How to justify competitive running at the amateur/hobbyjogger level?

I think at some point, unless it is your job to train and compete, the time comes where you are sacrificing quite a bit to do "real training" to run a 70 minute half or similar times at other distances. By real training I don't mean running for an hour every day either. I mean hitting hard tempos, mile intervals, Sunday 16 milers etc. At some point I got tired of that and wanted to try other activities that I didn't do when training hard. Not only giving up other activities but possibly stale ones life. I know a guy who made running the number 1 priority in his 20s in order to run 2:20-2:30 marathons. He really enjoyed it and still talks fondly about it. But the time came when the fire to continue just wasn't there.

I don't mind keeping this thread bumped. It's taken on new meaning with a family in the picture. It's no longer just about how I want to spend my time, but about them not having X hours per week to spend with me because I want to pursue this sport of mine. There is no financial benefit to the family at my level. It costs us money on race entries, shoes, GPS watches, and so forth. The only benefit is that the kids get to see an example of somebody applying themselves to a goal, but how much is that worth? It's a real catch 22 the better you get, too, because you're closer to your performances mattering to people beyond you, but even more time is required.

My kids watched me apply myself to running and now they both do it themselves and love the sport. How much is THAT worth?

Shoebacca wrote:

I don't mind keeping this thread bumped. It's taken on new meaning with a family in the picture. It's no longer just about how I want to spend my time, but about them not having X hours per week to spend with me because I want to pursue this sport of mine. There is no financial benefit to the family at my level. It costs us money on race entries, shoes, GPS watches, and so forth. The only benefit is that the kids get to see an example of somebody applying themselves to a goal, but how much is that worth? It's a real catch 22 the better you get, too, because you're closer to your performances mattering to people beyond you, but even more time is required.

Your kids will also end up wasting their time and energy on meaningless activity. Unless, of course, they are talented enough to become pro runners. But they inherit your genes. So go figure.

If you just want to stay fit, choose crossfit over distance running.

it makes me happy, and gives me something to stay focused on. After 8 hours at my desk nothing appeals to me more than going and crushing a workout or going on that easy recovery run to burn off stress. It makes me feel alive, I get outside and enjoy fresh air, talk with friends warming up, cooling down. I know im not going to set American Records or make a living running but there's something inside me that loves it no matter what.

I do it because it matters to me and I don't care what anyone else thinks of my interests.