looking for a path wrote:
I'm not going to post my entire life story, but needless to say I'm at a lowish point in my life now. Ran/swam in high school, ran in college, took my 20s off to go to grad school and goof off. From 30-35 I had an amazing 5 years of running and fitness - hit a 2:37 marathon, ran a few 100-mile ultras, was able to bench 2 plates, do 20+ pulls ups, minimal injuries, and looked/felt great.
Well I'm 42 now and 175lbs with a gut/manboods instead of the 148lbs with a 6-pack I was before (I'm only 5'10"). Stressed with 3 kids and working 50-60hours each week. Drink too much beer. Borderline blood pressure and cholesterol. Just not feeling it these past few years.
Lately I've been feeling like I gotta start slowly getting back to my prime. I need some sort of goal in the background. I've dusted off and lubed up my old treadmill this morning and will run a mile today as an official start. Don't know what I'll do tomorrow.
While a 2:37 might be out of my reach, I wouldn't mind being able to run another sub-3 in my life at some point while simultaneously getting stronger.
Any advice from older guys that have been through this slog before?
I got hit by a car when I was 37.
I think that is when I started gaining weight.
I run slow but I like feeling fit.
175 is nothing so long as your BMI is right.
If running helps you mentally, ditch the treadmill and get out on a trail.