"There's no place like home." - Dorothy [wizard of Oz]
Poets have long said [something like], The best part of a journey is coming home.
I see it more as a delicate "re-entry". Maybe the astronauts know what they are talking about. Jump back into your daily "life" too fast and you'll "burn up" [or out] but go in to easy and you fall off the radar never to be seen again. [yes, dramatic but remember what blog you are reading].
I feel as if I am suffering from this dilemma, I call PMDD. {Post Marathon [Trip] Dysphoric Disorder}.
Without a doubt, when I return from a marathon [especially in another city/state]. I seem to fall into a low-grade depression or funk. PMTDD. Which includes being tired, slightly moody, food cravings, increased sensitivity to criticism & sleepless.
Sadly, there is no KNOWN cure for PM[T]DD. However, I hear wearing 8 Gu packets in your belt loops, never having more than 3oz of any fluid in your carry-on /purse & wearing compression socks to the grocery store has helped some. No one really knows why these methods help but some believe it tricks the body into thinking it still has a marathon [in some awesome far away state] coming up.
When we come home we are the same person who left.
The only thing is . . we're not.
I think psychologists could explain PMTDD quite simply. . . while racing/running we feel free, ready to live it up, get that PR, try something new. While at home, we know there will be many work emails awaiting, a crap load of laundry, a dirty house, a relationship to address, a dog to pick-up, the light bulb that hasn't ever been replaced in the laundry room. I know, I know it's not really bad.
The run . . . the trip . . . life experiences . . . they change us. No, not in huge ways rather, small subtle ways. A lot of these changes cannot be seen until we are home. Which is why no matter how difficult to endure, PMTDD is a necessary part of the journey. our journey.
Does this mean me need to suffer through this alone? Heck, NO! Hello, why do you think I blog?! ;) I love to read about your journey. what you do. How you cope. I think we should hold web/video conferencing meeting [for extra support]. What the heck, let's all meet up in Boston [or NYC - YAY!] next year.
Ahhh crap, who am I kidding? I just signed up for [this] as I suffered through my PMTDD yesterday.
I am so not addicted to running.
23 comments:
I never fail to sign up for a new race/marathon during my PMDD period, ever!! My biggest plans, hopes, dreams and goals are created during this period...not sure THAT is too healthy but I have to do something with the down time!!
Tee hee, I so DON'T believe the last line of your post :) !
Get your depressed butt down to Taco Bell - I believe they open at 10:30.
Signing up for another race really is the only cure!
Awesome post, as always! You make me giggle!!
Seriously, signing up for another race is the only way I have found to fix the post-race/re-entry blues...
It brings back memories of the day after prom - sigh!
That taco bell comment sounds like a good idea. I might try it even though I didn't run a marathon.
You know, I think if you run a marathon that freaking fast, you deserve to have a housecleaner come in while you put your feet up.
It brings back memories of the day after prom - sigh!
That taco bell comment sounds like a good idea. I might try it even though I didn't run a marathon.
You know, I think if you run a marathon that freaking fast, you deserve to have a housecleaner come in while you put your feet up.
Hahaha, too funny. You hit a lot of pretty good points in there.
I think most of the people out there would love to find a way to live life and not have to work and just train/race. That freedom and sense of accomplishment you get is nature's drug.
I feel you on the PMTDD though, great post!
I'm looking forward to PMTDD? Haha
I'll be in Utah for the fireworks on the 24th - can't wait!
Post race depression is real. It is the end to all of the hard work and planning. The journey was truly the adventure. Most of us that do these events are goal oriented. Without the goals we become listless.
I am already planning my next marathon that is not until Feb.
I hate PMDD and PMTDD. The best med is, as you did, signing up for the next one. See ya in Boston??
that sounds like a great way to get out of your PMTDD
Yep, that oughta do it! lol
3:18? Do I hear 3:18???
woooo hoooo! Way to show the blues where to stick it!
The trick is to sign up for the next race before the first one, that way you rest a few days and then switch gears...
Right, your not AdDiCtEd to running...
Running is ADDICTED to yOU!
crap. Did my wife email you about the light in the laundry room and ask you to put it in your post to guilt me into changing it? Well didn't work - I'm going to bike (-:
That Utah race looks AWEEE-SOOOMMMEEE!
I get kind of depressed after big races too. But, like you, what helps is signing up for something new and finding a new goal! The Utah race looks really cool! :)
I really loved reading this entry! It definitely fits how I have been feeling lately.. I feel like I'm slacking on motivation to run, I get in mileage but I feel like I have no determination right now.. I lost one of my compression socks and realizing that definitely put me in a funk! Oh well.. I guess I can always buy new ones right? Maybe that'll put me back into the swing of things,... lol.. Keep your head up! Good luck in Utah!! I'm going to Spearfish South Dakota in August for my 2nd marathon.. Hopefully its just as good as the first! :)
I've known many who have run Top of Utah, I hear it's gorgeous and a fast course (though kinda hot...but you live in Phoenix and are used to HOT).
I also suffer from post-marathon depression. I think I'm just so flipping sore I can't function normally and I like to snap at everyone around me. It's ok, they're getting used to it!
So funny! I just blogged about my profession as a therapist....and I was going to tell you that the DSM-IV-TR does in fact give a good prognosis to those who suffer from PMTDD IF they register for another marathon soon after completing the most recently past marathon. You are on your way to full recovery and a new, small change in yourself! =)
Love the post! it is right up my alley!!
This is exactly why I always have a very long term running plan. All my races are part of the bigger plan. Mine really goes 3 to 4 years into the future. The one big race I'm doing is a 100 mile circuit race...3 years from now. So after one race I continue the journey with the next run/race. No time for PMTDD!
I am now mentally prepared for my post-marathon pmtdd...I have a feeling signing up for a new race is part of the cure :)
I didn't think you were addicted to running...NOT!!!
Nice!!! signing up for another race is the best cure the the blues. Have you ran that Utah race before? Ineed to check utah off of my list..,.
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