[Grizzly]

<p>Really and truly, never again?  I had a rough spot there for 2 years when I slowed off then stopped and resigned myself to never running again.  I had a bad spell of mourning there, but got out and got active again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However it wasn't the same.  I know that now after having started to run again.  The prospect still looms of having to stop forever, but I don't want to consider that too deeply. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A good deal of the other things I enjoy doing, hiking, cross-country skiing and the like might be restricted to.  I dunno, I'd probably get those pants that come up to the nipples and wear suspenders and find a porch somewhere and be a grump.</p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>Ironically, I was thinking about that today.  I really need to be on medication for depression.  Zoloft works, but makes me feel crappy when I run.  My doctor started me on Wellbutrin this week.  And...  I feel like crap.  Yesterday I did a trail run because I can take it easy and not worry about numbers.  I did wear my Garmin, just curious what my HR would do.  Gee, something wasn't feeling right on the flat meadow path.  Uh, HR was 170.  I'd walk a bit to bring it down, but it would go right back up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today, I wanted to do a longer "life is good" easy run.  I chose the bike path which is super flat and easy.  Again, HR spiked, steady at 160.  Even though I was just plodding, I felt like I was on the last set of 800's.  I ended up walking the last 1.5m.  Even then HR never dropped below 110 or so.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So it seems I need to decide between running or medication for depression.  I just can't see giving up running.  When the depression is mild, that's how I manage it.  To give up running so I can be on medication just doesn't make sense to me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What would I do if I couldn't run ever again?  Lock myself in a room because I'd end up killing someone.</p>

 

[GaReb770]

<p>That thought has occurred to me.  Last year I fell twice during a 14 mile training run and jammed my elbow as well as bloodied myself up pretty good.  Part of that run was supposed to take us to a water stop at a fire station on the way back to our start and I decided to take a side street because I didn't want any of the fire/rescue guys noticing my arm was somewhat bigger than it should be and the somewhat obvious amounts of blood on my shirt.  I  wasn't able to run for 4 weeks or so.  I considered giving up running and trying maybe just elliptical machines or yoga for exercise.  And when I did get back to running I was real nervous about falling again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But so far this year I feel quite a bit stronger than last year, make sure I pick my feet up and watch where I'm going, plus have slowed down just a little.  Seems to be working. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now that I'm 58 and approaching 59, I'm much more concerned about being a clutz when running than in my younger days when I seemed to simply heal overnight if I had any mishaps.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I guess I would become more active as a volunteer at running events if I had to give up running, but hopefully I would still maintain an effective exercise regimen of some sort.</p>

 

[RaisingArizonainNH]

<p>Well,...  SInce I have already hit that reality* <span id="user_yui_3_4_1_21_1321743295421_15"><img alt="disgust.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1321743295421_279" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/disgust.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span>this is what  I do-</p>
<ol><li> Go to boot camp - where I can do ALOT more than I ever expected ( foot fire and jump rope with really  controlles tiny fast jumps!)</li>
<li>Bike ( winter- just got a new exercise bike )</li>
<li>snow shoe</li>
<li>walk  with my dog</li>
<li>climb not so steep trails  up mountains  (or wear a knee brace if steeper</li>
<li>kayak</li>
<li>Swim</li>
<li>And   try to  look at what I <em>can</em>  do and remember that I had  a lot of good years and lots of fun running and playing soccer. </li>
</ol><p> What do I miss?    The fun of  races, having a goal to work toward that was motivating, comaraderie of running, and playing soccer ( which I discovered at  43  adn LOVED so much!)     I find that I often feel resentful at Boot Camp as the focus of   praise and attention  for efforts outside the class is for races run, and group fun  outside the class is races and warrior runs.... But  I try to remember that I have a lot of memories of really good times since college from this sport so I really can't begrudge anyone their time in the spotlight.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*( I have severe arthritis in my right knee  ( I calll this one "Snap") and sort of bad arthritis in the left ( I call this one  "Snap"<span id="user_yui_3_4_1_21_1321743295421_9"><img alt="biggrin.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1321743295421_150" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span>.  I will someday have a knee replacement done , but from what they tell me at PT - then you can't do much of anything active .. so I am holding out for as long as  I can hoping for new innovations in surgery... )</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>At some point in the future I will be on Coumadin/Warfarin, and being a Klutz, forgetting the first rule of running (left, right repeat) will be dangerous.  That's when I will have to hang 'em up for good and forever.  The medical condition I have makes it rather unlikely that I will ever race distances again, although one never knows...</p>

 

[wherestheportojohn]

My running is already in the crapper...no pun intended...for a variety of reasons.<br><br><img alt="mad.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/mad.gif"><br><br><br>
Jeebus, I forgot to answer the question.<br><br>
I tend to do more cross training than running, so sticking with my alternate activities would have to suffice.<br><br>
That, or become a depressed, fluffy couch spud

 

[the kenyan]

<p>Get fat</p>

 

[fox-runr]

<br>
Well, I had 15 weeks off this summer. My longest injury ever. I continued to swim and bike which probably impeded the healing. I entered 2 bike races after I broke my foot. One a time trial..and did pretty well..I won the time trial, set an age group record, and I did a bike race placing fifth. If I would have had to sit out any longer...I would have switched to being a biker. I am 7 weeks back to running...and it is HARD...I am nowhere near where I was..and doubting if I ever will be. I am 8 pounds heavier and it has affected my gait..my quads are HUGE!!!! <img alt="sad.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"><br><br>
I probably would swim more too....nut I am really not improving. With biking, the time you put in, you get back. Biking everyday due to not running, I couldn't believe my improvement. I actually was able to stay with the local men's bike team....once......once <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">....on a ride. It was great!<img alt="cool.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/cool.gif">

