Post Race Blues
Top three ways to help every athlete
Picture this: You spent months training for your big race. Bed by 9 pm, up by 5 am, dialling in your nutrition, weekly check-ins with your coach, analysing running data, regular strength sessions and declining social engagements were just the start. You were wholly committed and entirely in.
Then, 3,2,1 you're off.
In the blink of an eye, you've crossed the finish line.
Regardless of your results, you may begin to feel a loss of purpose. After all, the tireless effort you've invested, both physically and mentally, has culminated. The highs were out of this world. Yet, there's a very real possibility that some serious lows are following closely behind.
So, how do we tackle post-competition blues? Unfortunately, there's no universal solution. Our responses to life's ups and downs vary widely, and we all have unique ways of finding happiness. Nonetheless, a few strategies have proved helpful for both my clients and myself.
These are my top three ways to help combat those post-race blues:
- Have another race in the calendar: Bouncing from one challenging event to another is a risky situation, so I certainly don't recommend signing up for a race too quickly. But sometimes, a tangible goal is enough. Even if it's 12 months away, having an event to look forward to will create a newfound sense of meaning while providing you with plenty of time to rest.
- Find joy: This means exactly that! Have fun. Remove yourself from your previous training routine and enjoy a new sport or activity. However, if the last thing you want to do is to pull yourself from your current training circles, then become a pacer! People will love that you are still showing up to the group sessions and are willing to help.
- Avoid making rash decisions. This is more likely to occur when a race has not gone to plan. You should never sign up for a competition out of spite, guilt or punishment based on your previous result. Remember, you’re in this for the long run, and every outcome is an opportunity. Embrace your results and learn from them. Allow your body and mind the time they need to recover.
Please know you're not alone if you cannot shake those post-race blues. It's an exceptionally common experience and completely normal. Don't hesitate to open up to your friends and InnerFight coach. They will support you and help you get back on track. I promise that your love for the run will return.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
GYMNASTICS
This week is working on or developing our Butterfly pull-ups / Chest To Bar while continuing to work on our Hand Stand Push Ups!
PURE STRENGTH
Monday: We test our 1RM strict press & finish off with some upper body pulling strength + accessories
Wednesday: We test our 3RM squat (front or back) followed by lots of hamstring & knee health work
WEIGHTLIFTING
Split Jerk Doubles
Into
2 High Hang into
1 Squat Cleans
Then % clean and jerks to finish off the session
Track Tuesday
1 lap of the track run many times! Simplicity is this weeks aim as we work on lactate tolerance.
Start time: 05:59am
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday ride
This week is back to hard work! Some 2 min efforts into one longer harder effort! Will need some fuel for this one.
Start time: 05:59am
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
This weeks session is a expressive tempo session, starting with 2 builds to dial in your effort and find what tempo feel like for that day. We then finish with a 5 minute hard effort where you can see what is left in the tank.
Start time: 05:59
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumierah Beach Track
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Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Easy and Strength
Our Monday session starts with a very easy 20-30 mins recovery run. This is a great chance to flush your legs out post weekend training, and ease yourself into the new week.
We will then spend 30 mins in the gym, to help you run strong. The rep scheme is on it's way back up; can you hold the same weights as last week?
Tuesday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This is a speed session with the wider InnerFight Endurance community & coaches to help you run fast. This week we are running 400m repeats.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Intervals
This week we will be running the entire loop of the "LRC Track" (1.3km) at an 8/10. You get some rest before repeat this rep scheme 3-4 times.
Friday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Some Tempo holds for you this week at The Coffee Run, followed by a 5 mins best effort. No Weakness.
*Track Tuesday and Coffee Run will host male and female runners
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We are kicking the week off with heavy back squats and then into a high-skill wall ball and gymnastic workout. On Tuesday, we are testing heavy split jerks again, now down to singles. Wednesday has Turkish get-ups and a tough EMOM, including sleds, wall sits, and mixed kettlebell carries. Thursday, we focus on some heavy weightlifting in snatches and then into a quarterfinals repeat from 2023. Friday is going to be big—some CrossFit Semi-Final action!
