LRC note. This thread was started in 2004. We'd love to get an update from the OP. Dmal, if you are still out there, post in the forum or email us robert@letsrun.com.
Oh, you're a hard one But I know that you've got your reasons These things that are pleasin' you Can hurt you somehow -Eagles channeling every troubled boy's mom
Oh, you're a hard one But I know that you've got your reasons These things that are pleasin' you Can hurt you somehow -Eagles channeling every troubled boy's mom
I have been a "die-hard" runner since I was 18 years old. I am now 35. Because of my dependence on running I have lost friends, jobs, a wife, physical health, and mental health. Running used to be a friend. Now, I feel depressed and lonely. Anyone else?
You are still very young and have plenty of time to meet new friends, a potential spouse, and start a family. But, I would definitely dial back the running, maybe even quit for awhile and shift that obsession into other pursuits.
I can relate, and I can remember many occasions where I alienated family to get the miles in because “Quentin Cassidy” was doing it. I got a little lucky, because I got injured around age 24, and I knew it was an injury that was going to change the trajectory of my running. Namely, I was either going to become a duathlete who could only run so many miles, or I was going to shift my attention to other things, including grad school, rock climbing, and lifting, which is what I ended up doing. And I really enjoyed that, because lifting not only gives you more confidence but builds your testosterone and masculinity back up.
My advice to anyone reading this though - train really hard during college and become the best runner you can be. You will never have as flexible of a schedule ever again. If you know you aren’t going to be competitive nationally at 5,000 and 10,000 (meaning you’d better be really good at 1500), go straight to the roads and the marathon. But, as so few people make an Olympic team or “turn pro,” refocus your life after you’ve attempted one cycle. For most people, that’s around age 24-26. That’s the time to leave competitive distance running in the rear view mirror and throttle back to like 20-30 mpw just to stay in shape. “All or nothing” running beyond that age is not healthy, unless you are being paid to do it.
I have been a "die-hard" runner since I was 18 years old. I am now 35. Because of my dependence on running I have lost friends, jobs, a wife, physical health, and mental health. Running used to be a friend. Now, I feel depressed and lonely. Anyone else?
You are still very young and have plenty of time to meet new friends, a potential spouse, and start a family. But, I would definitely dial back the running, maybe even quit for awhile and shift that obsession into other pursuits.
I can relate, and I can remember many occasions where I alienated family to get the miles in because “Quentin Cassidy” was doing it. I got a little lucky, because I got injured around age 24, and I knew it was an injury that was going to change the trajectory of my running. Namely, I was either going to become a duathlete who could only run so many miles, or I was going to shift my attention to other things, including grad school, rock climbing, and lifting, which is what I ended up doing. And I really enjoyed that, because lifting not only gives you more confidence but builds your testosterone and masculinity back up.
My advice to anyone reading this though - train really hard during college and become the best runner you can be. You will never have as flexible of a schedule ever again. If you know you aren’t going to be competitive nationally at 5,000 and 10,000 (meaning you’d better be really good at 1500), go straight to the roads and the marathon. But, as so few people make an Olympic team or “turn pro,” refocus your life after you’ve attempted one cycle. For most people, that’s around age 24-26. That’s the time to leave competitive distance running in the rear view mirror and throttle back to like 20-30 mpw just to stay in shape. “All or nothing” running beyond that age is not healthy, unless you are being paid to do it.
Could potentially be two cycles if you are either lucky enough to be finishing college around age 22 and can make another go at 26. Or, maybe, 23 and 27. And I’m not saying don’t run hard or have goals. But the days of triple digit weeks should be over by the mid to late 20s unless you are a pro or literally have no other hobbies or a desire to have a spouse/family.
I have been a "die-hard" runner since I was 18 years old. I am now 35. Because of my dependence on running I have lost friends, jobs, a wife, physical health, and mental health. Running used to be a friend. Now, I feel depressed and lonely. Anyone else?
You are still very young and have plenty of time to meet new friends, a potential spouse, and start a family.
He's now 54, that ship has sailed and is now resting at the bottom of the sea next to the Titanic and the remains of that submarine that went to look at it.
For the rest of you, let this be a lesson. Look at dates before replying on a thread. And quit doing things that are ruining your life, whether it be running or otherwise.
You are still very young and have plenty of time to meet new friends, a potential spouse, and start a family.
He's now 54, that ship has sailed and is now resting at the bottom of the sea next to the Titanic and the remains of that submarine that went to look at it.
For the rest of you, let this be a lesson. Look at dates before replying on a thread. And quit doing things that are ruining your life, whether it be running or otherwise.
Lol, yes, good job. But my point is still instructive for anyone in the same boat. If you are 30 and still “chasing the dream” to the detriment of everything else in your life, it’s time to reevaluate.
Well this is an almost welcome change, from the usual "Running saved my life," "If it werent for running I'd be in the gutter..." sort of RunnersWorld stories. Not the "positive addiction" spins of the Seventies andEighties, and the transcendental/meditational trips of the long-hair long distance gurus!
Ive been through most of the phases and bumps of the running thing since the Sixties, and this turnabout comment is almost refreshing to me: running as disruptive and divisive in relationships, marriages, parenting, home and job responsibilities! Lol! About time its revealed to be the iniquitous pastime that it is! God knows theres been many a battle in my house over resonsibilities, social engagements, and time usage. But let me just say thanks for the slant on our selfish/hedonistic/primitive urges, and tell you I fall on the side of the matter that says, unequivocally, yay for running, loved every minute of it, wouldnt change a thing--except maybe that overpronating foot strike! -1My life would have been far duller and crappier than it was without it!
The OP is from 19 years ago. Dmal, it would be great to get an update from you now if you are on here. You are 54 now. How have the last 20 years treated you? How much do you still run?
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