Scott Cornish nurses a mid 'stage race hangover', the symptoms of which are similar to the marathon hangover
Hangovers are unpleasant affairs, usually laced with some kind of regret and characterised by pain in many and varied parts of your body. In my experience, most hard marathon races involve a similar feeling – although it can actually last longer, even extending up to a few days.
Having just completed my first marathon in about ten weeks, I can say that it certainly took its toll. Thankfully, I was allowed a period of grace. There is a certain ebb and flow to the marathon hangover, not unlike during the actual races themselves. Once at the finish line on Sunday I was readily able to compose myself for some light banter and a congratulatory chat with the winner. I still had a spring in my step for the next few hours – exercise endorphins are wonderful things.
As we headed north, driving home, the hangover started to kick in. The first signs are a tired hunger, which is difficult to satiate. You typically don’t want anything sweet, or a banana or anything similar – but that may be all you have. I hunted down a pizza, who’s salt levels (known as a key contributor to the ‘pizza hangover’) would end up combining with the marathon hangover. When I was able to pull myself out of bed on Monday, I didn’t feel too terrible. This can often be the case, as I never sleep well after a big marathon. So getting out of bed is almost a relief.
Sometime around 1pm I was on a fast downhill again, as the Hangover kicked hard. My body ached. I could not focus on menial tasks or think clearly. I short, my body and head were rebelling against the torture I had put them through the day before. It was my time to pay.
One would think that I would listen, and let my body get on with the job of repairing itself. In a perfect world, this would be allowed. Having to work 9-5, or 8-6, doesn’t allow for such luxuries. Thankfully there is a short term solution: caffeine. I am know to self medicate with caffeine and cake to pick myself up again. It is a dangerous mix that should not be sustained for too long. And it is with an element of shame that I can admit a fresh carrot cake barely survived 24 hours earlier this week.
Medicinal Machiattos
Tuesday was still grim, but somewhat better than Monday. Until the mid-afternoon hit and it was time for coffee and cake again. The script was written and the cafe next to work was able to fill it with a machiatto and caramel slice. The massive spike in blood sugar was enough to get me through the rest of the day and take my mind off the aches and pains.
Wednesday dawned and I was comfortable just lying in bed. Normally I would get out on the bike for a bunch ride before work, but not this morning. I was sleeping well, and happy to continue to do so. And so at work I looked through the window seeing the warm sun beating down and I felt cheated. I should have gone riding! It’s a dilemma, as I needed the sleep, but the time that took could have been spent on the bike.
So my hangover is gone. My bike has been cleaned, and the next few days of training sketched out in my mind. With a clear head and clear legs I’m ready and motivated to start my season proper. Sunday proved that I’ve got a green light – and today proved that I’m hungry enough to want to ride my bike. That hunger should just steer clear of caramel slices!