Has anyone else destroyed their lives over running?

I will only say this, and I’ve posted on this subject often, there is nothing wrong with earnestly and single-handedly pursuing one maniacal pursuit that you are passionate about, like running. However, you have to have a backup plan.

My recommendation always has been to spend high school, undergraduate, and a couple years post grad totally going for it. Run high mileage as a prep, even higher as an undergrad, and then peak volume as a post grad for a couple years maybe trying to make an Olympic team or turn “pro” or just try to get as fast as possible.

BUT, and this is a big but, know that you have to have an off ramp. Very few of you are going to make an Olympic team or turn pro. Like, <1% of you. Less actually. If it comes and goes and you are 25 years old, it’s time to move on with life. 25 is still very young and ready for a real job or grad school or whatever, but it’s also old enough to know better.

By all means, run 75-80 mpw in high school, run 100-110 in college, and run 120+ after college for a few years. Best, most flexible time in life to do it. But do NOT become that 29-year old runner still “pursuing the dream” with very little to show for it, no meaningful education, and no resume to speak of. Do not become that person. 25ish is the age to “grow up.” Can still run, lift, play tennis, whatever but leave the grind in the rear view mirror. Unless you are elite and a pro and an Olympian.

You’ll thank me for it later.