Monday:
Strength:
Back Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
3 Rounds
20 Wall Balls 9/6kg
10 Toes To Bar
2 rounds:
20 Wall Balls
10 Chest To Bar
1 round:
20 Wall Balls
10 Bar Muscle Ups
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) BTN Split Jerks
B) Split Jerk
Conditioning:
4:00 min work : 2:00 minutes rest x 4 sets
30/20/15 Cal Assault Bike
20 Alt. DB Hang C&J
AMRAP Burpee Box Jump w Step Down
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Turkish Get Ups + Hollow Rocks
Conditioning:
Strongman
30s On / 30s Off x 21
1) AMRAP Mixed Carry *
2) KB Goblet Wall Sit
3) Reverse Sled Drag (80/50kg)
RX = 2 x 24/16kg
* Mixed Carry = 1 KB Front Rack + 1 KB Farmer Carry, swap arms every 25ft
Thursday:
Strength:
Snatches
Conditioning:
AMRAP 12 min
8 Left Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Left Arm SA OH Lunges
8 Right Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Right Arm SA OH Lunges
40 Crossovers
RX = 50 /35Lbs RX+ = 60+ / 45+
Friday:
Strength:
Wide Grip Strict Pull Ups
Conditioning:
A CrossFit Semi Final Special - A Therapy for the Books!
Picture this: You spent months training for your big race. Bed by 9 pm, up by 5 am, dialling in your nutrition, weekly check-ins with your coach, analysing running data, regular strength sessions and declining social engagements were just the start. You were wholly committed and entirely in.
Then, 3,2,1 you're off.
In the blink of an eye, you've crossed the finish line.
Regardless of your results, you may begin to feel a loss of purpose. After all, the tireless effort you've invested, both physically and mentally, has culminated. The highs were out of this world. Yet, there's a very real possibility that some serious lows are following closely behind.
So, how do we tackle post-competition blues? Unfortunately, there's no universal solution. Our responses to life's ups and downs vary widely, and we all have unique ways of finding happiness. Nonetheless, a few strategies have proved helpful for both my clients and myself.
These are my top three ways to help combat those post-race blues:
- Have another race in the calendar: Bouncing from one challenging event to another is a risky situation, so I certainly don't recommend signing up for a race too quickly. But sometimes, a tangible goal is enough. Even if it's 12 months away, having an event to look forward to will create a newfound sense of meaning while providing you with plenty of time to rest.
- Find joy: This means exactly that! Have fun. Remove yourself from your previous training routine and enjoy a new sport or activity. However, if the last thing you want to do is to pull yourself from your current training circles, then become a pacer! People will love that you are still showing up to the group sessions and are willing to help.
- Avoid making rash decisions. This is more likely to occur when a race has not gone to plan. You should never sign up for a competition out of spite, guilt or punishment based on your previous result. Remember, you’re in this for the long run, and every outcome is an opportunity. Embrace your results and learn from them. Allow your body and mind the time they need to recover.
Please know you're not alone if you cannot shake those post-race blues. It's an exceptionally common experience and completely normal. Don't hesitate to open up to your friends and InnerFight coach. They will support you and help you get back on track. I promise that your love for the run will return.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Track Tuesday
1 lap of the track run many times! Simplicity is this weeks aim as we work on lactate tolerance.
Start time: 05:59am
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday ride
This week is back to hard work! Some 2 min efforts into one longer harder effort! Will need some fuel for this one.
Start time: 05:59am
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
This weeks session is a expressive tempo session, starting with 2 builds to dial in your effort and find what tempo feel like for that day. We then finish with a 5 minute hard effort where you can see what is left in the tank.
Start time: 05:59
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumierah Beach Track
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Easy and Strength
Our Monday session starts with a very easy 20-30 mins recovery run. This is a great chance to flush your legs out post weekend training, and ease yourself into the new week.
