It's honestly refreshing to hear that your recovery has been a little rocky. I also ran my first ultra on the same day as you (55k) and my "coach" has me on like a super low volume workload up until like this week. Seeing some of your strava files from even just a week after your race made me feel like I should be doing more but I stuck with her vision. I think big picture, I'd rather be mentally chomping at the bit than physically toeing the line of burning out. But you also have more years of running under your belt than me! As for the post race blues, I too felt like I should be finding a race, I've committed to at least doing one of the sawmill races again and then will find what's in store for 2025. Having someone who is on my team and helping me create my training plan has been invaluable and it puts a lot more value and trust in the training. I can see training as something to work toward and not just the races. For me that's what works for me. Anyway... thanks for sharing all this, the swag looks fly!
Sean- I’m so sorry you felt that way. I’m glad you listened to the guidance of your coach and feel confident in the approach you’ve taken. I know as far as some of the HPRS races I’ve signed up for, I still plan to run them just because the community and races are so fun and the pressure is off which I love. But do what is best for YOU!! It is so easy to draw comparisons and feel inadequate in our training- especially when it’s time to commit to taking it easy, but I feel you have great guidance and a great mindset so I have no doubt you’ll make a good decision about your next move :) also thank you- I love Janji
My first Ultra three loops 60k. My family was following me around the state park while I ran. Our car broke down 3 miles from my finish line. Somehow they talked somebody in camp ground to drive them to the start line to see me finish. The start line aid station packed up on me. So my youngest had a thermos with soup in it. No silverware it was in the broke vehicle. I ate with my fingers while people at the park stared at me. I think they thought I was homeless, living in the park. My family had to go back to get the broke down car. So there I was ! I have run all distances up to 100, I like the 50k and 50 mile personally. I work full time, have family, and the bigger distances take so much more time and logistics and they are taxing on the body. For me, after my last big race I signed up to be a course sweeper on a 100 mile race. This helped me connect back to the community I love and trails o enjoy. I covered 50 miles enjoyed closing the aid stations and eating at them without any racing pressure. And gained a free entry to the race and some swag. lol it just helped me with the what next.
Holy smokes- what an experience!! That is a really great idea to contribute, get involved and give back to the community. I really appreciate your insight and ideas so thank you for sharing!!
You're the best. I always seem to get these timely messages from you that are equal parts insightful and sagely. Can't thank you enough for your honesty and openness.
Thank you Joshua! That means so much to me- you always leave such kind comments. I'm so glad my videos resonate with you and we can share some of the same thoughts! Hope you are doing well!
I just completed an ultra over the Donegal mountains here in Ireland and suffering badly from post run blues. The head has gone but I know it's temporary as you need to take time after something which eats your whole life up. Enjoy the recovery as it makes you eager again once you sign up for the next adventure
Thank you! I hope the race went well for you- glad to know I'm not along in my post-race blues. Just a reminder of how we need the lows to appreciate the highs. Thank you for sharing :) Hang in there my friend!!
Crazy how scenic it is near you! I just did my first trail race, a very very wet half marathon in the pnw; it was sooo fun and has me looking to sign up for more. Recovery has been tough though, I have no idea how you got through 100k and it makes sense to me you’re still having struggles with that. I haven’t done an ultra obv but I do struggle with feeling lost and a bit depressed after big events or projects are done, my solution is usually to just move onto the next thing but I imagine there’s probably a healthier way to deal with it lol
I hope the trail half went well despite the wetness- I can only imagine how beautiful it was up there! But I appreciate your insight :) I definitely am so ready to add another event to my calendar too. Plz let me know if you find another way to cope with the post-race depression haha
The answer is always yes. You sign up for another race. 😂 Even if it's months out. Let yourself heal, but have that goal on the calendar. I loved the footage of your run, absolutely gorgeous!
maybe you need a "recovery race", a race that is much less than the one that took up so much emotional and physical energy. scenic video, the entangled elk (maybe they needed help). your cat doesnt blink.
