I'm glad this was bumped so I can say -
You could have skipped the first 5 paragraphs and just written the last 2.
I'm glad this was bumped so I can say -
You could have skipped the first 5 paragraphs and just written the last 2.
Do you want to end up like Bob Kennedy?
I ran 4 marathons in high school, and track and cross-country for 2 years in college. I then just ran for fitness my last 2 years of college. However, after I graduated, I felt burnt out from running. This was partially due to a stress fracture in my shin, which kept aggravating me and made running enjoyable. I then pretty much quit running for 16 years.
As I was approaching my 40th birthday, I felt that running did define me as a person, I was a marthon runner at heart, and I should resume marathon running. So 11 years ago, I started running again and completed my 5th marathon. I then continued to run about 3 marathons a year, and I have now completed 37. I think I'll keep running until I reach my 70s. So, I wasn't always consistently a runner, but this is now who I am.
Someone who knows wrote:
You can get outrageously fit without running, and there is evidence to support that too much running isn't good for you anyway.
Run 3 miles 3 times a week, or not even at all, and then just lift and do body weight exercises. You mentioned Yoga. That's good. If you need something more, do P90X or some other similar program.
What does too much running have to do with this guy?
To the OP:
Nobody knows whether you will regret it in a year. We are not you. How do you figure that everyone will have the same experience? Let yourself off the hook and quit, nobody will even know. It sounds like you were the only one getting anything out of your running and it seems like the best part of that is over. That is OK, and not necessarily permanent. You will know if it is something you should continue after you have left it for a year.
Sad Ex-College Runner wrote:
So, running has been less and less satisfying post-college as I've begun to have other priorities. I don't want to be a slob, but I've completely lost any intrinsic motivation. The only thing that gets me out the door is so that I don't get fat and so that other people don't see me as a loser. Also, the desire for decent race times. But I'm already pretty far off my PRs, and I don't see myself chasing fast, exciting times anytime soon.
I used to have that fire burning in me- the desire to beat others and test my limits. I don't have that anymore.
I also used to genuinely enjoy running on a spiritual and physical level. Running used to feel GOOD- I would get in the zone on runs and be able to process everything and come away with a sense of peace and satisfaction. Now, I can't get through a run without wondering when it's going to be over and focusing on the discomfort.
I have to train alone and in the dark before work now, and maybe that's affecting it.
But I'm a man of integrity, and I feel like it's not worth it to keep running when I don't have the drive to run anymore.
I'm considering taking two weeks completely off after my next race, then contemplating whether or not I want to go running again. If I don't, I will just use weight lifting and yoga to stay in shape.
Will I regret this in a year's time? Anyone who's done something similar recently who can speak on the subject?
you obviously define yourself as a runner that's your problem.
i'm sure your interesting enough and capable of spending your time doing other things with other people. you will always be a runner but you don't always have to be running. you can be fit in other ways (your body will probably feel better too)
I'd say, if you can't take a month away from no running, you have an obsession.
i quit track/XC after my junior year of college. I ran a 1:51 800m, a pretty big PB at the end of an exhausting season of athletics and school work. I was getting destroyed in races and kind of felt like i was near my end potential. I was really into what i was studying in school and had a great friends...but i wasn't able to hang out with them as much as I wanted. I know sacrifice is involved and I made a lot, but I decided (after several months of difficult debate in my head) to stop running and get more involved in the other parts of my life.
I was REALLY afraid that leaving running would in some way leave a part of me and my past behind, but my life got instantly better. And, I did some traveling where i met my now wife. probably wouldn't have done it if I was training for XC my senior year.
After about 5 years off i got back into running and had some amazing years of road racing. I broke 15 in the 5k, something i never thought i'd be capable of, and chased sub 2:30 in the marathon while racing some fun half marathons in the process. the running tank was filled up again and i was able to hang out with other runners who, this time, actually had real lives and similar stories.
So, what I'm trying to say is: you don't have to worry about not being a runner. let it go - you will get back into running again some day. If you don't, it's fine. you'll always be a runner
let your life happen.