Long story short: Degenerative osteoarthritis has ended my running career. I've now seen three knee specialists who each told me there was no hope.
I started running in middle school, and ran in college. I've run multiple marathons and now in my 30s, it's all over. Make fun of me all you want, but I am literally weeping as I type this. For so many years, running was my passion. My social network was made up of other runners. It literally set the pattern for my days/weeks/years. I thought I'd be running for the rest of my life.
Now I'm sitting here wondering what I'm going to do with myself. I've already experimented with other forms of exercise (biking, elyptical, ect.) but NOTHING will ever be as satisfying as running. I feel like there will always be a huge void in my life, like I'm destined to live out my days in a drab, color-less world.
Anyone else delt with the involuntary end of their running? How did you cope? How did you stay in shape? What did you replace running with, both for exercise, and for general fulfillment in life?
Signed,
Depressed and crying
Harden up.
Its just a hobby.
If you want to really perform in that body of yours take up cycling.
Its great exercise, you'll find your average running bod will be above average. The groups are great, and if you want to race indoors you can.
Good luck with your next obsession
Again, LOOK AT THE DATE!!! You're responding to an 11 year old thread. I seriously doubt that the OP is still around to read your tough guy "harden up" message.