I've never really liked running.  I did it because I was good at it. Anyone else the same

Lame af

My son ran 4:15/9:10 in HS. He hated it. He doesn't run in college.

These types usually quit the day of their last college competition and have gained 20 pounds by the end of the summer while smoking cigarettes.

Why is it lame? I guarantee I ran faster than you did - Sub 4. I just never really liked it. Is it that strange?

0/10

My son hasn't run since the state meet 2 years ago.

I can relate. I too ran in college and still run because I am fairly good at it for my age and I am competitive and disciplined. But, I’ve never liked running per se, as it is an unskilled and largely self indulgent thing. I’d much rather focus more on precision shooting or jiu jitsu, but I am naturally much better at running and I don’t need other people or tons of disposable income to do it.

Of course you can feel however you like. However, I have never understood how someone can be really good at something (and you definitely are if you ran sub 4:00) and for some reason not want to do it. I mean, I tell my athletes that if they’re really really lucky in life they have maybe two things they’re better at than most people. In most everything else we’re muddling through just to be average. They owe it to themselves to pursue what they excel at.

Think about it this way. It’s possible that most people are not as good at anything in life as you are at running. This doesn’t mean you need to run 80 miles a week. But I would argue that you owe it to yourself to do it regularly for as long as you can, and maybe teach others.

I enjoyed running and maintaining fitness more so than winning. However, the idea of winning was the part most difficult to move on from. Running still makes me feel good and there is virtue attained through hard work.

Here's the thing. I didn't half ass it, when I did it. I was very committed to the sport when I competed. I regularly ran 100 mile weeks. I trained hard, rested properly. I had the results I did because of it. I believe I got the most out of my ability. But I never really enjoyed it.

I did quit after college. I never smoked. I didn't gain 20 pounds. I stay fit doing other activity. I'm a fan of the sport. I personally just don't like to run. Is that such a crime.

Agreed. Natural ability and enjoyment aren't a married pair.

Common to all sports. Lots of NFL players don't know or really follow the sport. They play their position, cash those fat checks, but the guys in the stands know more about who plays for who, what coach is where, all that stuff.

If true, yes it is strange or even worse, slightly narcissistic.

To be blessed with 1 in 50,000 talent but not find enjoyment out of that talent seems very hollow.

What didn't you like about running?

Did you feel like you would get more social approval if you were similarly skilled in soccer, basketball, or other major sport? If that's the case, that seems like jealousy of other athletes.

If you didn't like the travel, schedule, or pressure of NCAA sports that's entirely normal and not really related to running. Few athletes in any sport really "like" the NCAA system.

If you didn't find satisfaction in the training itself that's understandable but probably a limiting factor that kept your good from becoming great.

Hope you find something you do enjoy.

Sounds normal. Nobody actually enjoys running. Those who tell themselves that are just stupid fools filling a void in their lives. “Enjoyable” is eating a delicious food. Sex. Sleep after a hard day’s work. Seeing sights. Nature’s spectacles. Playing with a child. Love. Friends. Etc. Even running to play a sport like soccer or tennis. Or playing many other pair or team sports.

Slog jogging miles and miles day in and out is just idiotic and not actually fun except for the self deluded. It’s just a means to the ends for the elite. And filling void for the rest.

My son ran only 30 MPW. I assume that he would have been a star in college. But he has other interests. I don't think you really believe what you are saying. If you were good at working on cars with your father, should you become a car mechanic? Is somebody was great at math in high school but terrible at running, do they have to continue focusing on math as a hobby in their twenties rather than running if they are terrible at running but they love it?

Question for you- did you like your coaches? Teammates? Do you not have a few amazing memories of some magical running moments?

And to answer your question, maybe Ben True. I heard him say once that he raced Nordic skiing because he loved it, and ran because people told him he was good at it, not because he liked it.

There are thousands of people with genius IQs who live in small towns or have relatively unchallenging educations and jobs because they have other priorities and are smart enough know that living one's own only life is more important that living up to strangers' notions of acceptability. A prominent example of this type of person is Steve Wozniak who became famous by accident and would have otherwise been happy working as a good staff engineer somewhere. Admittedly, it can be frustrating to meet these people who seem to be oblivious to their advantages and potential but they are happy the way they are.

It's lame because you took a spot that could have been given to someone who is passionate about the sport. Someone who looks forward to every day they have to run. That person would appreciate the opportunities you had far greater. That's why it is lame.

You remind me of my friend who runs D2. He hates running but continues to occupy a spot on the team while running mediocre times. He is an insufferable person to be around as well.

Edit - I'm glad running can at least boost your infatuated ego, Mr. Sub-4.