Friday, December 10, 2010

Delayed Onset Post-Ironman Depression Syndrome

Ironman Lake Placid was almost six months ago.  Since then, I have completed a few 5k, half-marathon and x-country races and training runs - setting personal bests at the Monson Half-Marathon, Hatfield Harvest 5k and Talking Turkey 6-mile X-Country.  A fairly successful triathlon off-season.  I've been doing all the running to get ready for the ING Miami Marathon on January 30, 2011.

However, after coming up somewhat gimpy on what was to be a 16-miler on 11/21, I haven't been feeling great.  Everything seems to hurt - well, more like ache.  Which reminds of the commercial that says, "depression hurts, but you don't have to."

Ipso ergo oreo - I am suffering from Post-Ironman Depression Syndrome (PIDS) - the delayed onset variety.  Or...maybe I am in stage four - Depression - of the injury cycle as articulated in "Good Grief" (Runner's World - September 2010).

Either way, I'm struggling.  I'm not totally detached, though.  I've been keeping up with you all - your ups and downs.  I hope that I am on my way back up.  I like being up.  It is a good feeling.  I have to remember that life is full of peaks, valleys and plateaus.

The valley I've been in really isn't that bad when looked at with some perspective.  But, it is real.  This week, I've worked to pull myself back out.  I ran on Wednesday and then again today.  Nothing crazy, just getting my blood pumping.  More importantly, though, I'm back to doing more core work.  This will give me a better shot at staying injury free, keep me looking good and help me in my triathlon performance. 

We'll see how this weekend goes...

1 comment:

  1. Hey there,
    Yeah...it unfortunately is SOO normal to be feeling this way now. My dear hubby experienced the same thing after his IM...and it took a LONG time to swing back. BUT he did, and it's all good;-)

    sending good upbeat vibes your way;-)

    ReplyDelete