When you first start training, whether for a 5K, an Ironman, or even your local pickleball community league, the storyline is predictable. Train hard. Recover fast. Get better. The only thing faster than your PR is how quickly you bounce back from a hard workout. Better-Stronger-Faster! Right?
Then, with zero warning, the plot twists (a flip flop and maybe even some sliding down a couple of flights of stairs!) That track workout? Feeling it for three days. The “easy” race distance now has a side order of fatigue. The curve of improvement that used to look like a mountain peak ? It’s leveled out into more of a scenic plateau.
Cue the internal monologue: Is this it? Am I done? Spoiler alert: No.
Now…the anxiety, the questioning, the “what ifs”, the “if only”.
What is next?
The Joy Shift
This is NOT the end of your story. This is a new chapter with different plot points. Maybe not chasing PRs every season or cycle; but maybe chasing consistency, longevity, or the simple joy of showing up and moving your body. The finish line is still there, it’s just wearing a slightly different outfit.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a “women over 40” thing. I may write about women and aging often, but men, you’re invited too. Testosterone dips, recovery slows, the knees start sending “suggestion box” complaints.
Generally if we are fortunate to not get sidelined by an injury, or not smart enough (haha) to retire while on top; we all get there. Everyone ages in sport; it’s just that some of us talk about it more openly… and some of us quietly swap our tempo runs for a yoga mat for a different sort of intensity.
Injury, Boundaries, Your Sanity
Add injury into the mix and the challenge changes again. The “comeback” might not return you to your old level, or it may take far longer than you’d like. Sometimes the smart move isn’t a comeback at all, it’s a pivot. Personally I was on a “comeback tour” for a few years; even after dialing things back and discovering it still was not enough. It seems we all have our own process.
If hearing your friends’ latest PR makes you feel more envious than inspired? Set boundaries. It’s okay to say, “I’m happy for you, but I’m taking a break from race talk right now.” Protect your joy and your mental space. Believe me it is difficult. I hear it with my friends and clients that are training and racing. Even from others that just know that I was training and racing. The “hey so what races are on your calendar” or “running Chicago this year?” “Oh didn’t you already defer that” The look of sympathy (grateful its not them!) or confusion (well you look fine!). It is easy to get frustrated too. With yourself of course and others too. You may hear “oh well my friend is still running after 3 knee surgeries, I am sure you will get back to it.” Or “oh when I sprained my ankle I was out for a few weeks and almost had to cancel a race!” (Meanwhile you have been out for 10 months with no return in sight). Sure I am exaggerating to a point. Likely this isn’t what someone says. However it may be what you hear. This is all so frustrating. The unknown.
Scaling Back Without Tapping Out
Scaling back doesn’t mean giving up, it means training smarter.
- If you’re a triathlete running too much, give the knees a break and enjoy more swimming and biking.
- If you dread the treadmill, mix it up: run on grass, hit the track, change terrain.
- Rotate your shoes. Fresh cushioning may be the peacemaker between your joints and your ambitions.
And while running doesn’t cause arthritis, if you already have arthritis (thanks, genetics), some things may not feel as good as they used to. Be willing to adjust, not because you’re fragile, but because you’re strategic. Your body is the vehicle; the goal is to keep it roadworthy for the long haul, and beyond. Take those extra days off. Modify the intensity or time. Movement creates movement.
New Ways to Get Your Fix
If racing isn’t your main outlet anymore, there are plenty of other ways to get that endorphin high and stay connected to the sport you love:
- Volunteer at races
- Get into coaching or mentoring newer athletes.
- Write about your experiences; your story may even inspire others.
- Try new activities: hiking, rowing, strength training, even dancing. Not that any of this is easy, but that isn’t always what we are looking for.
The truth is, your role in the sport can evolve without losing its magic. You might be less about chasing times and more about chasing experiences.
Perspective: What Keeps You Going
Aging in sport is a re-write, or sequel; not the end. Yes, it may take longer to recover. Yes, the “fast” paces might be in your rearview mirror. You still get to be part of the story. You still get to toe the line—maybe with different goals, but the same love for the game.
And honestly? There’s something pretty fantastic about doing what you love, on your own terms, for as long as you can. That’s the real win.