We will then spend 30 mins in the gym, to help you run strong. The rep scheme is on it's way back up; can you hold the same weights as last week?
Tuesday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This is a speed session with the wider InnerFight Endurance community & coaches to help you run fast. This week we are running 400m repeats.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Intervals
This week we will be running the entire loop of the "LRC Track" (1.3km) at an 8/10. You get some rest before repeat this rep scheme 3-4 times.
Friday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Some Tempo holds for you this week at The Coffee Run, followed by a 5 mins best effort. No Weakness.
*Track Tuesday and Coffee Run will host male and female runners
We are kicking the week off with heavy back squats and then into a high-skill wall ball and gymnastic workout. On Tuesday, we are testing heavy split jerks again, now down to singles. Wednesday has Turkish get-ups and a tough EMOM, including sleds, wall sits, and mixed kettlebell carries. Thursday, we focus on some heavy weightlifting in snatches and then into a quarterfinals repeat from 2023. Friday is going to be big—some CrossFit Semi-Final action!
Monday:
Strength:
Back Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
3 Rounds
20 Wall Balls 9/6kg
10 Toes To Bar
2 rounds:
20 Wall Balls
10 Chest To Bar
1 round:
20 Wall Balls
10 Bar Muscle Ups
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) BTN Split Jerks
B) Split Jerk
Conditioning:
4:00 min work : 2:00 minutes rest x 4 sets
30/20/15 Cal Assault Bike
20 Alt. DB Hang C&J
AMRAP Burpee Box Jump w Step Down
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Turkish Get Ups + Hollow Rocks
Conditioning:
Strongman
30s On / 30s Off x 21
1) AMRAP Mixed Carry *
2) KB Goblet Wall Sit
3) Reverse Sled Drag (80/50kg)
RX = 2 x 24/16kg
* Mixed Carry = 1 KB Front Rack + 1 KB Farmer Carry, swap arms every 25ft
Thursday:
Strength:
Snatches
Conditioning:
AMRAP 12 min
8 Left Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Left Arm SA OH Lunges
8 Right Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Right Arm SA OH Lunges
40 Crossovers
RX = 50 /35Lbs RX+ = 60+ / 45+
Friday:
Strength:
Wide Grip Strict Pull Ups
Conditioning:
A CrossFit Semi Final Special - A Therapy for the Books!
GYMNASTICS
This week is working on or developing our Butterfly pull-ups / Chest To Bar while continuing to work on our Hand Stand Push Ups!
PURE STRENGTH
Monday: We test our 1RM strict press & finish off with some upper body pulling strength + accessories
Wednesday: We test our 3RM squat (front or back) followed by lots of hamstring & knee health work
WEIGHTLIFTING
Split Jerk Doubles
Into
2 High Hang into
1 Squat Cleans
Then % clean and jerks to finish off the session
Picture this: You spent months training for your big race. Bed by 9 pm, up by 5 am, dialling in your nutrition, weekly check-ins with your coach, analysing running data, regular strength sessions and declining social engagements were just the start. You were wholly committed and entirely in.
Then, 3,2,1 you're off.
In the blink of an eye, you've crossed the finish line.
Regardless of your results, you may begin to feel a loss of purpose. After all, the tireless effort you've invested, both physically and mentally, has culminated. The highs were out of this world. Yet, there's a very real possibility that some serious lows are following closely behind.
So, how do we tackle post-competition blues? Unfortunately, there's no universal solution. Our responses to life's ups and downs vary widely, and we all have unique ways of finding happiness. Nonetheless, a few strategies have proved helpful for both my clients and myself.
These are my top three ways to help combat those post-race blues:
- Have another race in the calendar: Bouncing from one challenging event to another is a risky situation, so I certainly don't recommend signing up for a race too quickly. But sometimes, a tangible goal is enough. Even if it's 12 months away, having an event to look forward to will create a newfound sense of meaning while providing you with plenty of time to rest.
