In college I was a good runner not great but at a good level. My goal was PRO, PRO, and did I mention going PRO. It consumed me. I transferred from a large Division 1 college to a smaller liberal arts college because the coach had history in the development of champions. I transferred as a sophomore with lousy/garbage PR’s 800m 2:01.08, 1500m 4:05.55, Mile 4:28.12, 3000m 8:53.05, 5000m 15:32.98, and 10,000m 32:57.00, in XC I ran 27:15.00 for the 8k. My PRO Goals revolved around being born male with decent times for a woman. After I transferred, I increased the mileage and by the end of the next season my PR’s lowered to 800m 1:58.63, 1500m 3:57.35, Mile 4:23.00, 3000m 8:36.79, 5000m 14:39.98, 10,000m 30:04.30, and in XC I ran 26:02.00. I went from being a decent female runner to an elite female runner the issue is I am a man. I wound up graduating college with PR’s of 800m 1:52.05, 1500m 3:45.09, Mile 4:04.35, 3000m 8:16.25, 50000m 14:17.05, 10,000m 29:05.07, and 8k XC 24:27.00. I attempted to run professional after a college teammate got is sponsorship, I ended my career with a 2:23 marathon. I ran a few races for fun but realized what the heck was I killing myself for. I am 40 years old now I have a great career well over 6 figures my wife also brings in close to 6 figures. Most of the guys I know that chase the running dream never grow up. Because I quit running, I was able to complete 2 master’s degrees and realize life starts after you finish your last competitive race. Good luck to you but runners are not going to make enough to retire off after your running days are done remember no runner is Tom Brady or LeBron James. Put Woody Kincaid in a room full of real athletes they would think he is the waiter and place an order with him!