At what age did you quit running and what was the number 1 reason why?

* going through the motions

(not options)

23. There was gradual decline in serious as I neared the end of college and realized I didn’t have elite potential. So, my last race of my senior year of college was essentially the last race.

Age 18. I was a fairly low mileage guy in HS in CA, but the high mileage at my D1 program didn't bother me. It was the 8K race on tough courses that I couldn't handle. Then indoor racing on a truly terrible flat short track. Then too much fun and not enough sleep . . . and no fun at all with teammates.

I took up running again much later, and still love it today.

I quit and came back after ~5 years so I don't know if that counts, but for me it was mental health related. Running is usually a positive outlet for me and something I can reliably count on mostly enjoying/feeling better after I've done it, but past a certain point I couldn't really get motivated to care about anything and I felt like sh*t no matter what I did, so eventually it just stopped feeling like it was worth it. (I also couldn't sleep and lost a ton of weight so I felt like garbage on 95% of my runs)

38. Loss of leg coordination (cf. famous thread on this message board). Tried for years to resolve it, but failed.

Going through the loose motions.

73. Arthritis in left hip.

I went to a non party school unless in a frat. Xc/track was my frat but I avoided drinking.

When that graduated I was tired. I then got a job in a big city and concentrated on my career. I ate, drank and was merry. I didn't have time for running.

Age 67 and still going...

I am very very fortunate.

51 years of running and racing. Still enjoy jumping in local 5ks up to 1/2 Marys.

(Not so humble brag follows) Even finished in the top 20 (top 5% ) of local race last weekend, but was fairly thumped by a 14 year freshman high school old girl so that is not saying much - ha!

I am sure the end will come unexpectedly at some point, but even though my PBs are way way behind me I still enjoy training hard (last 12 weeks at 50+ mpw) and doing the best I can. And as long as things go 'right', according the age graded calculators, my times a usually 'faster than I did when I was in college and the two hard years of training and immediately following.

Every single run good or bad is a gift.

Injuries took me out at 39 and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Now I can't rely on high mileage weeks to hide my poor eating habits and immature expression of frustration. I was literally running away from my problems for most of my life, but not anymore.

Stopped competitive running at 26. There was no longer much reason to keep toiling away - no pro potential, missed the Trials standard, realized that it was time to use the degree in a real career and to stop wasting time managing a running shop for paltry pay.

You can still run for fitness, fun, and to re-live some glory at Thanksgiving and 4th of July. In many ways, running is far more satisfying now without anxiety and ego taking center stage.

60. Like you it was Arthritis in my left hip. Replaced hip but my mechanics and power generation are off. Now I play pickleball.

I was never a serious runner, but I quit recently because lately it just feels like a chore to do anything really. Nothing is enjoyable anymore

First time 18, alcohol and ladies. Second time 48 chronic arthritis in the knees

Is this Jamin?

I've experienced all those at some time - except trying to excel at a more enjoyable sport. It seems like a lot of enjoyment in a new activity would be from lack of expectations and pressure. In my case, all these things passed and I still run. For being very out of shape, just going through the motions long enough got me back to where I could start hammering workouts again.

60. Post-traumatic OA (ankle & hip) & lower back problems. So much pain & discomfort lasting for days after a run it wasn't worth it any.

However, I do go out one day during the week for a few miles of easy jogging for old times sake, otherwise it's spin biking for all my cardio.

I'm 61 and still running (and racing). I've seen old people who aren't fit. I don't want to live in that hell.

Very similar to me.

Have you analysed why your age grade times are better than when younger?