Lakeside_runner Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 So, I just have to vent this... I did a couple of races recently... a marathon, a 1/2-marathon, an olympic-distance tri etc. All of them just fantastic things!!! The thing is - I used to enjoy crossing the finish line with all those people cheering etc. Well, yeah, it's still fun but then I'm left alone... Most of the people have significant others or families waiting for them. It just makes me feel kinda lonely... It's like - "OK, the race is over. Now, let's go home. I've another race next week...". I'm not desperate or anything. I enjoy doing what I'm doing, enjoy the hard training and the fact that it pays off in the races. Ughhh... one day...
You'reasian Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 So, I just have to vent this... I did a couple of races recently... a marathon, a 1/2-marathon, an olympic-distance tri etc. All of them just fantastic things!!! The thing is - I used to enjoy crossing the finish line with all those people cheering etc. Well, yeah, it's still fun but then I'm left alone... Most of the people have significant others or families waiting for them. It just makes me feel kinda lonely... It's like - "OK, the race is over. Now, let's go home. I've another race next week...". I'm not desperate or anything. I enjoy doing what I'm doing, enjoy the hard training and the fact that it pays off in the races. Ughhh... one day... You're training for you. Its you who gets out there it puts the mileage on the pavement, hits up the oceans/lakes and rolls out the cycle. Better if you've got training buddies, but its your hobbie; not anyone elses, right? On the bright side, your not the comic book guy.
Author Lakeside_runner Posted July 13, 2010 Author Posted July 13, 2010 Yeah - I know, I'm totally doing that for me. It's what I do. I'm not one of these people who do one race in their life just for the experience of it. I race on a regular basis, have my goals that I want to achieve and that's it. I have a bunch of training buddies, run with a running group etc. (fantastic thing for meeting girls with similar interests btw.). It's just - I don't have ANY FAMILY on this continent and I feel like these moments remind me of it... Also, anything above 20 miles is kind of a toll on your body/mind so that may also potentiate the feeling of lack of something in life.
You'reasian Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 Yeah - I know, I'm totally doing that for me. It's what I do. I'm not one of these people who do one race in their life just for the experience of it. I race on a regular basis, have my goals that I want to achieve and that's it. I have a bunch of training buddies, run with a running group etc. (fantastic thing for meeting girls with similar interests btw.). It's just - I don't have ANY FAMILY on this continent and I feel like these moments remind me of it... Sorry that you don't have family on the continent but it sounds like you've got a good group to train with and they provide some support from a group sense. Also, anything above 20 miles is kind of a toll on your body/mind so that may also potentiate the feeling of lack of something in life. To the contrary, exercise or group exercise is a wonderful thing. Stick to it. You are the only one who can make you happy. Once you've done that, the right person will eventually come along.
stuck with eharmony Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 I am in your same boat. I've run half marathons and marathons and all sorts of other road races, but never a tri, so props to you for that. But yes I know how you feel, finishing feels great but having someone to go home with like a significant other would be great. The first responder was 100 percent correct, you train and race for you and nobody else. If it ever gets to a point where the loneliness and not having someone is worse than the greatness and excitement of finishing a big race then it may be time to consider cutting back on the training or end it all together. I love running also, but I am at a point where being really skinny from all the training doesn't help me find a significant other. As a result I am dropping running for the time being and seeing how that turns out. I'm not sure what your position is or how much you dedicate to training but just know that you are not alone. Train well, race well and good luck.
Author Lakeside_runner Posted July 13, 2010 Author Posted July 13, 2010 (edited) It's not that I am not happy. In fact - my life has never been so good before! I've never been in better shape than now. I'm done with grad school and got a fantastic job etc. I'm a really happy and positive person It's just this one post-race moment Endurance racing is all about testing your own limits and who you really are Edited July 13, 2010 by Lakeside_runner
Recommended Posts