- Find joy: This means exactly that! Have fun. Remove yourself from your previous training routine and enjoy a new sport or activity. However, if the last thing you want to do is to pull yourself from your current training circles, then become a pacer! People will love that you are still showing up to the group sessions and are willing to help.
- Avoid making rash decisions. This is more likely to occur when a race has not gone to plan. You should never sign up for a competition out of spite, guilt or punishment based on your previous result. Remember, you’re in this for the long run, and every outcome is an opportunity. Embrace your results and learn from them. Allow your body and mind the time they need to recover.
Please know you're not alone if you cannot shake those post-race blues. It's an exceptionally common experience and completely normal. Don't hesitate to open up to your friends and InnerFight coach. They will support you and help you get back on track. I promise that your love for the run will return.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Easy and Strength
Our Monday session starts with a very easy 20-30 mins recovery run. This is a great chance to flush your legs out post weekend training, and ease yourself into the new week.
We will then spend 30 mins in the gym, to help you run strong. The rep scheme is on it's way back up; can you hold the same weights as last week?
Tuesday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This is a speed session with the wider InnerFight Endurance community & coaches to help you run fast. This week we are running 400m repeats.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Intervals
This week we will be running the entire loop of the "LRC Track" (1.3km) at an 8/10. You get some rest before repeat this rep scheme 3-4 times.
Friday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Some Tempo holds for you this week at The Coffee Run, followed by a 5 mins best effort. No Weakness.
*Track Tuesday and Coffee Run will host male and female runners
We are kicking the week off with heavy back squats and then into a high-skill wall ball and gymnastic workout. On Tuesday, we are testing heavy split jerks again, now down to singles. Wednesday has Turkish get-ups and a tough EMOM, including sleds, wall sits, and mixed kettlebell carries. Thursday, we focus on some heavy weightlifting in snatches and then into a quarterfinals repeat from 2023. Friday is going to be big—some CrossFit Semi-Final action!
Monday:
Strength:
Back Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
3 Rounds
20 Wall Balls 9/6kg
10 Toes To Bar
2 rounds:
20 Wall Balls
10 Chest To Bar
1 round:
20 Wall Balls
10 Bar Muscle Ups
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) BTN Split Jerks
B) Split Jerk
Conditioning:
4:00 min work : 2:00 minutes rest x 4 sets
30/20/15 Cal Assault Bike
20 Alt. DB Hang C&J
AMRAP Burpee Box Jump w Step Down
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Turkish Get Ups + Hollow Rocks
Conditioning:
Strongman
30s On / 30s Off x 21
1) AMRAP Mixed Carry *
2) KB Goblet Wall Sit
3) Reverse Sled Drag (80/50kg)
RX = 2 x 24/16kg
* Mixed Carry = 1 KB Front Rack + 1 KB Farmer Carry, swap arms every 25ft
Thursday:
Strength:
Snatches
Conditioning:
AMRAP 12 min
8 Left Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Left Arm SA OH Lunges
8 Right Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Right Arm SA OH Lunges
40 Crossovers
RX = 50 /35Lbs RX+ = 60+ / 45+
Friday:
Strength:
Wide Grip Strict Pull Ups
Conditioning:
A CrossFit Semi Final Special - A Therapy for the Books!
GYMNASTICS
This week is working on or developing our Butterfly pull-ups / Chest To Bar while continuing to work on our Hand Stand Push Ups!
PURE STRENGTH
Monday: We test our 1RM strict press & finish off with some upper body pulling strength + accessories
Wednesday: We test our 3RM squat (front or back) followed by lots of hamstring & knee health work
WEIGHTLIFTING
Split Jerk Doubles
Into
2 High Hang into
1 Squat Cleans
Then % clean and jerks to finish off the session
Track Tuesday
1 lap of the track run many times! Simplicity is this weeks aim as we work on lactate tolerance.
Start time: 05:59am
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday ride
This week is back to hard work! Some 2 min efforts into one longer harder effort! Will need some fuel for this one.