Thank you for this- honestly I didn’t even consider something like a “recovery” race, but that really is such a great idea. Thank you so much for the comment and thought I really appreciate it! And the cat is a weirdo 😂
What you’re feeling is normal when completing a big goal that you put lots of time and energy into. I’m going through this right now after completing my last training block. Everything was structured and I was following the plan and now that I’ve completed it I think “now what”? I also developed IT band issues in my left leg at the end of the last block which is a physical and mental struggle. For me, I knew it was coming because it happened before. I’m trying to take it easy and give my body recovery time and at the same time I’ve already developed my next training block to achieve new goals. Once my leg feels good enough I’ll start the new training and everything will be good again. I expect that I’ll lose fitness and strength while recovering, but I also know that progress isn’t always linear so I try to keep reminding myself of that so it doesn’t weight so heavily on me when my times get slower. I hope you’re able to figure out what’s next for you!
Thank you for this! This sounds so much like me- thinking about the next big race and formatting a training block for it, and then something unexpected happens. I am so glad to hear you have a really good mindset surrounding everything and I envy your patience that you're displaying. Definitely strive to get to your level of patience and understanding with your body. You are awesome and I hope that IT bands heals up quickly for you!
My first ultra was a 50k back in 2016 at the Booneville Backroads. It was actually my first time running anything over the half marathon distance. I dove straight in 😂. There was less good info about ultra running online back then so I flew by the seat of my pants. Ended up quite under trained and under prepared for the amount of time on feet. Since then, I’ve done mostly half and full marathons. But now I’m preparing for my second ultra which is another 50k. Going to be way better trained this time around! I have much more respect for these distances now.
That is so awesome! I am super stoked for you- I wish you the absolute best of luck with your 50K! I hope the training has been going well and it's a great day out there for you!
Ahhh!! thank you for the validation to know I'm not alone!! It's been so hard- especially keeping in mind some of my goals for summer 2025, just to not over do it. I hope you've been able to enjoy some of the high peaks since I saw you a month ago! sending you all the mountain love!!
This is the Salomon Adv Skin 12- I did get the women specific one, but in the future, I would just get the gender neutral as I feel the pack may hold a little more (just speculation, could be wrong, but I also don't feel they offered anything really gender specific in the women's pack). BUT I love that pack so much- wish I had it in a lighter color only as the black can get hot. Takes a little getting used to, but ultimately, I love it so much and would recommend!!
First of all, your blue eyed kitty is adorbs. Want to pet. Secondly, I like to have a race after the race planned even I don't sign up for it officially. It's a good way to stay consistent. Case in point, I ran a race in Feb and didn't have anything else planned down the road and also haven't done any races since. Now in kind of a running funk and lacking direction a bit. Coincidence? Don't think so. IDK just my 2 pesos.
Thank you :) the cat's name is Steve haha. But absolutely- it's been weird not having that one event to give you a little extra motivation/direction, but I hope if and when you're ready, you find that race that gets you excited and motivated to find that groove again!!
Firstly, congrats on that 100k, what an amazing effort, well done. It was good to hear you talking about the post-run blues as well :) I've only ever run up to a 30k, but I do get that same kind of empty feeling after completing an event you have been training a long time for. It makes me wonder what professional athletes must go through after say competing at the Olympics - it must be a really tough come down. Great to hear your insights and if you ever make it down under one day there are a few 100k races you could aim for, UTA is a good one - 2024 highlights here (i've only ever done the 22k, 100 feels a long way off!) - th-cam.com/video/6DL02ONwtdY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=I50-RdtZVpfol8Ow
Thank you for you for this! I have wondered about professionals myself and what kind of wave they ride! I will certainly look into that race series-I love the idea of traveling and making a trip out of a race. thank you so much for sharing ❤️
It's honestly refreshing to hear that your recovery has been a little rocky. I also ran my first ultra on the same day as you (55k) and my "coach" has me on like a super low volume workload up until like this week. Seeing some of your strava files from even just a week after your race made me feel like I should be doing more but I stuck with her vision. I think big picture, I'd rather be mentally chomping at the bit than physically toeing the line of burning out. But you also have more years of running under your belt than me!
