Running is just not that important

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3 months ago 02/16/2026 1:54pm EST

I used to be utterly obsessed with running. My whole life centred around it and each day my training session was the highlight. Then I got injured. Had surgery, surgery didn't go well, had further surgery, that didn't go well either. Injured to the point it was affecting daily activities, walking, getting around. For several years. In pain walking almost all of the time. Unable to do normal stuff. That is what matters. Being able to walk pain free, being able to do normal things, some sports, with balance. Being able to live life. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. Don't get me wrong - I loved running and have a lot of happy memories from it. But those years came with a big price tag which wasn't worth it. Not sure why I'm typing this as I don't usually write about personal stuff on here but today is different. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 1:56pm EST

re: track chick

3 months ago 02/16/2026 1:59pm EST

re: track chick

OP you need to move on. Why are you living in the past? Maybe visit there now and then but don’t live there.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 2:02pm EST

re: track chick

I'm glad you found meaning in something else considering you had to step away from the sport.

I agree that running shouldn't be defining, except maybe for those who make it to the top level on talent, but its ok if running is pretty important in your life. Those of us who can stay healthy will find its about as meaningful as most other things people can do.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 2:03pm EST

re: track chick

track chick wrote:
I used to be utterly obsessed with running. My whole life centred around it and each day my training session was the highlight. Then I got injured. Had surgery, surgery didn't go well, had further surgery, that didn't go well either. Injured to the point it was affecting daily activities, walking, getting around. For several years. In pain walking almost all of the time. Unable to do normal stuff. That is what matters. Being able to walk pain free, being able to do normal things, some sports, with balance. Being able to live life. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. Don't get me wrong - I loved running and have a lot of happy memories from it. But those years came with a big price tag which wasn't worth it. Not sure why I'm typing this as I don't usually write about personal stuff on here but today is different. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.

Yeah I remember your posts. 100% agree.

There's a massive thread on the front page however where people encourage each other to run 7 days a week with 3 workouts.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 2:34pm EST

re: track chick

I'm 62 been running/racing for 32 years while raising a family, full time job and going through a couple house rehab's. I'm pretty beat up now and happy with every run I still get in no matter the pace. The only regret I have is working so many hours, as far as running I wouldn't change a thing. Some people go through life and never find a purpose. I had more than one. A lucky man.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 3:20pm EST

re: track chick

track chick wrote:
I used to be utterly obsessed with running. My whole life centred around it and each day my training session was the highlight. Then I got injured. Had surgery, surgery didn't go well, had further surgery, that didn't go well either. Injured to the point it was affecting daily activities, walking, getting around. For several years. In pain walking almost all of the time. Unable to do normal stuff. That is what matters. Being able to walk pain free, being able to do normal things, some sports, with balance. Being able to live life. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. Don't get me wrong - I loved running and have a lot of happy memories from it. But those years came with a big price tag which wasn't worth it. Not sure why I'm typing this as I don't usually write about personal stuff on here but today is different. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.

I did the same thing and developed tendinopathy. At first I didn't know what it was and ran through it. Still dealing with it years later.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 3:24pm EST

re: I agree

I agree wrote:
track chick wrote:
I used to be utterly obsessed with running. My whole life centred around it and each day my training session was the highlight. Then I got injured. Had surgery, surgery didn't go well, had further surgery, that didn't go well either. Injured to the point it was affecting daily activities, walking, getting around. For several years. In pain walking almost all of the time. Unable to do normal stuff. That is what matters. Being able to walk pain free, being able to do normal things, some sports, with balance. Being able to live life. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. Don't get me wrong - I loved running and have a lot of happy memories from it. But those years came with a big price tag which wasn't worth it. Not sure why I'm typing this as I don't usually write about personal stuff on here but today is different. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.
Yeah I remember your posts. 100% agree.
There's a massive thread on the front page however where people encourage each other to run 7 days a week with 3 workouts.

