Post Race Depression: Why You Feel Empty After A Big Race (and How to Fix It)

You’ve trained for months, pushed your limits, and crossed the finish line. So why do you feel… empty?

If you’ve ever felt lost, unmotivated, or down after a big race, you’re not alone. This post-race crash — what I call the emotional hangover — is one of the most common and least talked about experiences in running.

In this video, I’ll explain why the post-race blues happen and share practical strategies I use with athletes and clients to rebuild motivation, purpose, and joy after competition.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why post-race depression and loss of motivation are normal
✅ How your brain chemistry and identity shift after a race
✅ How to use journaling, reflection, and recovery routines to reset
✅ Why reconnecting to your “why” is the key to long-term joy in running
✅ How to create a post-race routine that rebuilds structure and purpose
✅ When to seek community and professional support

Whether you just finished your first 5K or a marathon, this episode will help you find balance, rebuild your purpose, and remember why you love running.

About Me
I’m Brant Stachel — former National Team Running Coach, Registered Psychotherapist, and Mental Performance Coach.

Want to Work with Me

🏃‍♂️ Run Coaching: TeamRunRun.com/coach/brant-stachel-kingston-ontario-running-coach

🧠 Mental Performance Coaching: https://calendly.com/cepadminteam/15-...

I’ve helped athletes from high school to the Olympics not just perform their best — but think, feel, and recover like high performers.
If you value smart, honest, and nonsense-free advice about training and mindset, subscribe and join the Fast and Free community.

00:00 Why You Feel Empty After a Big Race
00:40 The Emotional Hangover Explained
01:30 What’s Actually Happening to Your Body and Mind
03:20 Common Signs of Post-Race Blues
04:07 Step 1 – Active Recovery for Body and Mind
04:50 Step 2 – Rediscover Your Why
06:11 Step 3 – Build a Reset Routine
06:30 Step 4 – Reconnect With Your Community
08:35 Redefining Success and Long-Term Growth
09:55 Turning the Dip Into Growth
10:23 Final Thoughts – Reconnect, Reflect, Rebuild

#RunningCoach #MentalPerformance #PostRaceBlues #MarathonTraining #RunnerMotivation #FastAndFree #BrantStachel #RunningMindset