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.
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?
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?
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 make a great point. I figured out in college that I wasn't going to raise a family on a couple hundred bucks here and there and occasional free shoes. Other people continue to chase the dream at the point I called it quits. That said, I reached a time in life, and I think we all do, when for whatever reason, you lose friends, your marriage struggles, your health tanks, work is hell, and you start thinking that your buddy that killed himself might have been onto something. It's good that you have the insight. Blaming running, or whatever else doesn't fix things. Sometimes you need to hit your 'reset' button - and that's ok. It opens new doors. Go ahead and open them. You'll be glad you did. Running is a lifetime sport. It will always be there, even if it's just a few easy miles to relax a few times a week. Family, friends, spouses and even careers die. Running never has to. Good luck going forward, and yes, there's life after running.
I don't think it's running per se, but an obsession with anything can be ruinous. I wouldn't say running ruined my life, but it did harm my health. It was my obsession in high school and college, and I ran through a bunch of pretty significant injuries for a few years. Now I'm 40, and I've had surgery on my back, hips, knee and ankles, mostly right after college, and mostly due to running. I've tried coming back to it a few times but always get injured. It hasn't ruined my life, but it has definitely reduced my quality of life. I wish I had been smart and rested when needed or even switch to another sport that was less hard on my body.
I have been a "die hard" running fanatic all of my life. My college coach said that I came alive only when the subject was running. I have had great training buddies and met many many very long time friends through running. (I was able to have a very satisfactory career in the business world aside from running. That is over.) I have been to 6 Olympics and 2 World Track and Field Championships and greatly enjoyed them while meeting people and seeing some of the world. Dot no take your running so seriously. Concetrate on enjoying it and realize that what will be will be. If you can not then turn to something that does give you satisfaction. You are young. Decide what will make you happy and do it. I am still enjoying being wrapped up in distance running at age 68 and am training to complete another marathon. It is very helthful and fun. I am in no hurry.
Yes, running, or more accurately, the overly zealous pursuit of it, fvcked up my life. Badly. I’ve long since forgiven myself for it and moved on. I haven’t run in 20 years now. Even if I was healthy again, I would not return to it. I do not recommend the running lifestyle. I remain a fan of track and field as a sport.
I have been a "die hard" running fanatic all of my life. My college coach said that I came alive only when the subject was running. I have had great training buddies and met many many very long time friends through running. (I was able to have a very satisfactory career in the business world aside from running. That is over.) I have been to 6 Olympics and 2 World Track and Field Championships and greatly enjoyed them while meeting people and seeing some of the world. Dot no take your running so seriously. Concetrate on enjoying it and realize that what will be will be. If you can not then turn to something that does give you satisfaction. You are young. Decide what will make you happy and do it. I am still enjoying being wrapped up in distance running at age 68 and am training to complete another marathon. It is very helthful and fun. I am in no hurry.
I thought I could get into the Naval Academy based on running. My cousin got in and he was all-state in lacrosse. He was also a 4.0 student and connected politically. I was a 3.6 and not connected. Should have hit the books more and been a hobby jogger.
Yes a little bit but I still achieved greatness despite the problems and missed opportunities. Running helped in some ways and hindered in others. But I never took it too seriously, which in hindsight actually helped a lot. I've seen guys who took it too seriously regret it later. Balance is key, train hard and smart, but also enjoy life.
I know it's too late to tell you this now, but no one thing should ever be that important in your life.
Not your job, not running, not any hobby, not any woman.
Luckily you're only 35, you can still get things back together. Just try to practice some moderation.
I struggle with depression and it's always so nice to see someone say "Luckily you're only 35" and stuff like that. I'm 21 so 35 feels super old, but older people putting it into perspective for a 35 year old also helps me realize that I've still got plenty of time before I'm even 35.
I thought I could get into the Naval Academy based on running. My cousin got in and he was all-state in lacrosse. He was also a 4.0 student and connected politically. I was a 3.6 and not connected. Should have hit the books more and been a hobby jogger.
Is Naval Academy prestigious in the USA?
Over here army recruits get paid the minimum wage. I am sure it's the same in the Royal Navy.
I remember going to a recruitment fair years ago with a first class degree in physics and the guy wasn't very enthusiastic. In fact I think high achievers sometimes irritate recruiters. UK sucks basically. Maybe time to emigrate.
I am truly amazed at how the quality of posts have changed over a 19 year period. There was lots of thoughtful discussion and responses were actually formed in paragraphs and addressed appropriately to individuals. It is interesting to see how society has moved into fragmented pieces of information over a two decade span.
No way. There's a handful in the entire country and they all don't live in your area.
I live in the UK and there's plenty of men in their 40s and 50s running 16 or faster. They have careers and money to spend.
Why was my post downvoted? Jealousy? I can link you many races where there are scores of men in their 40s and 50s running 16 minutes. Like I said, they have money to spend on their hobbies and some take it very seriously.
I have been a "die hard" running fanatic all of my life. My college coach said that I came alive only when the subject was running. I have had great training buddies and met many many very long time friends through running. (I was able to have a very satisfactory career in the business world aside from running. That is over.) I have been to 6 Olympics and 2 World Track and Field Championships and greatly enjoyed them while meeting people and seeing some of the world. Dot no take your running so seriously. Concetrate on enjoying it and realize that what will be will be. If you can not then turn to something that does give you satisfaction. You are young. Decide what will make you happy and do it. I am still enjoying being wrapped up in distance running at age 68 and am training to complete another marathon. It is very helthful and fun. I am in no hurry.
Sad.
If you had known Orville you'd have a different opinion.
I have a bitter sweet story. I ran for 5 years from age 18 and had good success but I became obsessed. I had a serious injury and had to stop. My mental health dropped and I had a very bad mental breakdown and did something stupid that put me in prison.. I've since made a comeback and I'm back running but I'm doing it all sensible now. My mental health is the best it's ever been but I often wonder if I was never as obsessed would I have reacted the way I did when I couldn't run?
I am truly amazed at how the quality of posts have changed over a 19 year period. There was lots of thoughtful discussion and responses were actually formed in paragraphs and addressed appropriately to individuals. It is interesting to see how society has moved into fragmented pieces of information over a two decade span.
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