I’m one of your subject cases, and I have to admit I saw a lot of myself in this article. I’m still in my 30s, and motivated by a “he’s still got it” attitude. Distance running is really one of the only contexts in which a competitive person of my age can participate in the kind of pomp and fanfare that high school or club sports used to provide. The number of competitors, spectators, and the degree of competition is greater than any other club or recreational opportunity.

Not to mention the drive to cultivate one’s physique while it’s still possible!