As for the post race blues, I too felt like I should be finding a race, I've committed to at least doing one of the sawmill races again and then will find what's in store for 2025. Having someone who is on my team and helping me create my training plan has been invaluable and it puts a lot more value and trust in the training. I can see training as something to work toward and not just the races. For me that's what works for me. Anyway... thanks for sharing all this, the swag looks fly!
Sean- I’m so sorry you felt that way. I’m glad you listened to the guidance of your coach and feel confident in the approach you’ve taken. I know as far as some of the HPRS races I’ve signed up for, I still plan to run them just because the community and races are so fun and the pressure is off which I love. But do what is best for YOU!! It is so easy to draw comparisons and feel inadequate in our training- especially when it’s time to commit to taking it easy, but I feel you have great guidance and a great mindset so I have no doubt you’ll make a good decision about your next move :) also thank you- I love Janji
@@MountainHighLife Ha No need to apologize! Just fomo over here wanting more miles. Keep it up!
My first Ultra three loops 60k. My family was following me around the state park while I ran. Our car broke down 3 miles from my finish line. Somehow they talked somebody in camp ground to drive them to the start line to see me finish. The start line aid station packed up on me. So my youngest had a thermos with soup in it. No silverware it was in the broke vehicle. I ate with my fingers while people at the park stared at me. I think they thought I was homeless, living in the park. My family had to go back to get the broke down car. So there I was ! I have run all distances up to 100, I like the 50k and 50 mile personally. I work full time, have family, and the bigger distances take so much more time and logistics and they are taxing on the body. For me, after my last big race I signed up to be a course sweeper on a 100 mile race. This helped me connect back to the community I love and trails o enjoy. I covered 50 miles enjoyed closing the aid stations and eating at them without any racing pressure. And gained a free entry to the race and some swag. lol it just helped me with the what next.
Holy smokes- what an experience!! That is a really great idea to contribute, get involved and give back to the community. I really appreciate your insight and ideas so thank you for sharing!!
Good video, smooth music. Love it!💪
I signed up for a 100miler (12 Oct) for the reasons you outline after my 100km in July. I also love running. Keep on running!
Wow Steph, how amazing to see the Moose and the Bull Elk. Great scenery and great job out there! You are so honest. ❤you much and I'm so proud!
You're the best. I always seem to get these timely messages from you that are equal parts insightful and sagely. Can't thank you enough for your honesty and openness.
Thank you Joshua! That means so much to me- you always leave such kind comments. I'm so glad my videos resonate with you and we can share some of the same thoughts! Hope you are doing well!
I just completed an ultra over the Donegal mountains here in Ireland and suffering badly from post run blues. The head has gone but I know it's temporary as you need to take time after something which eats your whole life up. Enjoy the recovery as it makes you eager again once you sign up for the next adventure
Thank you! I hope the race went well for you- glad to know I'm not along in my post-race blues. Just a reminder of how we need the lows to appreciate the highs. Thank you for sharing :) Hang in there my friend!!
Crazy how scenic it is near you! I just did my first trail race, a very very wet half marathon in the pnw; it was sooo fun and has me looking to sign up for more. Recovery has been tough though, I have no idea how you got through 100k and it makes sense to me you’re still having struggles with that. I haven’t done an ultra obv but I do struggle with feeling lost and a bit depressed after big events or projects are done, my solution is usually to just move onto the next thing but I imagine there’s probably a healthier way to deal with it lol
I hope the trail half went well despite the wetness- I can only imagine how beautiful it was up there! But I appreciate your insight :) I definitely am so ready to add another event to my calendar too. Plz let me know if you find another way to cope with the post-race depression haha
The answer is always yes. You sign up for another race. 😂 Even if it's months out. Let yourself heal, but have that goal on the calendar.
I loved the footage of your run, absolutely gorgeous!
Naturally! Definitely eager and excited to put my next race on the calendar! Thank you!!
maybe you need a "recovery race", a race that is much less than the one that took up so much emotional and physical energy. scenic video, the entangled elk (maybe they needed help). your cat doesnt blink.
