[Editor’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
It’s been just over a month since I finished my first ever 200-plus-mile race at the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. The race took me 117 hours to complete and in spite of adverse weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and damaged feet it was one of the most extraordinary running adventures of my life. In the weeks since the race, my recovery has been steady but slow.
As I have gotten older, particularly when coming off a large event, I have found that the recovery needed takes much longer than when I was younger. Additionally, I have found that my entire central nervous system typically needs a reboot, especially my endocrine system.
In the days since Cocodona, while my legs and feet bounced back within about 10 days, the rest of me took a lot longer to come back. In this recovery phase, I often found myself experiencing brain fog, occasional dizziness, general irritability, and overall fatigue. It was almost like I had a low-grade flu for a month. As I told my wife, Shelly, it was a good thing that we didn’t need to make any major life decisions during this period!
The author working his way along the Coconino Plateau during the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. All photos: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
As is often the case when I finish a big event, many of my friends and family members have asked me what’s next. And, given my current recovery status, I have decided to keep the slate clear until I feel fully back to normal. I don’t think I have suffered any long-term damage, nor do I worry about losing motivation, rather I feel as though I simply need to let the natural flow of recovery run its course. And, at this time, going with the flow is the best thing to do.
Another nice thing about taking an extended recovery period from structured training is that I can deliberately allow my body to settle back into normalcy. I can tell recovery is coming and I am making incremental progress toward being fully recovered. But that process requires focused patience and acceptance, two skills that I believe are essential for success in ultramarathons.
When the time is right, I will know it. At some point my body will return to its normal state and my mind will once again wander over toward what’s next. Until then, the best thing for me to do is to accept my current state, control what I can control, and revel in the accomplishment of finishing Cocodona. Not a bad way to recover!
Bottoms up!
AJW and pacer Bryon Powell, deep into the adventure at the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile.
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona. Picketpost Pils is a classic German style pilsner brewed with ingredients all from Arizona. Crisp and clean, Picketpost Pils is a refreshing summer beer that pairs well with the hot Phoenix summer.
Call for Comments
- Do you find recovery takes longer as you get older?
- Are there any tips and tricks for recovery that you find helpful?
