You've Run a Marathon, So What's Next?

A SnapChat finish

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I'm writing this not to brag or to whine, but instead to reach out to other runners who may be in the situation I find myself in right now.  Just over two weeks ago, I completed my first marathon.  I say first because I do intend to run another, but for the last 17 days I've found myself feeling rather blah about running.

I've run eight times since crossing the finish line on the marathon.  The furthest run to date is just 5.29 miles.  I can't seem to motivate myself to go beyond that point right now.  I have several friends who are planning a 50-mile ultra later this month.  I've been invited to join them, but I have no desire to compete in such an event.

The elusive Disney marathon medal

I have my eyes on other marathons down the road, most specifically the race at Disney World.  Seeing those Mickey Mouse medals has awakened the kid in me.  Plus what better scenery to run through is there than the "Happiest Place on Earth"?  But until that becomes a reality (at least a few years from now) I'll try to find the happiness in running again.  I don't hate doing it, but I do feel different since finishing the marathon.

So if you've felt like this after a big race, how did you cope?  What advice can you give a guy going through a midlife crisis and using running as he way to get through it all?

Butts & Guts

Before the race!

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Just over a month ago I ran my first half marathon. I haven't done any competitive races since then, just my runs around the neighborhood. I recently got an invite from the American Cancer Society to do the Butts and Guts 5K for colon cancer awareness. The flier included the line wear your favorite pair of boxer shorts.

Earlier in the week, I picked up a pair of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle boxers.  I grabbed a TMNT mask from the kids collection and was ready to run.  However, when I arrived at the sign up, there was no one else in boxers.  There were a few female runners there with the boy shorts style underwear, so I chickened out.

I asked one of the race organizers if others would be wearing boxers, and he said probably.  A moment later, I noticed several racers wearing boxer shorts on top of their running shorts.  So, not to be a trend setter, I followed suit and put my boxers on over my shorts.  I felt more comfortable doing this.  I had read about the Undie 500 before, but folks here seemed a bit more conservative.  

We all got medals in our age group

I ran the 5K with a couple of people from work. They're much younger than me, and I actually think this helped me to run faster.  I don't know if this was a true 5K, as I finished in 24:15.  My best is somewhere around 28:00, so I don't know that I really ran it that much faster.  But I could tell I was moving quicker than usual, and while I couldn't keep up with my younger counterparts, I did feel inspired to at least try to.  

That philosophy worked, because I ended up finishing second in my age group and earning a medal.  This is the first time I've got a medal in a race where they weren't awarded to everyone who participates.  Granted, there were only four men in my age group, but I'm still taking it as a victory.  But what really matters is this event was a fundraiser for a great cause and a I had good time doing it.  I like when organizers spice up a usual 5K event.