I run.
... 50 yrs. and counting at the age of 71.
Anyone who has pounded the pavement for any length of time accumulates a lot of stories ... some good, but many hard to look back on.
Injury is common, either from the abuse that joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles go through or ... when gravity suddenly does its thing with the occasional stumble and face-plant.
Such an event happened in December. I was 3 miles into a 5-mile run when I tripped and fell. Fortunately, there was someone nearby who came to my aid. I had suffered a grade 3 separation of my shoulder and he called an ambulance for me.
Emergency room, X-ray, CT scan, doctor appointment ... all to find out that 'it is what it is'. No surgery ... 8 weeks of recovery (with my clavicle protruding permanently now, I could be a circus sideshow attraction).
Anyway, I've pushed the timetable a bit and I'm back to running again (almost pain-free).
I'm on the mend (but hopefully not in preparation for the next fall)
I run.
Edited by - Carter Canyon on 01/18/2025 09:51:23
I presume you've heard 'em all ... nonetheless: “Runners don’t die. They only smell like it.” 
Good to hear you're healing up, hopefully without complications down the road [unintentional pun (?) duly noted.]
I applaud your tenacity and longevity! I have a friend who experienced the exact same injury from a bike crash… and like you, it barely slowed him down, and he was back to training and competing in no time… including marathons and triathlons… with the mt. Fuji shoulder. Soldier on my friend!
I used to run. Lasted 42 years. Marathons, ultras, Ironmans, etc. meniscus tears, osteo, stress fractures, hip issues after crashing on the ice, 2 years ago… etc… finally took me out after my last race last November. I was training in max cushioned shoes, on a treadmill, while holding the handrails… so I could run a half with friends, as my farewell to the sport. My performance was dismal, the pain was excruciating, but the memories are priceless. I’ve learned to never say never, but I’m not planning any more pavement pounding, anytime soon. I still cycle and lift every day, so no problem staying fit. But for now… I used to run.
Edited by - Dean T on 01/19/2025 07:11:49
I ran the Columbus Marathon in '80 and Boston in '81 ... tons of shorter races but never an 'ultra'. All the miles in between are what change your life. I've written of my day in Boston and other stories of what took place while running the roads (chased by dogs, hit by a car, swarmed by gnats, and of course ... tremendous falls).
Edited by - Carter Canyon on 01/19/2025 07:33:20
I’m in the tons of shorter races club too, as part of the local running crowd. Pretty much 5k - half every other weekend type. Tons of stories! Lots of memories! Are you on Strava?
Edited by - Dean T on 01/19/2025 08:36:19
Broke both collar bones...
1 at a time..motor cycle/ car accidents..
Many years ago...
Yup big bumps now..
I broke my shoulder in 1974 in the same motorcycle accident that I lost my leg. I have 2 pins in my humerus right at the shoulder. Broke the bone in my arm and separated the bones in my shoulder.
In honor of all y'all surviving those breaks & bruises, let's see if I can post a link to the Bobby Bare song about
"THE WINNER"
I did running on and off over the years, but since I bought a Concep2 rower a few years back I've pretty much stopped running.
At 52 years and 187 cm/98 kg (6'2 and 215 lbs) I tend to get aches and pains when I run. The rower is accessible in any weather, works out a lot of muscles, and is low impact with little or no soreness. All of this makes it easier to keep the habit going which is my main goal. I row either 10k or 15k in a session.
I do miss running sometimes, but being a labrador owner means I still get to go out in the daytime.
