Fighting the funk/blues feelings. It's not me or my fault

I'm coming off of a marathon and a strict training schedule that went along with it, so last week was "recovery week". I did a little bike riding, due to my ankle swelling. I have been in such a bad funk for the last week. I didn't talk about it because I felt rather guilty for not being on cloud nine for finishing the race. Don't get me wrong...I was very happy about completely my goal. I just felt something was "not right" and it was out of my control. I was so down in the dumps and really didn't feel like I had a reason to be down. Fast forward to yesterday, it was the first day to run since the marathon. My ankle was no longer swollen and I ran 3 miles. Instantly, that funk feeling began to melt away. I need to run! I now feel like I can't imagine living without it. I no longer think the funk feelings are my fault or part of my personality. My body just functions better when I run!

Yep , I tend to feel like crap on rest days .....
I can't wait to get home today at lunch to shovel snow, how stupid does that sound !!!!!

I lived up north (Indiana and Chicago) growing up. I sure do miss the beautiful snow. We had 80 degree temps yesterday! However, it is supposed to change, that is Texas for you.
Have fun shoveling the beautiful snow!

I understand what you're saying.  I took advantage of the temporary warmup here in North Texas and ran yesterday for the first time since White Rock. (Your ankle injury and mine were probably a matched set)  I only went 3 1/2 miles, but it felt really good.  I'm still not sure i'm built to run long-term, but I'm going to keep doing it for now.  All I have to do is find the "next race" so I have a goal to work towards.

Go for it! You can do it. Hope your ankle behaves for you! Best wishes Jim!

I think it was on RunnersWorld.com that I read about PMS - Post Marathon Syndrome.  You are feeling a very real let-down post-race.  It's not that you aren't proud and super-achieving, you just are coming down off the high of months of training, anticipation and the rush of the event.

And ABSOLUTELY the endorphins from exercise are a HUGE mood elevator.  

I do remember you posting that link. I'll have to refer back to it. Thanks!

totally post event letdown.  i've had it after all my major events.  it doesn't effect me as much anymore, mostly because i'm aware of it and can try to prepare mentally for it.  i'm like you, when i miss planned days working out, i feel terrible, but when i get back to it, i feel much better and stress seems to melt away.  hang in there.

 As 2011 will be my first 25K and then Marathon, I can't completely relate to the Post Marathon thing, (YET),  but I know on my rest or lite days, I feel so different.  I know part of a good training regime is rest days, but I so feel like I "need" to get out there an RUN!  It is like an addiction.  As I understand it, it is the whole endorphin thing.  Maybe we are all just a little crazy...I mean c'mon, who get's up at 4:30 am and goes running in the dark, in temps below 20 degrees...I DO along with my running buddy and some other escapes from the asylum.  LOL  Rest up, like we all should, then get back out there!  Run On!  Oh and again, CONGRATS on your great achievement!  Mike

I'm 2 months out from my marathon, and I gotta tell you, it took committing to a half iron man and then a full marathon, and a month of really light workouts, resting the legs, before I finaly am feeling back where I was and working out with serious intensity again.  I think the marathon took more out of me than I wanted to admit, and I rushed back a little too quick, causing tightness, injuries and in general icky feelings...    My advice.. set your new goals, stretch a whole lot, take some time off on the legs and feet.. don't rush back too quick on the legs...