I wanted to pull this thought out of one of the other threads that I was just reading. Yoda made a comment about feeling a bit down after a big race, or at the end of the season. I remember reading passing comments from other posters in regard to the same thing.

I thought it was important enough to start a discussion about the issue. I experienced this same thing at the end of my season last year, and I was completey unprepared for it. After being so focused for so long on one goal, I felt lost and confused when I had reached the goal. Although I was very tired of training and glad to be done, I did not know what to do with myself.

I know it sounds silly, I spent all of this time saying...after the race is over, I am going to do X, Y and Z, but I found that X, Y and Z did not fill the void. My lack of preparedness in this situation lead to me getting injured

We discuss our training and our recovery, and we plan, plan, plan, but it does not seem that anybody ever prepares for this, partly because nobody talks about it.

This year, although my season has not been focused on one big race, I am anticipating experiencing some form "discomfort" at the end. So my DH and I are already planning a smooth transition into a healthy and productive off season.

We are planning a camping weekend and a local kayak trip. We are going to start doing some hiking right away. Maybe a weeknd for foliage and wine. Although I will be out of the loop with my biking friends, I am ready this time to do what is right for me and my body.

I also plan to spend some time in the off season hitting the gym and really doing the rehab that needs to get done for my knee.

So ladies, newbies, and anybody else chasing goals, are you ready for a healthy end to your season or post race period?