Thank you for this- honestly I didn’t even consider something like a “recovery” race, but that really is such a great idea. Thank you so much for the comment and thought I really appreciate it! And the cat is a weirdo 😂
What you’re feeling is normal when completing a big goal that you put lots of time and energy into. I’m going through this right now after completing my last training block. Everything was structured and I was following the plan and now that I’ve completed it I think “now what”? I also developed IT band issues in my left leg at the end of the last block which is a physical and mental struggle. For me, I knew it was coming because it happened before. I’m trying to take it easy and give my body recovery time and at the same time I’ve already developed my next training block to achieve new goals. Once my leg feels good enough I’ll start the new training and everything will be good again. I expect that I’ll lose fitness and strength while recovering, but I also know that progress isn’t always linear so I try to keep reminding myself of that so it doesn’t weight so heavily on me when my times get slower. I hope you’re able to figure out what’s next for you!
Thank you for this! This sounds so much like me- thinking about the next big race and formatting a training block for it, and then something unexpected happens. I am so glad to hear you have a really good mindset surrounding everything and I envy your patience that you're displaying. Definitely strive to get to your level of patience and understanding with your body. You are awesome and I hope that IT bands heals up quickly for you!
My first ultra was a 50k back in 2016 at the Booneville Backroads. It was actually my first time running anything over the half marathon distance. I dove straight in 😂. There was less good info about ultra running online back then so I flew by the seat of my pants. Ended up quite under trained and under prepared for the amount of time on feet. Since then, I’ve done mostly half and full marathons. But now I’m preparing for my second ultra which is another 50k. Going to be way better trained this time around! I have much more respect for these distances now.
That is so awesome! I am super stoked for you- I wish you the absolute best of luck with your 50K! I hope the training has been going well and it's a great day out there for you!
Haha, that inner turmoil is so typical after a race. 😂I can relate!
Girl it’s the same for me. Anything over 50 miles I go through this emotional turmoil the two weeks after. The down side of ultra running 😢
Ahhh!! thank you for the validation to know I'm not alone!! It's been so hard- especially keeping in mind some of my goals for summer 2025, just to not over do it. I hope you've been able to enjoy some of the high peaks since I saw you a month ago! sending you all the mountain love!!
I wish I lived nears hills/trails
What pack are you using? I’m thinking of switching to Salomon and trying to figure out which one makes sense for longer distances.
This is the Salomon Adv Skin 12- I did get the women specific one, but in the future, I would just get the gender neutral as I feel the pack may hold a little more (just speculation, could be wrong, but I also don't feel they offered anything really gender specific in the women's pack). BUT I love that pack so much- wish I had it in a lighter color only as the black can get hot. Takes a little getting used to, but ultimately, I love it so much and would recommend!!
First of all, your blue eyed kitty is adorbs. Want to pet. Secondly, I like to have a race after the race planned even I don't sign up for it officially. It's a good way to stay consistent. Case in point, I ran a race in Feb and didn't have anything else planned down the road and also haven't done any races since. Now in kind of a running funk and lacking direction a bit. Coincidence? Don't think so. IDK just my 2 pesos.
Thank you :) the cat's name is Steve haha. But absolutely- it's been weird not having that one event to give you a little extra motivation/direction, but I hope if and when you're ready, you find that race that gets you excited and motivated to find that groove again!!
Big ass bull moose 🫎
Firstly, congrats on that 100k, what an amazing effort, well done. It was good to hear you talking about the post-run blues as well :) I've only ever run up to a 30k, but I do get that same kind of empty feeling after completing an event you have been training a long time for. It makes me wonder what professional athletes must go through after say competing at the Olympics - it must be a really tough come down. Great to hear your insights and if you ever make it down under one day there are a few 100k races you could aim for, UTA is a good one - 2024 highlights here (i've only ever done the 22k, 100 feels a long way off!) - th-cam.com/video/6DL02ONwtdY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=I50-RdtZVpfol8Ow
Thank you for you for this! I have wondered about professionals myself and what kind of wave they ride! I will certainly look into that race series-I love the idea of traveling and making a trip out of a race. thank you so much for sharing ❤️
You must have good bones to run 100 km!