I'm one of those over 50 runners who does that and feel good almost every day. I'm not sure what to think of this thread, I agree with what the OP is saying but at the same time I don't think it's a given that running will destroy one's body as you advance in age.

If you're able to run and stay healthy there's no reason not to continue.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 7:07pm EST

re: track chick

I'm sorry you are in pain. The legs are not like tires. They can not be replaced.

I remember clearly getting dozens of injuries over several years (After not being hurt for a decade). I remember thinking if I want to be able to jog the rest of my life I will need to quit racing. I didn't make alot of mistakes only a few. After I quit I continued to jog my whole life. Some injuries eventually went away. You help me remember that I was correct.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 7:24pm EST

re: track chick

Most people regret spending so much time at their job. Runners at least do what they love and it’s generally healthy.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 7:25pm EST

re: track chick

How many people sit on their ass their whole life regretting not moving more? Bodies break down as you age.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 7:40pm EST

re: track chick

Agreed. Running is a truly trivial issue in life and not even a valid form of exercise. Unless you are truly elite, centering your life around running is a terrible mistake.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 7:42pm EST

re: crippled former runner

crippled former runner wrote:
Agreed. Running is a truly trivial issue in life and not even a valid form of exercise. Unless you are truly elite, centering your life around running is a terrible mistake.

So don’t write if you aren’t Tolstoy? Don’t play the cello if you aren’t in the NY Philharmonic? Why do we need to be amazing at the things we love? Nobody has to justify their passions.

3 months ago 02/16/2026 8:07pm EST

re: track chick

track chick wrote:
I used to be utterly obsessed with running. My whole life centred around it and each day my training session was the highlight. Then I got injured. Had surgery, surgery didn't go well, had further surgery, that didn't go well either. Injured to the point it was affecting daily activities, walking, getting around. For several years. In pain walking almost all of the time. Unable to do normal stuff. That is what matters. Being able to walk pain free, being able to do normal things, some sports, with balance. Being able to live life. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. Don't get me wrong - I loved running and have a lot of happy memories from it. But those years came with a big price tag which wasn't worth it. Not sure why I'm typing this as I don't usually write about personal stuff on here but today is different. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.

I don't care about your personal life

3 months ago 02/16/2026 8:09pm EST

re: track chick

Spoken like a true loser

3 months ago 02/17/2026 5:54am EST

re: track chick

track chick wrote:
I used to be utterly obsessed with running. My whole life centred around it and each day my training session was the highlight. Then I got injured. Had surgery, surgery didn't go well, had further surgery, that didn't go well either. Injured to the point it was affecting daily activities, walking, getting around. For several years. In pain walking almost all of the time. Unable to do normal stuff. That is what matters. Being able to walk pain free, being able to do normal things, some sports, with balance. Being able to live life. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. Don't get me wrong - I loved running and have a lot of happy memories from it. But those years came with a big price tag which wasn't worth it. Not sure why I'm typing this as I don't usually write about personal stuff on here but today is different. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.

Do you still have the pain now?

3 months ago 02/17/2026 5:55am EST

re: crippled former runner

crippled former runner wrote:
Agreed. Running is a truly trivial issue in life and not even a valid form of exercise. Unless you are truly elite, centering your life around running is a terrible mistake.

What injury do you have?

3 months ago 02/17/2026 7:42am EST

re: Uraloser

Uraloser wrote:
Spoken like a true loser

What on earth would motivate you to write something like that? You must be truly unhappy in your own life if you want to kick someone when they're down.

3 months ago 02/17/2026 7:47am EST

re: Ancient

Ancient wrote:
I'm sorry you are in pain. The legs are not like tires. They can not be replaced.
I remember clearly getting dozens of injuries over several years (After not being hurt for a decade). I remember thinking if I want to be able to jog the rest of my life I will need to quit racing. I didn't make alot of mistakes only a few. After I quit I continued to jog my whole life. Some injuries eventually went away. You help me remember that I was correct.

Thank you.

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