getting old I guess wrote:
so I know there are already comeback stories threads, but I don't know if there are any specifically related to being a bit "old" relative to one's peak shape. I'm 36 and am doing consistent serious training and racing for the first time in years - it's going OK, but I'm skeptical whether I'll be able to get back to my PR fitness. I worry that whatever improvements I gain over time may be canceled out by the increasing effects of aging (assuming they are happening). motivate me please
Rather than focus on PRs right now, look at each last race as your "comeback PRs" to beat. Focus on improvement. Shoot for age group wins. Then, try to move up in the open division. Try to place in or win some small local races. As you improve and break comeback-PR after comeback-PR, maybe the lifetime PRs will look more attainable. Maybe they won't. Most importantly, enjoy it. It's not your job.
Your PRs are much faster than mine and you're younger than me. But at the age of 48 I'm in the midst of a "comeback" of sorts. I just ran 80 miles for the week. That's a lifetime weekly-mileage PR. The best part of it, is that I never thought at 48 my body would be able to withstand it. But I surprised myself and I'm improving consistently.
Goals are only what you set for yourself. Set many additional goals not just 3 lifetime PR goals. Set some easy ones, some medium, some hard, some impossible. And have fun with seeing how many you can achieve.
As you get older, don't compare your performance to 22-year-old, you. Instead, compare your performance to the average person your age, you see around you. When you look at it that way, you've already beat 99% of your competition just by showing up at the start line. Anyone else you can beat, is gravy.
Ultimately, if you can go out for a run, healthy and come back feeling good, that in and of itself, is a win. Most people are not so lucky as to be able to do even that.