I started running very late, when I was around 28. and been running seriously now for four years (now 34). before that I was a smoker (smoked around 10 years), 40+ pound overweight, almost never exercised in my life. I am improving a lot and liking it, but sometimes I feel a bit disappointed cause I don't see any late bloomers like me that I can look up to. I know in order to become a world class athlete one has to start early, but what I don't know is if it is possible for a guy like me to have very decent times (sub 16:00 5K, sub 33 10K, sub 2:30 marathon) or am I dreaming too much? Would be great if you could give me any examples, specially personal ones :-)...