Why do so many runners end up with Peter Pan syndrome?

Limes wrote:

Lots of reasons in this thread but I think it's a lot simpler: it's because you can do the training and participate on your own. If you have delusions of grandeur over football, soccer, etc. you need to find a high level team that will take you which isn't happening unless you're actually good enough. In other words, it's over after college for 99% of them no matter what they want. Meanwhile the only thing a runner needs to be able to do in order to prolong their career is know how to tie their shoes and hop the fence of the local high school track.

Bouldor bro wrote:

Watching a lot of running influencers it seems like there are a lot of runners in their mid to late twenties who are afraid to admit that their time has passed. So many running influencers seem like they’re using distance running to live an immature lifestyle and prolonged adolescence.

What is it about distance running that attracts these personalities?

Gator bait wrote:

I don't think this happens any more in running than it does in other sports or activities. Think baseball batting cage owners, CrossFit box, dance studio, equestrian barn, gymnastics club, aau basketball coaches, music store owner, community theatre and travel bloggers.

Many people would rather make a modest living on the fringe of their hobby, than make more money in a 'job/career' they are unhappy in.

Bouldor bro wrote:

600yd/600m man wrote:

I don't believe your associates, 2:15 to 2:35 Marathoners are the gents O.P. is discussing. I don't believe O.P. is discussing anyone who works full time or full-time graduate/professional students.

Exactly, a full time career/family man who can run under 2:20 in the marathon has my utmost respect.

I’m talking about the 27 year olds running 2:18 and calling themselves pro runners on Instagram while living off mommy and daddy

beer barf wrote:

Bouldor bro wrote:

Exactly, a full time career/family man who can run under 2:20 in the marathon has my utmost respect.

I’m talking about the 27 year olds running 2:18 and calling themselves pro runners on Instagram while living off mommy and daddy

lol I read this and the first thought that came to my mind was Sage Canaday and Seth James Demoor

Club Runner at Kentucky wrote:

beer barf wrote:

lol I read this and the first thought that came to my mind was Sage Canaday and Seth James Demoor

Sage Canaday at least did ultra trail races at a pretty high level alongside trying to run one last OTQ in the marathon before the pandemic and his health problems. I don't know about Seth James Demoor though.

Bouldor bro wrote:

Watching a lot of running influencers it seems like there are a lot of runners in their mid to late twenties who are afraid to admit that their time has passed. So many running influencers seem like they’re using distance running to live an immature lifestyle and prolonged adolescence.

What is it about distance running that attracts these personalities?

EmployeedDreamChaser wrote:

All the haters in this thread are jealous these guys are out chasing their dreams while they’re stuck in their 8-5 with no goals or aspirations. Stay mad and keep convincing yourself a little more money somehow makes your life better and superior to others. Tell your kids how you got a raise at some BS corporate job and I’ll tell mine I lived my dream with passion and gave it all I got.

Gator bait wrote:

I don't think this happens any more in running than it does in other sports or activities. Think baseball batting cage owners, CrossFit box, dance studio, equestrian barn, gymnastics club, aau basketball coaches, music store owner, community theatre and travel bloggers.

Many people would rather make a modest living on the fringe of their hobby, than make more money in a 'job/career' they are unhappy in.

struggless35435 wrote:

I'll also say that its a culture shock for many to have something so closely tied to their identity suddenly not matter as much. I know I struggled with this post college. When you're in high school and college running is seen as a big deal to your peers, parents, and most people around you. You win awards, get scholarship for college, and have special perks being a D1 athlete. Then you graduate and that's all gone. Its really hard to switch the mentality of running not being the number 1 priority when its all you knew for years.

finn flankenship wrote:

Most of the people that are so bothered by running influencers and people training after college are the ones that are bitter about their own running career. They didn't reached the goals they wanted to in college so anything running related bothers them now cause it reminds them of how they underperformed. When they see people they know having fun and still staying fit, it really bothers them. It bothers them even more when some of these people are able to capitalize off their running in the form of a small contract or developing an additional social base.

YersiniaPestis wrote:

I guess it depends on the level of success you are having but... I think looking back on your 20's having spent them training like hell, racing the circuit in Europe, hitting various meets around the USA, competing vs some truly world class athletes... I can't imagine thinking that is a waste of time.

Now if you are just winning local road races and collecting trophies and gift certificates, you might need to re-evaluate your priorities.

finn flankenship wrote:

Most of the people that are so bothered by running influencers and people training after college are the ones that are bitter about their own running career. They didn't reached the goals they wanted to in college so anything running related bothers them now cause it reminds them of how they underperformed. When they see people they know having fun and still staying fit, it really bothers them. It bothers them even more when some of these people are able to capitalize off their running in the form of a small contract or developing an additional social base.

Bouldor bro wrote:

Watching a lot of running influencers it seems like there are a lot of runners in their mid to late twenties who are afraid to admit that their time has passed. So many running influencers seem like they’re using distance running to live an immature lifestyle and prolonged adolescence.

What is it about distance running that attracts these personalities?