What is runner’s blues and how do you get them? I’ve read many blogs where people talk about runner’s blues and it is different for everyone. They have just run a marathon and they miss their daily training routine, they just finished a marathon and they are starting to come down from the “finish” high, you get a running injury and you can’t run anymore. The runner’s blues come in many shapes and sizes and mine hit me after my first half marathon. It wasn’t until about a week later and I was getting up for my first run long since the half and I just did not want to run. I had no desire to get up early and get out there. I think I made it about 8 miles that day and as soon as I hit 8 I was done, I just stopped and looked at my running buddy and said I have to go. I jumped in a cab and went home.
It was a pretty weird feeling to not enjoy running because for the past couple months, I looked forward to Saturday mornings where I would spend 2-3 hours running over bridges and exploring New York with my running buddies. Running was not only an escape from reality but I have met some of my best friends through running (you know who you are 
). Since I didn’t want to run, I didn’t run. The only problem with that was I had been invited to run with Autism Speaks at the NYC Half, which was an opportunity, I could not pass up.
The NYC Half was exactly 6 weeks after my first half marathon and since I had a case of the running blues my training did not go as planned. I skipped out on my speed work and I got in only two long runs (12 miles each) before the race. Luckily the allure of the NYC Half took over when I went to the expo a couple of days before the race. Saturday morning I woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed to run the race. My goal had changed from a time goal to just being able to run the entire race since on my first half I stopped to walk a couple of times.
As I sat in my corral waiting to run I made more friends, it is pretty easy to make friends when you bond over long bathroom lines. Finally around 7:54am (yes I remember the exact time) my corral was off and running. Being able to run on my “home turf” was an amazing feeling. Running through Central Park was calming because I knew what to expect (even with Cat Hill). Running through Times Square was surreal because they had shut it down for us (granted the street wasn’t very even), and running down the West Side was the home stretch. Running through the tunnel at the end was not fun (I felt a little claustrophobic) and crossing the finish line with all my friends to cheer me on was the best feeling in the world. I finished in 2:15:03, which was 11 seconds behind my first half (2:14:52) but I achieved my goal, I ran the entire time! Seeing how my first half was flat, I considered this a huge win and the best part of all I remembered why I fell in love with running in the first place. I run because it’s fun, social, and it’s time for me. I do not run for the negative splits, a certain speed, or to get a PR (even though those are huge bonuses). I run because I love the way I feel and I love the people I meet doing it.
Sadly this fairy tale ending did not end the way I wanted it too. Where I run off into the sunset and get ready for my next half marathon (which is on June 2nd in Annapolis). On my shake out run a couple of days after the NYC Half, 2 miles into the run I had excruciating pain underneath my foot. I went to see my podiatrist; she said I had a slight case of tendonitis and I just needed to rest. I took off two weeks and my foot was feeling fine.
Yesterday was my first run back to train for Annapolis and before I ran my foot started hurting again. I still went out for a 5-mile run, which I was fine while running but started to hurt again when I got back. If I have learned anything from my friend Katherine, from Sweat, Passion and Tears, it is to rest even when you don’t think it is that serious. I am going to go back to my podiatrist and see what she says but I am still planning on running the Annapolis Half on June 2nd. I will keep you updated on how my training goes.
Have you have a case of the runner’s blues and if you did how did you get through it? Also check out this blog post I found on Bald Runner’s blog for ideas on how to get over Runner’s Blues.
Filed under: Running Tagged: | NYC Half, Runner's Blues, Running, Running Blues, Running injuries, running injury
Hello! My name is Kristine and I live and work in New York City. Since I have been here I have realized how hard it is to maintain a healthy balance while living in the City. Work starts to consume your life and you can get lost in everything around you.
The blues can be tough… I try to mix it up to generate some excitement. I’ll try a trail, or a new route, or even work in a reward. “Run to starbucks for a frap.” That works best if you meet someone who can take your sweaty butt back home. If not, make it a small and run back. I’ll also switch up distances and ease back into it. Start with 1-3, then do more next time around.
Sorry to hear your foot is still hurting, but I’m proud of you for taking care of it! I know it can be hard to not just “ignore the pain” when you want to run!
Sorry to hear about your foot. Heal quickly. I am having workout blues. Not sure how I got injured but I have been “ordered” not to do any cardio for a month.:( I can only do light stretching and work my core.
I am soo sad.
I don’t have the runners blues but I have had my share of lower body injuries. Shin splints, knee inflammation, and currently going through some foot arch pain not unlike yourself. Your next race in June isn’t too far from me! I was just over there on Mon/Tues.
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