I think about the Plan B a lot — and not as it applies to racing. As it it applies to “what if I could no longer run again?”.
What would you turn to if you couldn’t run any longer?
We all want to be that 90 year old (or older!) runner who is still running up until they slip away quietly in their sleep one day. I know it’s possible — but you only have to look at Kara Goucher and her struggles with focal dystonia which has greatly effected her ability to run to know that running is a gift that could be taken away at any time.
So What’s Your Plan B?
What would you do if you could no longer run? Although I have many forms of fitness I enjoy, it’s still a good question for me to ponder. There are two things that separates running from the other forms of fitness I enjoy:
It would certainly free me up to hike more, and maybe tackle longer and harder hikes. Even though you can hike in Winter, it just doesn’t appeal to me. I’d definitely ride my stationary bike more, but that doesn’t get me out in nature. I’d have more time for Pilates, which I enjoy, but can’t squeeze in regularly If I had a pool to swim in, I could swim again.
Final Thoughts
Nothing gets my HR up like running though! I would definitely be sad if I couldn’t run at all any more, but I think I’d be okay. I know a lot of runners, though, who really struggle when they can’t run. It’s good to diversify — especially good for your body. Running may not ruin your knees, but it can be hard on the body.
One thing that would be hard to replace — a thing that running brought back into my life after a long absence — would be the chance to compete. I competed in a variety of ways growing up (swimming, bowling, flute) and it was something I didn’t know I missed — until I started to race.
Have you ever thought about a Plan B?
What would it be for you?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I didn’t know that Kara Goucher was ill! How sad.
I often think about life after running – I have a whole list of things I want to do: more hiking and biking, learn to play tennis, learn to dance, do more pilates, yoga and bodyweight exercises. Maybe start Crossfit!
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Sounds like you’ll always be busy, Catrina! Which doesn’t surprise me. Hopefully you’ll continue to run a long time!
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I’d like to get into swimming some more because I know that as I get older, there will be a day that I won’t be able to do all the things I do now. I think swimming would be a good way to stay active and would be great for my joints. I’m slowly working on it but I LOVED water aerobics when I did it in college and could see myself continuing down that path!
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I used to do water aerobics quite a bit too. I’ve always loved to swim. Grew up swimming. But then I lost the pools I was swimming in & then the Oandemic. It’s one thing I miss about Austin — so many free public pools!
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Absolutely! I’ve learned (the hard way) that having a Plan B is always necessary.
As far as workouts, I don’t know if I will always be able to run, but that’s why I’m happy that I enjoy so many other forms of exercise.
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You are definitely a well rounded athlete, Kim!
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I hadn’t heard about Kara Goucher. That’s terrible!
My plan b has always been hiking. I don’t live somewhere that you can’t hike year-round, nor do I plan to live where it’s snowy in the winter. I’d be happy to go on long hikes and it keeps my heartrate up and the rest of my body in shape.
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Well, you can hike here in the Winter. I just don’t want to. Many people do! I’ve never really done a long hike. When I’m hiking on my own I’m usually going to my mom & just don’t have a lot of time. Otherwise I’m with my husband who doesn’t enjoy longer hikes.
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I kind of had a variety of Plan B’s before my two major setbacks (the knee incident in 2017 and the stress fracture of 2020), but they really came front and center when I needed them. Walking became a major go-to with my knee’s recovery (actually, it was the suture seam that was recovering, LOL). Biking stepped in when my stress fracture required time off my feet. Both walking and biking are HUGE fitness vices now, as well as strength training and stair-climbing.
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That falls under the “sometimes good things happen out of bad”. I’ve always loved to walk!
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I’m hoping to run into my 90s. lol
But if I couldn’t run I doubt I could hike… in many ways it’s harder though there’s no competition (unless you count trail races.)
I would like to hike more and I’m not afraid to hike in the winter or alone.
Swimming and biking don’t appeal to me. Neither do pilates and yoga… too slow.
Again if I couldn’t run I don’t know if I could play tennis. I love running competition but tennis was never about that… it was social.
Plan B may be something more creative like quilting, pottery, jewelry making…
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Hiking isn’t always that hard. It depends on the trails you pick. You might very well still be able to hike if you couldn’t run. In fact I’ve chatted with people we run into when hiking who used to be runners.
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I do hope that I am one of those women who can run well into my 80’s. When I have been sidelined before with an injury, I do enjoy cycling, swimming and strength training. Running is what really makes my heart happy 🙂
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I know we all hope that & hopefully it will happen. I’ve just seen so many runners who only enjoy running who are so devastated if they can no longer run.
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It would definitely be hard to not be able to run anymore. I really enjoy strength training, and maybe I’d make more time for walking. The problem with swimming is its not easy to access a pool. I do have a spin bike, so that would be an option.
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Yes, not having easy access to a pool is part of my problem. I always stopped in the winter too!
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You’ve asked a very difficult (but extremely important) question!!! When it comes to fitness, I don’t have a Plan B. I like to think I would focus on other activities like Pilates or Hiking but I have a feeling they’d quickly fall away if I couldn’t run. Maybe walking? I think that would be a safe bet! You got me thinking this afternoon!!
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Walking is great exercise & I’ve always loved it! I think the hardest thing for me is that running is truly great at getting my HR up — but not too much, if I’m paying attention. Nothing else does it quite so effectively!
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I hadn’t thought about what I would do when I can’t run anymore. I am hoping I can do it as long as possible. Other options might include walking and make the Peloton (if I still have it!).
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