I Recovered from My Latest Marathon by Running a Spartan Race

The obstacle course taught me to accept failure

After finishing a marathon, I ran a Spartan 10K race six days later. All photos by author

I just ran my twelfth marathon. You’d think I’d be overjoyed — especially as I beat my prior year’s time — but instead, I’m feeling a bit blue. Call it a runner’s low, if you will.

For me, the steps past the finish line are always the hardest. After training for four straight months and logging 750 miles, I now start my day without a scheduled workout or a looming race to motivate me. I relive the marathon in my head, regretting my stumbles and comparing myself to other runners. It’s an emotional arc that comes with reaching a hard-earned goal and then finding myself suddenly adrift.

As someone who’s strived his entire life, I struggle with “goallessness.” Embodying the work ethic of my immigrant parents, I find sitting still akin to falling behind. This anxiety compels me to keep reaching for that brass ring. It’s why I love running: there’s always a fresh time, distance, or goal to pursue.

But as my increasingly achy mind and body remind me, I can’t sustain this pace forever. As I age, recovery becomes ever more important. Acknowledging this truth, I recently retired from the corporate ranks, capping a grueling marathon of a career. With my newfound time, I focus on giving back…