still feel tired and crappy after nearly 3 weeks... is this normal??

the marathon was almost 3 weeks ago and i still feel unbelievably tired and lethargic.  I have done little in the way of exercise since (2 x 3 mile runs) because ive just felt too tired to and struggled on these runs.  ive also not eaten brilliant, but i cant get past this tiredness and general zero energy feeling.

i cant shake it off.  is this still marathon recovery?  i feel like all my training is slowly going out the window but i just cant get my arse out the door to run - i actually dread it!

can anyone advise me if i am normal and if this is a physical effect of the marathon or just a psychological 'come down' from the excitement and build up

i also have an op booked for 1 and a half weeks time on my knee which isn't helping although this problem doesn't effect my running, just causes pain after

advice greatly appreciated

I'm putting much of my lethargy down to my job, but it could be something else.

After my first marathon, I gave up for 6 years as I had achieved my goal so had nothing specific to run for.   Now, I manage to lurch from one marathon to the next as I try to ensure I have a goal of some sort in mind.   Moreover, as I have been pounding the streets of Kent for the last 20-something years, most of the races I enter are usually part run, part social event.   I'd love to be able to run faster (and I still believe there's a sub 4 marathon in me if I can get the training and conditions right), but if I can help others to achieve their goals, that gives me pleasure, too.

That's sounds a bit waffly, but what I am really getting at is this: set yourself a new goal, and start working towards that.

I'm putting much of my lethargy down to my job, but it could be something else.

After my first marathon, I gave up for 6 years as I had achieved my goal so had nothing specific to run for.   Now, I manage to lurch from one marathon to the next as I try to ensure I have a goal of some sort in mind.   Moreover, as I have been pounding the streets of Kent for the last 20-something years, most of the races I enter are usually part run, part social event.   I'd love to be able to run faster (and I still believe there's a sub 4 marathon in me if I can get the training and conditions right), but if I can help others to achieve their goals, that gives me pleasure, too.

That's sounds a bit waffly, but what I am really getting at is this: set yourself a new goal, and start working towards that.

I'm putting much of my lethargy down to my job, but it could be something else.

After my first marathon, I gave up for 6 years as I had achieved my goal so had nothing specific to run for.   Now, I manage to lurch from one marathon to the next as I try to ensure I have a goal of some sort in mind.   Moreover, as I have been pounding the streets of Kent for the last 20-something years, most of the races I enter are usually part run, part social event.   I'd love to be able to run faster (and I still believe there's a sub 4 marathon in me if I can get the training and conditions right), but if I can help others to achieve their goals, that gives me pleasure, too.

That's sounds a bit waffly, but what I am really getting at is this: set yourself a new goal, and start working towards that.

I've been the same - Infact I've only been out once since the marathon.  I have had a few medical issues I've had to deal with that I put on hold until after the Marathon, but like you, have no motivation to get back out there.  I'm going to try and look into a local half or something, or I can definitely see myself letting the whole running thing slide.  It would be such a shame to loose the fitness and weight loss I've achieved.  Hope you get your mojo back soon. xxx

Ditto, have been feeling rather lethagic since the marathon and haven't done any running as such (did a 3 miler on Friday) although I have been doing a lot of walking.  Just got back from a short holiday, so will try and get into the swing of things again, that's if I can stay awake long enough!

If you have a knee problem, I'm sure that's rlated but I suspect most of the problem is psychological. I've not stopped training yet as I have another marathon on Sunday (booked before the opportunity to run London came up)

I anticipated the post mara blues for next week so I've already signed up for a half in September and, have already worked out a training plan and I'm looking for something "different" to run late June/early July just to keep the momentum going. Mersea Island on June 24 maybe??

I guess I'm saying the same as Sir CDC, you set yourselves a target and hit it, so set another target!

Good luck with the op

Blueski - the North Downs 30k (Gravesend) on June 24th is really good.  All cross country and very hilly but good for a challenge that's a bit different and really well organised/run.  Ran half of it with Sir CDC last year, my clubmate training for an ultra is joining me too this year.

You've done enough running for one year, get a kettlebell 

Gravesend, eh? Not too far away and I could drop 'er indoors at Bluewater on the way passed. I can feel a cunning plan developing

Only ever run a 20 miler during marathon training and cross country might be even more fun

Two options on the list. Thanks Claire

I was feeling the same tried a couple of short runs and struggled so decided to take on a challenge and ran a half marathon race this morning and did it in a new pb of 1h 49m. Not bad after struggling in the London marathon to 4h 15m. So definitely recommend entering another race.

I have had a torrid three weeks since the marathon.  Only last night I managed 4.5 miles and felt so much better afterwards.  I feel that I have now turned the corner.  I was so lethargic and tired and wondering if there was something seriously wrong with me.  

Hang in there, it will come back.  Good luck.

I've felt exactly the same, have been eating chcoclate, fried breakfasts and assorted rubbish for the last few weeks. Had a bit of a shocker on the day and all felt like an anti climax.

Decided I needed a new target, so booked the Dartford Half Marathon in July. Have been out for a few 3 milers. Just done a 5 mile today and feel like I'm getting some interest back. Tried to go steady all round but found I was chomping at the bit by 3 1/2 miles.

You'll be back at it soon. Enjoy!

Ran my 2nd marathon in 3 weeks today, and got a PB

Post marathon blues start tomorrow. I won't run for a while. I don't think I can

I did a 6 mile charity run today.  Legged it to the finish and promptly threw up but at least I didn't stop.

Blueski...which one did you do ??  Was it Halstead ? I ran my 3rd marathon in 4 weeks on Saturday and it was tough on the old leggies. Bit of a break now for a few weeks with some TLC for my poor old quads. 

Did a 7 miler today and it was the first run since Brighton where I actually felt pretty good.  Had to abort a 10k cross country run yesterday at 5k as I just felt entirely wrong and thought pushing on when loping around in the woods with very few other people about would have been somewhat foolish (this may have been due to the 2 nights spent drinking beforehand...)

It was Halstead (or Halstead Hot Hills I'm now going to call it, coz it's always hot and those hiiiiilllllllls are a killer). My quads are still screaming at me today. Time for a rest.

3 in 4 weeks? Your'e barking mad, but you already knew that!

I'm going to run another oen this year. Not sure which one yet

NEW YORK for me

Rutland Water anyone?