Start time: 05:59am
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
This weeks session is a expressive tempo session, starting with 2 builds to dial in your effort and find what tempo feel like for that day. We then finish with a 5 minute hard effort where you can see what is left in the tank.
Start time: 05:59
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumierah Beach Track
Picture this: You spent months training for your big race. Bed by 9 pm, up by 5 am, dialling in your nutrition, weekly check-ins with your coach, analysing running data, regular strength sessions and declining social engagements were just the start. You were wholly committed and entirely in.
Then, 3,2,1 you're off.
In the blink of an eye, you've crossed the finish line.
Regardless of your results, you may begin to feel a loss of purpose. After all, the tireless effort you've invested, both physically and mentally, has culminated. The highs were out of this world. Yet, there's a very real possibility that some serious lows are following closely behind.
So, how do we tackle post-competition blues? Unfortunately, there's no universal solution. Our responses to life's ups and downs vary widely, and we all have unique ways of finding happiness. Nonetheless, a few strategies have proved helpful for both my clients and myself.
These are my top three ways to help combat those post-race blues:
- Have another race in the calendar: Bouncing from one challenging event to another is a risky situation, so I certainly don't recommend signing up for a race too quickly. But sometimes, a tangible goal is enough. Even if it's 12 months away, having an event to look forward to will create a newfound sense of meaning while providing you with plenty of time to rest.
- Find joy: This means exactly that! Have fun. Remove yourself from your previous training routine and enjoy a new sport or activity. However, if the last thing you want to do is to pull yourself from your current training circles, then become a pacer! People will love that you are still showing up to the group sessions and are willing to help.
- Avoid making rash decisions. This is more likely to occur when a race has not gone to plan. You should never sign up for a competition out of spite, guilt or punishment based on your previous result. Remember, you’re in this for the long run, and every outcome is an opportunity. Embrace your results and learn from them. Allow your body and mind the time they need to recover.
Please know you're not alone if you cannot shake those post-race blues. It's an exceptionally common experience and completely normal. Don't hesitate to open up to your friends and InnerFight coach. They will support you and help you get back on track. I promise that your love for the run will return.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Picture this: You spent months training for your big race. Bed by 9 pm, up by 5 am, dialling in your nutrition, weekly check-ins with your coach, analysing running data, regular strength sessions and declining social engagements were just the start. You were wholly committed and entirely in.
Then, 3,2,1 you're off.
In the blink of an eye, you've crossed the finish line.
Regardless of your results, you may begin to feel a loss of purpose. After all, the tireless effort you've invested, both physically and mentally, has culminated. The highs were out of this world. Yet, there's a very real possibility that some serious lows are following closely behind.
So, how do we tackle post-competition blues? Unfortunately, there's no universal solution. Our responses to life's ups and downs vary widely, and we all have unique ways of finding happiness. Nonetheless, a few strategies have proved helpful for both my clients and myself.
These are my top three ways to help combat those post-race blues:
- Have another race in the calendar: Bouncing from one challenging event to another is a risky situation, so I certainly don't recommend signing up for a race too quickly. But sometimes, a tangible goal is enough. Even if it's 12 months away, having an event to look forward to will create a newfound sense of meaning while providing you with plenty of time to rest.
- Find joy: This means exactly that! Have fun. Remove yourself from your previous training routine and enjoy a new sport or activity. However, if the last thing you want to do is to pull yourself from your current training circles, then become a pacer! People will love that you are still showing up to the group sessions and are willing to help.
- Avoid making rash decisions. This is more likely to occur when a race has not gone to plan. You should never sign up for a competition out of spite, guilt or punishment based on your previous result. Remember, you’re in this for the long run, and every outcome is an opportunity. Embrace your results and learn from them. Allow your body and mind the time they need to recover.
Please know you're not alone if you cannot shake those post-race blues. It's an exceptionally common experience and completely normal. Don't hesitate to open up to your friends and InnerFight coach. They will support you and help you get back on track. I promise that your love for the run will return.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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