Why do people quit running after high school and college?

I’ve basically kept at it to some degree for about 18 years now, which has meant mileage that always stays in the 40s. Injuries for sure, but much more consistency than I had in college, probably because I don’t train too hard. I’ve pursued a variety of things because none seemed overly appealing and from 22-29 that included plenty of bars, parties and a reasonable number of women (which I am including because that seems to be a recurring mention on here). As far as build, I’m not a toothpick, yet there isn’t much to me, and my physique never seemed to get in the way. A few times out women actually recognized me from seeing me out running on the streets (and I lived in a city of 3 million then, moved away, and live there again).

A workout would range from 800s, or 1000s, or 400s, and strides or the odd 200 here or there. I did hills a few times when I lived near enough to allow it, tempos would get tucked in too and I was always fond of trying to crack 5 minutes in the middle of a run once a week or every other just to stay in touch.

I would do the odd road race more in the beginning (Covid turned that off so I time trial once or thrice a year) and I probably run 15:30-16 minutes in every race and, as folks have noted about what that means for a local road race, only about 4-5 of probably 50 were losses. In my head I still can run low 15 (was sub 15 in college) yet don’t focus on training enough to do that because I run 5 days and the 2 off are just totally off. For a while it was 6 days but for lifestyle of wife and kid (and self), 5 works better. When I’m out there, I generally feel good and free. In winter I have to drag myself, yet it’s worth it afterward (and during).

Thus, like a few others here, I still enjoy running. Competitive has a different meaning and I’m not sure I’ll jump back in any road races because they suck up a bit of time and for now it’s just about 7 hours a week to run which seems manageable. It can for sure be limiting here and there yet we’re always making choices.

As much as it might have been nice to fully explore closer to my limits, I wouldn’t have wanted to at the expense of everything else.

They get a job, make money, then get fast fat.

Of all the people I knew from college, the people who continued running were the ones who immediately found a training group in their area.

If you know that you are going to meet up with some similar speed people to run everyday at X time, it makes it really easy to get out the door. You have consistency in your schedule, will probably become friends with the guys, and can continue to make improvements.

Unfortunately, in most areas, there are not training groups for semi competitive runners. If you are coming out of college in the 14-15 5k range there are lots of other people that fast, but you need to bring them together to get them motivated. You basically need to network your way into a training group if new to an area by asking the local running store if there are any fast people or training groups. But if someone is just going for solo jogs after work, no one might even know they are the fastest guy in town.

Let's say I run 14:00 in college and 10 years later I am running 13:15. What have I gained? A couple of 5th place finishes at nationals? Heck go run a 2:10 and make an Olympic team. Will your life be better? Probably not.

it's all about if it's your true passion.

for most people they're not so over the top passionate about it that they're going to sacrifice career potential to keep training hard.

then there are a few dudes here and there that just love it so much they'll do it until they're 40, give up other opportunities and not regret a thing.

both are fine. to each their own

You may well be right here for most people but for me I think NOT having a team or group was a big part of what kept me going. I did belong to a club and went to races with them but rarely trained with anyone. It allowed me to run when it fit into my day, at my own pace, etc. I very much enjoyed going to races with my club mates but would have found having to run at times that worked for them at places that required a semi substantial drive would have been an obstacle.

I don't claim to know the answer, but I would say plateauing is the biggest reason. I started running at 45 and, at 50, I'm quite fast for my AG and continuing to improve. But for most runners, I suspect that "peaking" happens a whole lot earlier in life. I imagine within a year or two, I will back off to running for enjoyment, once I know I ain't gettin' any faster LOL.

I never thought about quitting. Running an hour or so daily with a group of my friends is one of the highlights of my day. I don’t compete anymore but still like getting out. What else would I be doing, watching TV or waste time on the internet?? All of my friends from high school and college still run recreationally.

It’s not so fun without a team of likeminded peers.

Oh, you've "run" for decades. Better to have RACED for even one XC season, than to have "run" for decades.

I think it’s has more to do with the demand of a career after college and high school that may be more fulfilling and rewarding than running ever was. we know how it is to have bad seasons and injuries, bombing important races, all while doing everything right. I also have no desire to chase around little African men who dominate the sport evidently