Post race blues

It's almost 4 weeks since I completed the Tahoe 200 Endurance Run - by far the toughest adventure I have been involved in to date.  Before I pushed the button and entered the race I almost backed off because I had heard stories of markers going missing and people getting lost (happened to me) and bears!  But I switched my mind set from a race to a survival course and that made all the difference.  It just set up my head for the challenges I'd face and in the end although it was even tougher than I'd imagined.  But what about the recovery after taking myself so close to the limit? 
Everyone recovers differently but it's important to respect your body and what it has gone through.  Externally the damage is obvious on my feet.  They are still pealing but the sensitivity has gone although there is some tingling which suggests the nerve ends are still repairing.  My organs on the other hand took a pounding but I've no way of knowing the impact based on the pressure they were under.  I know from previous experience that after 24 hours of running your kidneys do suffer which is why you can't take any anti-inflammatory medication.  So giving your whole body a break is vital.
The fatigue continues and will do for at least another month.  I'm constantly tired and have found myself sitting at work in a daze, but it's getting better.
I thought I'd dodged the "post race blues" which happens when you come off the high of completing the event, but they kicked in during the week.  It's psychological and for me if feels like emotionally you have fallen off a cliff.  You just want to be back in the race, be on the mountain summits over looking Lake Tahoe, back with your running pals, filthy from the dust and stinking as you haven't washed since the race started. It's such a special place to be but in reality it's only special because I get to do it once a year or every other year.
One of the ways of beating the post race blues is to have something planned in the future.  Until my hernia operation is over (Wednesday) and I've recovered, I won't be making any definite plans and a race next year will have to fit in with my families plans as we are building a new house.  However I was sent details of a new race last week that has caught my interest.  It's a staged race, 6 marathons in 7 days, and I met with my coach see if this was the right race for me, it is, and to start planning the training schedule.  Obviously it will start very gradually to avoid any complications after the surgery and as I have lost so much muscle, I'll be back on the "diddy weights"!
Having a focus for 2020 has lifted my post race blues and the sooner I'm able to pull on my running shoes, which I've just ordered, the better.  It's frustrating not training but at the same time I know my body and mind need the rest.  Come November I'll enjoy getting back to a regular training programme and can rebuild my body.  I've managed to put on 5 lbs in the last two weeks but that's only taken me to 142 lbs - ideally I want to be 155 lbs but that's not with a "spare tire" around my waist!  I'll let you know how my recovery is going and once I have decided on the 2020 race, I'll give you the details.
Post race blues do happen and if you're at the end of your season and suffering from them then I hope by looking towards your 2020 goals will pick you up.  The winter is almost here and it's a fantastic time to build your base on which to launch your 2020 success.  Grab it with both hands and enjoy it.