I don’t get stopped on the streets to sign autographs or to pose for photos. I’m not pestered by phone calls and texts. In fact, my accomplishment barely made the papers. It’s almost like I dreamt that I ran my first ultra two weeks ago.
Don’t you always feel a little of a letdown or at odds after a big race? After the confetti is cleared away and my clothes are washed, I know I do.
A huge weight has been lifted though. I don’t have my nagging training voice inside my head criticizing my workouts or screaming that I should be running.
It feels good to reach a goal but I feel a little sense of what now? I have been stressing for months about Blackfoot. I feel almost guilty not training. I’m a runner who loves races. I should be training. Right? But I admit it’s nice to have all this free time. I’m catching up on projects and starting new ones while I recover and take a short brake.
But I admit I miss the applause.