Why do so many runners end up with Peter Pan syndrome?

I'll take running over video games as my Peter Pan activity. Although there might really might not be much difference between the two in terms of adulthood avoidance.

Your time as a troll has passed. I don’t know why you’re hanging on to a dream you’ll never acheive

I am post collegiate. I work a full time job, am married, have hobbies outside running, do everything a normal person does.

I also happen to run everyday, race often, and follow the sport of track and field. I don't post online about it, and don't generally talk about it unless people ask me. I do all this because both myself and my wife (who is a runner) enjoy training, have found ways to fit it into our schedule, and continue to get faster.

I get what you're talking about with runner influencers being absolute buffoons, dedicating their life to running yet being tragically sub-elite, etc. It's pretty sad to see those cases.

But please explain how my life is that of a peter pan? Perhaps OP is jealous of those who've figured out how to train while working a full time job (hint: you need to wake up earlier than 8AM)

You're not Peter Pan. There's a lot of us similar to you who take running seriously but also do normal people stuff. That's all great.

Besides the obvious influencers, lots of lower tier pros end up in this Peter Pan situation. And even higher tier pros. No prospects beyond running, never learned how the world really works, think their degree should guarantee them a job, etc. Those are who this is about. Go look at how immature a lot of pro runners are. I think this is true for most pro athletes really.

Great post, no sarcasm.

And it allows you to use your experience as a D1-D3 pro to help others and feel good too--almost vocational. I know some college runners doing that in the marketing space; it helps them stay connected WITHOUT the pressure of trying to make it as a pro runner.

This sounds similar to stud scratch golfers and/or ex-college golfers trying to make the PGA tour on such a slim chance...

I always wondered how some people on the internet (and IRL) I knew or followed had $ come out of nowhere--trust funds was something I never thought of.

That said, DeMoor could have had $ come from other areas but he doesn't seem like a trust funder. I think I remember him from EWTN years ago to be honest. He is a minor celeb in the Denver area and connected w/the Catholic community, as is TL.

I think guys who work into their late 60s are probably burned out or just hoping for one last big break. I could be wrong.

Or they don't realize how important networking is and making connections to land jobs. Everyone has a BA or BS as the minimum now.

That falls under "never learned how the world really works" imo.

Roots, Rise, Harriers, TTC, etc.

This is not unique to the running scene. Think of any "fun" job/vocations and you will see the same situation, I'm talking about acting, artists, musicians, Outdoors Adventure stuff (hiking/climbing/skiing/rafting/kayaking..)

You are making a living by having your parents continue to pay for everything well into your late 20's and/or you are trying to get a following on social media. Very very few are living a dirt bag life, couch surfing or living in a van down by the river.

Regardless of how, you are avoiding that 9-5er as much as possible.

It's not just runners. Everyone in their mid to late twenties is attempting to live a prolonged adolescence. They aren't getting married, having kids, buying houses, starting careers, planning for the future, etc. They're the new "Me generation", sharing many qualities with the boomers they deride.

Did you ever consider that they are not trying to make an Olympic team or even become sponsored. But that they like being fit and they like running long distances?

Are all these weekend golfers fighting the Peter Pan syndrome? they spend tons of money on equipment and trips. Tons. And most of them suuuuuck.

I use personal goals. When I was in my 40's I wanted to break 16 in the 5k one last time. Then late 40's, break 17, and in my 50's break 17:30, and so on.

Why do you care?

Although there are tasteful and distasteful ways of doing it, there's nothing wrong with trying to stay fit and feeling as young as possible, as long as possible. Perhaps people having "Peter Pan Syndrome" isn't the problem, but choosing to watch them do it and getting bothered by it, is?

Except the Boomers had all the money and opportunity in the world to get married and houses and have children when they were young, but Millennials and Gen Z have insecure employment and insure housing so cannot have children for fear of not being able to provide for them.

Plenty of time to figure it out bro

Retirement savings are straight bro

+++

Now you just break wind.

It's the many who list "pro athlete" on their IG handle though and still run in collegiate track meets. You're 28 and racing in a dumb singlet at a track meet built for 18-22 year olds. Yes ABSOLUTELY we need to tell them to stop enjoying their lives and focus on moving on. It's not healthy.

Also- stop rubbing elbows and tripping up college runners as they have more things on the line than you do in that race ya nerd.

Fun facts: Sandy Duncan managed a 4:52 mile in 1964. Mary Martin in 1934 could only manage a 5:07 in hobnail boots on a cinder track.