The Best Way To Cope Is…

Some of you asked how I felt the days after the Ironman. I am not sure why, but I had absolutely no soreness or muscle fatigue. I actually felt better than after completing a stand alone marathon. I also did not feel especially tired. Weird. Maybe today I am going to collapse and spend the next week in bed.

That said, I have been warned about something called PIDS: Post Ironman Depression Syndrome. I can completely see how people fall into a slump after training for months towards this goal and achieving it. There is a let down, a feeling of - what now?

Of course PIDS is a First World Problem, right up there with leaving the remote control on the other side of the room or forgetting to bring your phone in with you when you go poop and being bored out of your mind the whole time.

Here is what I’ve been doing all week to cope with PIDS:

Riding an Ironman high. I try to weave it into every conversation. When my daughter complained about riding her bike one mile (downhill, mind you) to school I told her, “Oh, excuse me. Do you remember what I did last weekend? Yeah, that was 140.6 miles. I think you can handle it.” I start every phone message with, “Hello, it’s the Ironman calling.” I know my friends will want to punch me in the labia by the end of the month.

Looking at my body and seeing veins I did not know existed. I had my vitamin D levels checked on Friday and the blood lady got a boner.

Being distracted. I backed up into a parked car on my street today. I just crashed right into a parked car. Ken just sat there shaking his head. The lady I hit was quite annoyed and it didn’t help when I told her I was an Ironman.

Trying to find my name on this shirt that I got in the mail:

And, I did!

Running a 10K. Ken and I did the Turkey Trot on Saturday. I know I’m not exactly supposed to run yet, but PT Bob said I could do it if I took it easy. Right after, I went to a brunch with friends and forgot to bring a change of clothes. I stunk and was quite underdressed, but they were nice about it.

Using the leaf blower because I like to blow things.

Enjoying a leisurely bike ride with a bit of climbing (Rabbit Mountain).

Getting pissed off when I realized my bike came back from Tri Bike Transport with my derailleur bent. Still trying to figure out if they will compensate me for the damage.

Eating. I asked Ken to get clearance Halloween candy. Twix and Baby Ruths. I like Baby Ruths the best because you can put them in hot tubs, pools, and people’s beds and make them think it is a turd. They are my favorite edible weapon. Heidi, did you do that? Bad dog.

Trying to figure out when I can start training for another race (Ironman?) and regretting I did not sign up for the Boulder IM in August 2014. It is now sold out, and when registration opened a few months ago there was no way I was going to sign up.  It would be kind of like being pregnant with your first child and trying to get pregnant with your second child, or something like that. I mean, who even knows if you are going to like your first child enough to have another one?

Celebrating with friends. Sharpie pulled my friends and family together for a celebration. I might have done a shot of tequila and gotten up and danced with my medal when they sang me the birthday song (I don't know if there is an Ironman song, so Sharpie just told them it was my birthday). I think that candle almost lit my crotch on fire.

I think these are all very good coping mechanisms for PIDS, don’t you?

Have you had a let down after achieving a major goal like a marathon, half marathon, etc.?

What’s your first world problem of the week?

SUAR