 

[ToddEP]

<p>Mourn.  Seriously.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I climb the walls when I can't run.  I have been on a super low dose of Prozac for years.  The running keeps the demons at bay and gives me the opportunity to talk to the other folks in my head.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I can't fathom not running.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>:shudder:</p>

 

[airehead]

<p>Due to stomach issues, I had to give it up about 8 years ago.  Right after I found running and loved it more than I thought it was ever possible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am not a good person.  I have been very angry and I admit, have railed at the powers that be for letting me find running, loving it, and then making it</p>
<p>impossible for me to do.  It was truly one of the only things that was mine and mine alone--no one could impede on that time, my pace was my own, my</p>
<p>success and failures my own as well.  I was so grateful for having it in my life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not having it in my life has been really depressing.  I have found nothing that quite equals the joy that running gave me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Then again, maybe I'm afraid if I find something that will be taken away from me as well.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sorry for the negativity. <img alt="sad.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1321898022356_163" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>What is this "I am not a good person" shit?</p>

 

[airehead]

<p><br>
Well, to rail against the powers that be for taking away a gift that that power gave you in the first place is rather rude, I think.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But, it doesn't stop me.  </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Grizzly</strong> <a href="/t/75726/what-would-you-do-if-you-couldnt-run-ever-again#post_2020275"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><p>What is this "I am not a good person" shit?</p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br><p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[RaisingArizonainNH]

<p> Airehead... that's just human nature. I do what I can but I really really wish I could run and play soccer. My kid has been doingthe Turkey Trot the past couple of years...  Last year I took my bike and rode the course back to half way to meet him then rode up to see him finish. BUT that said- I am happy he is doing it,,, but I am really sad and feel like a total outsider there.  I am not one of " them"  anymore. I loved running and being with runners.. but as a rule when you don't run anymore you really don't fit in.   I haven't really found anything like it to fit into. Mosto of the activities I noted are  solo activities for me ...  But I am finding that we don't have a whole lot of choice when it comes to bodies and aging .. some people have good ones and keep on going.. others don't.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> ( I also don't dare complain- my running partner from y TNT  days is about 13 years older and me- she was  running in her early 60's but always had weird pains in legs, back etc. Just a few years ago she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the spinal column and is alive but just walks now when she is lucky... I take what I have over that any day !)</p>

 

[wherestheportojohn]

Sue,<br>
When my sis had a tibial stress fracture, she became a biking machine!<br>
I improved tremendously, because i often went out with her if she didn't want to go solo.<br><br>
Todd,<br>
Yup. Hang in there.<br><br>
Aire,<br>
Not sure what kind of stomach issues you had ( pm me if you wish to explain)<br>
But my middleagedrecreational jogging must all be done on a TM or in the pre-dawn dark, due to colon issues. <img alt="mad.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/mad.gif"><br>
Not pretty....not pretty at all.<br><br>
Today was one of 'those' days, when I stared out the living room window yearning to plod in the crisp fall air and sunshine.<br>
Instead, I pulled out law mower and flew around the yard for an hour. Yeah, weird....but the yard looks spectacular. <img alt="biggrin.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>

 

[Buxtehude]

<p>I'd get more into swimming.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(I'm taking a required physical ed class, beginning swimming, and I love it. I have a nice collection of strokes!)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But my hair is pretty fried.</p>

 

[jenna]

If I couldn't run... I don't know... have a party? I know that sounds bad to say when so many of you really want to run and either can't or are facing that at some point, but I really don't like to run. I did at one point, but that was a long time ago and I just can't get myself back to that point. That's why I register for crap and then don't train for it. I just don't enjoy it at all these days.<br><br>
Now, I do want to be able to run because it is a big part of my workouts. But I've not encountered a workout that has us run more than one mile at a time and never more than three total. I'd be devastated if I couldn't do those workouts, but running for the sake of running just doesn't make me happy the way it once did.<br><br>
What would I do if I couldn't run? That's easy. Row. I'd row. I love rowing and I'm good at rowing and it's given me some kick ass legs. I'm glad winter is here because the running in our workouts convert to rowing until the weather breaks. So, yup.... I'd row.

 

[yar]

<p>I've been pondering this question now that I appear to be on the shelf with a similar ailment to what I had over the summer (probably tendonitis where my hammie meets my az-bone.I never really came back from the last bout and here I am again. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd probably become one of those old-man walkers  - and I'd probably get a lot more serious in the gym.  I don't think I'd swim or bike 'cause it would only remind me I couldn't "tri".  But it would really bum me out.  I remember what I was like when my knee went bad - walking and aching every time I saw a runner. Not pleasant and not easy on the Mrs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>yar</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>The missus tells me that despite my claims to the contrary I did not go gently into that dark night.  I apparently sighed every time I saw a runner go by.  Hmmm.</p>

 

[runfishhunt]

<p>I'm down to jogging about six miles a week, do the elliptical one day and swim one day.  I've also started hitting the weights again pretty hard.  I've gained about 15 lbs in the past year and need to lose at least 10 of it over the winter.  I missed racing for a while but no more.</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>Well tomorrow is D-day.  I had planned it for 2 weeks from now but a combination of factors including intense work stress have conspired to make me push my attempt ahead.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll be running something like 7 miles in to work.  I say "something" because it all depends on how this Chinook collapses.  If we get freezing rain/snow it might be longer as I shoot for more sure footing.  I don't want to injure myself and go through this again!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll keep it aerobic so that I don't get sick.  That'll be my solidarity run for you Turkey Trotters.</p>