if I don't have a goal I'm working towards.
So, if anyone has experienced this or had ideas of thoughts on how to deal with this phenomenon please let me know!
In the meantime, I finally downloaded the some "official" race photos I was in from Moab 240 and have included them below. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and despite the down I'm currently going through I am so very, very glad I was able to do the race and complete it!
Pre-Race "mug shots" - all smiles and energy!
Post-Race "mug shots" - all smiles and total exhaustion, relief and sleep deprivation!
The FINISH LINE! A more welcome sight has never been seen! Was so special having my sister Rachel there to run me in through the finish!
