Post Tri Recovery Avice?

[triathfirstimer]

Hey all
I just completed my first Tri last week! it was really amazing, but also really hard! i wasnt sure id get past the fnish line, but i did it!! i loved the training - working out 5 days aweeek felt great! but for some reason, im having a hard time bouncing back. I took a week off after the tri to rest, but cant seem to find the motivation to get back into any form of excersize. my alarm goes off, and i go back to sleep! and i have to admit, i dnot really feel that "addicted" feeling everyone tells me about. i am tentatively signed up for another tri in septmber, but mostly, i feel to tired to even think about another event!
does anyone else ever feel this way afterward?

i can SEE how its impacting me to not excersize (soo tired, slow weight loss, groggy), but i cant seem to get up the desire! Help!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on finishing your first tri! You did it! I'm sure you feel so very proud of yourself, and you should!

I was going to suggest setting another race goal for yourself, but you already have one planned. Use that as your motivation for getting out there and getting back into your training regimen. I don't have that addicted feeling to my training, but I know how much better I feel when I do it, so that's what keeps me going. I also think of exercise like eating: I have to do it everyday; it's just a matter of fitting it in.

For me, it depends on the distance of the tri on how much time I take off. Usually I'll only take a day after a sprint or oly, but 2-3 after a half iron. Then it's back on the bandwagon (although if it's been a particularly hard race, I may get back into it right away, but my workouts may be very recovery based and not all out efforts).

I say try to start back tomorrow and just do some easy workouts. Tell yourself that you HAVE to do it for just 10 min. and then if you don't want to do it anymore, or are too tired, you can stop (but usually once you start, you don't want to stop).

You can do it girl! You had so much success at your first tri, that you know you'll have fun at your next one!
Ride on...

[Lise]

Congratulations on your first tri! I understand the feeling of utter sluggishness. I felt that way after the marathon last year. Tri Girl's advice is excellent--just get out there for 10 minutes. Keep a log of your workouts, and you'll see that you're getting back into it. I love the biking very much, so it's easy for me to ride to work, ride to errands, and ease back into longer rides that way. Also make sure you're nourishing yourself well, and not overdoing it on carbs. It can be hard to make that transition back to normal eating after intense training.

My feeling of excitement over a tri always has me sitting at the computer figuring out when I can do it again! This season I'm doing an Oly tri in August, a century ride in September, and a 1/2 marathon in October. Even so, I bet I'll be at least looking at other late season tris after the one in August. Doing a tri is hard and exhilerating. I always say that my favorite tri moments are (in this order):

1. the expo

2. the finish line

3. the start line

the stuff in between is HARD! Congrats again. L.

[triflor]

I find that after a race I hear that naughty little voice saying that its okay to take time off. Well its ok at first, but after too many days you start breaking the habit and lifestyle that you've worked so hard for. Maybe start planning evening workouts rather than morning ones. If your body is telling you to sleep in, maybe that's the biggest problem. Sleep should never be the part of you life that suffers as a result of training. Switching your day around to a different workout schedule may help break routine which is refreshing.
Might I also suggest going for a walk. It may not seem like much in comparison to tri-training, but it does help the groggy feelings, and gives you a workout when your body doesn't seem to have the energy for anything more intense.

[luv'nAustin]

Congratulations on your first tri! Feels pretty good, huh?

I know that you are feeling tired, but I agree with the others that posted before me today. Were you training with a group? If so, call one of them and arrange to meet for a short workout. You will feel better after you get out for the first time, even if it is for a short run. And in this heat, a jump in the pool for an easy swim after your run will feel wonderful!

Good luck.

[KSH]

Congrats on becoming a triathlete! WAY TO GO!!!!!


Well, my advice was to tell you to sign up for another one. But you did that.

So, it's time for some tough-love:

STOP BEING LAZY! You know what you need to do. So get off your couch and GO DO IT! Do you want to come in last? NO! And you will if you don't get back to training! GO TRAIN!!!!! Shoot, look at me... a hurt shoulder from a bike wreck has kept me from swimming... leg pain keeps me from running... but I AM STILL TRAINING (well, only cycling!)! If I can train, you can TRAIN! At least your body will let you train for all 3 events!


Ok, sorry, I hope that wasn't too tough on ya. Get out there and do it again. Once you do, you'll wonder why you took so much time off. I really didn't mean to be rude or nothing... just giving ya a little bit of hell.

[triathfirstimer]

THANK YOU ALL!!! JUST WHAT I NEEDED! Tough love and ALL!

Work schedule's been rough, but im not going to let that stop me! i think moving the workouts to night for a while will help. then, when i remember how much id rather have my nights to just relax, ill have more motivation to get up in the AM. no more excuses! I'm excited already!!

you're all the best!!