Guest Contributor: Blaine “T2” Jimerson. Omega Group Member. Graduate. General Manager of Runaround Running and Fitness, Joplin, MO.
“…there IS a brighter side to post-collegiate athletics.”
– Blaine “T2” Jimerson
It has been 2 years since I “spiked up” for the last time as a collegiate athlete. Here is what I have learned (so far).
As I crossed the finish line for the final time, I was finally free. Free to do what I had not been able to for 8+ years leading up to that moment. I never felt trapped during my time in college, and there was nothing specific I wanted to do, but I knew that at that moment I could do what I wanted on MY own terms. I could snooze that 5:00 am alarm clock and nobody would notice, make my own training schedule, and even try out some new sports. I was just excited to be doing my own thing.
In fact, my first two or three months post-collegiate running were great! I had started training for short-course triathlon, entered a few races, and had even won a little prize money! Admittedly, that 5:00 am alarm would still call my name, but if I wanted to switch up my workouts, altering the training plan, or taking an extra day off, I could do it with no questions asked! The flexibility I had was honestly working better than I could have hoped. However, heading into the Winter of 21’ that feeling started to dwindle. I had taken on more responsibility at my job, at home, and the “adult life” was really starting to weigh on me.
Suddenly, the motivation I had was gone, and I faced a troubling dilemma. Who am I if not an athlete? A runner? A triathlete? It had almost felt as if there was something missing, a hole that was left in me that just simply “running” could not fill. I had done what so many people before had: lost my identity getting wrapped up in who I thought I should be, and who I was in the eyes of God. And what could I do? I knew that I was MORE than just an athlete, and that I was MORE than what people thought of me, yet I could not shake the feeling.
I have since learned that this is something with which thousands of athletes struggle, and that there IS a brighter side to post-collegiate athletics. I believe it takes making a conscious effort to evaluate who YOU are and knowing that you play an integral role in God’s plan no matter how much weight you can put up, your current PR’s, how many miles you log, or anything else.
Here is what I believe affects post-collegiate athletes, and several practical application and biblical wisdom that has helped me:
Loss of Identity – You have done a sport like it was your job for so long that it has become second nature to you, so it makes sense that the mundane of professional life could make anybody feel like they have lost a piece of themselves.
- a. Practical Application: You must find the things that interest you! Athletes are naturally competitive people, and there are still things out there that you can get into, even if it does not look quite the same. Life is certainly more than just work and sleep. Find something new to fill your time and to engage your mind!
- b. Luke 9: 23-27: “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’”
Loss of “Fitness”– This is one that may affect some more than others, but I still believe has an impact on that post collegiate “slump.”
- a. Practical Application: Being a Phys Ed guy, I honestly believe that being physically and mentally healthy adds a HUGE benefit to your everyday life, but as a former college athlete, the urge to squeeze every ounce of performance out of oneself has been the driving force throughout my athletic experience. It is important to understand that it is okay to strive to be the best you can be, but it will not always come as easy or as quickly. Take heart in the fact that you are out there making a healthy impact on your own life, rather than focus on strictly performance-oriented goals.
Loss of My “Team”– Personally, I have struggled with this more consistently than other areas in my life. It feels like you go from being a “pack animal,” to a “lone wolf,” no matter how true it may or may not be.
- a. Practical application: You may not get that exact same team atmosphere as you did in school, but we are all born as social creatures. It is important to seek out and foster positive relationships with the people around you. Make yourself uncomfortable and find new people that lift you up and encourage you to be your best.
- Join a local club (running, swimming, hiking, etc.)
- Take part in local group activities and events.
- Volunteer your time as a coach or assistant for a team around you.
- Seek out a buddy with which to exercise. There are plenty of people who have also retired from collegiate athletics who are in a similar position as you!
- b. Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
I will close by saying this. The stress of life after competitive sports can be difficult and oftentimes is for many athletes. There are many things that can feel conflicting, challenging, and discouraging, but I would encourage you to lean into the people around you. Focus on building and fostering new relationships and stay connected with old friends!
Just because college is over, it does not mean you have to cut yourself off from the people who made it such a positive experience. Although that chapter of your life is closed, you can continue to grow and develop in this new stage of your life. Embrace each new challenge with a positive mindset, and that same competitive drive that pushed you during your life at school!