I'm 41 and have been running since I was 17. The past decade I've spent doing increasingly difficult ultramarathons. Until a few years ago I really thought that if I just stayed consistent I'd be able to run my whole life - I still hope I can as it's my therapy. But I just lost 8 months and counting to a knee injury sustained during a race. It's been a real wake-up call that my body is going to have something to say about my plan. Training time is also at a premium now as I have a 2 year old. Amazing (and hopeful) to see someone still doing hard trail ultras at 81.
Everyone has their own luck. Appreciate that you can still run. Also 40 and knee injured with cartilage damage. I ran 3 marathons in the past decade and running was my passion, but now I have to be content with just walking.
Totally agree. My forced time off has clarified that all I really want is the health to get outside each day and stay healthy. Anything else is a bonus.
