Chances are good you’ve come across someone (or maybe lots of people) who “used to run” but for one reason or another, no longer does. The reasons why this happens vary widely but two of the most common ones I’ve heard are because of injury or time constraints. Priorities change, life gets in the way and they simply no longer have time or choose to spend their time on running.
There are also people who remain content and just keep on keeping on. They run well past retirement and seem to never slow down or get injured. What are the secrets of those lifelong runners? How can we be one of them?
As someone who’s embraced the sport of running for over 20 years and would like to continue running in some capacity for as long as possible, the thought of choosing to stop or being forced to stop floats around in the back of my mind. While I no longer push for PRs or have any desire to run longer than 26.2, I can’t imagine not lacing up a few times a week and heading out to pound the pavement.
When I was invited to read Jonathan Beverly’s Run Strong Stay Hungry: 9 Keys to staying in the Race, (affiliate) I was intrigued.
Who doesn’t want to run strong for as long as possible?
The book starts off with several case studies of individuals who chose to quit running. The reasons are unique and personal and vary widely.
The author puts it more eloquently than I can:
” People stop running when they fail to adapt, either to changing life conditions or to the demands of age. They reach a point where the effort exceeds the outcome and no longer produces the desired or expected results.”
Contrary to the reasons I listed above, the number one reason people stop running is when they run on a track or cross-country team in school and then graduate, leaving the sport behind entirely. Certainly career and family obligations make huge demands on time.
Some lose interest in racing. Some lose interest in training. Some train too hard for too long and burn out. Some fail to achieve a big goal (Olympic trials) and walk away, cold turkey. The reasons are fascinating.
So why then are some people able to stick with running for a lifetime?
What are the secrets of lifelong runners?
Beverly spells out 9 keys. I’ll give you five. You’ll have to read the book for the rest.
- Consistency. According to the author, runners that really stick with the sport do so consistently. They don’t take breaks. Running becomes part of their identity and the habit is ingrained.
- Variety. While lifelong runners are very consistent, they also seek out variety both in terms of varied running workouts (speedwork, tempo, long) terrain (road, track, trail) and crosstraining. This helps prevent injury and avoid mental burnout.
- Adaptability. Runners need to be willing to change the nature of their goals as they age. Where once a runner might have had a goal to win a race out right or gun for a PR, as we age more appropriate goals need to be set. You can stay happy and engaged if you adapt what you aim for and redefine what constitutes being successful.
- Listen to the body. Lifelong runners are notoriously good at being able to put aside watches, mileage trackers and plans and run by feel. They run more/faster when they feel good and go shorter/easier/not at all when they’re not feeling great.
- Passion. We tend to stick with things we care deeply about. That’s why it’s important for lifelong runners to stay connected to their running and the running community. Some runners do this through a running club, a network of friends or through coaching and giving back to the sport.
This is such a interesting and thought provoking read, especially if you’ve been running for awhile and are at a point where it’s time time to reassess goals to keep you motivated and engaged.
Do any of the qualities above describe you? What motivates you to be a lifelong runner?
I’m linking up with Deb for the Wednesday Word and with Rachel, Lora and Debbie for Coaches’ Corner.
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Dang, Marcia…..did you send me some secret mental telepathy message? 😉 Your post is echoing many of the thoughts that were swirling in my head as I wrote my post… #twilightzone I need to find this book….Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like an interesting book! I will need to add it to my list for this year.
Hmmm I may have consistency- but mot sure how much of the other qualities I have! Maybe I have to read the book to see. It sounds like an interesting read!
Mostly, I’ve had to adapt big time to the changes that I’ve experienced the last year or so–RA and menopause sent me into a tailspin. I’m grateful that I have all the other traits you mentioned–that helped me push through and stick with running. I need it and I love it!
I think that consistency is key. Even when I’m not training for a race, I still try to run at least 3 times a week. I don’t really care about mileage but as long as I’m running and getting a good sweat then I’m happy.
Running is so good for overall cardio health that I hope to be able to run for years and years to come.
I think you are right that our priorities change as we go through different phases in our life. If it is truly something we love or want to keep as a part of our life, we will find a way to fit it in. Like all things, I think moderation is key so we don’t get burned out and think of it as a chore! I think running is exciting and hope I can always find at least a bit of time and desire for it. Thanks Marcia!
I think for me the key was when I started running just because I wanted to and not because there was a race on the calendar!
I am late to the dance, so to speak, and yes, I want to keep running for the rest of my life.
I can’t tell you how many *runners* have told me that they stopped running because it wrecked their knees. I wonder about that sometimes — obviously, every non-runner thinks running will wreck your knees.But a lot of runners do, too.
It just makes me wonder — did they ever do PT? Seek out the help of a coach, have a gait analysis? Seek out the help of a chiropractor? One of them was a nurse!
But then there are others who do run their entire lives. They may get sidelined for a while, but they always come back to it.
I also believe that starting later in life probably did spare my body a lot of wear & tear.I don’t buy into the it’ll run your knees, but it is true that running can easily open the door to repetitive use injuries.
I need to check out that book!!
I definitely want to keep running for life. I was one of those that dropped away after high school and only ran when I had to for a military PT test. I tried to get back into a few times but was never successful because I let other obligations drive my priorities. I’ve been back into running for about 10 years now (WOW!) and I cannot imagine my life without it. Since my knee surgery, I know that I need to be much more careful and I’m definitely working on reason #3 and #4. I want to keep running and so I’m definitely rearranging my goals and listening to my heart as well as my body. I hope, one day, to go out for a run with my grandkids! <3
Time constraints are definitely an issue. I got out of running after college when I had to adapt to working full time, and between commuting and working, it was tough. Once I had time to get back into shape, it’s been easier to stick with it.
I hate to say it – but genes play a big part in it, too. My father ran for over 50 years, and if given the choice, he never would of stopped. Arthritis/Parkinson’s is what forced him to stop
Sounds like a great book! I do want to be a lifelong runner – I definitely have the passion and listen to my body much better than when I first started!
Number 3 is so important!
I love this post!!!! I haven’t been a lifelong runner – really it’s only been since 2013. However – SO much has already changed for me in those 5 years!
This does sound like a great book! I agree it’s all about consistency and listening to your body. It’s easy to fall into the trap of over doing it for me and getting injured. I know I have to be more careful of that as I get older (ugh)
This sounds like a good read for me. The quote ” People stop running when they fail to adapt, either to changing life conditions or to the demands of age. They reach a point where the effort exceeds the outcome and no longer produces the desired or expected results.” that suits me now…I know some folks keep running, keep having victories, stay in shape, but as you know results for me are a challenge as well as staying in shape, but so far the release of the endorphins, and the feeling of satisfaction keep me coming back for more. Mostly it is the daily runs I crave.
I have thought about quitting as many races, but not my daily runs…yet 🙂
These are some excellent points worth remembering and are definitely the key to becoming a better and lifelong runner. I believe that listening to your body is the key. 🙂
these really resonate with me! I definitely listen to my body. Having running friends helps too.
All of these! Being able to carve time out for it with a crazy schedule is key!
I just heard a podcast on that book- it sounds like such a great read! And it’s a topic I’m fascinated by too… why some runners burn out or mess up their hip/knee etc and others seem fine to run into their 80s!
I will be very content if I can remain a lifelong runner. Thanks for linking up, Marcia!