I can’t wait until it’s my turn to get in the way of the workers 
And drive slowly!
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Seems natural to maybe feel like you have done it enough. I came to triathlon quite late and don’t feel I have ever been in especially fit for any of them to really give a race a proper go. I would say with doing a P/T degree, having a baby (Mrs A actually had the child but you get me) and starting my own business, all while working either F/T or a 4 day week, means I never had the time or energy. I think if I could have a season or two of feeling really fit I might feel the same as you do.
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I’m 50 as of earlier this year and slowly falling apart it seems. I got into tri on the back of accidentally making friends with a (pirate) runner at parkrun (before it was parkrun) back in 2006. Next thing I’m doing Bala (which is probably where I first met fatbuddha) and then IM Switzerland in 2009. Work got a bit flexible in 2011 (that’ll be redundancy for you) so I had a pretty good stab at Ironman, had fun and won a trophy at IMUK in 2013.
I’ve stepped back from triathlon a bit - I love the sport and follow it closely - but just don’t compete as I don’t fancy swim training (paying for something I don’t really enjoy) or long long bike rides outside. I’m enjoying indoor riding and a bit of running.
Running at the end of last year and first part of this has been good and rather than PB times at parkrun for example I’m looking at age gradings and have run my best ever age grade times now. Managed a 3:12 at London Marathon in April which I’m really pleased with although I buggered my knee up that day somehow and am in the process of getting an MRI to see what’s going on.
If I get my knee fixed my main aim/dream would be to run a sub-3 marathon which I believe I have in me if I trained properly (and bought some super-shoes). I’ve got a ballot place for London in 2024 but expect to defer it to 2025.
I’d do an Ironman again (last one was Lanza in 2019) but purely a destination race and probably somewhere in America (Lake Placid? dunno). I would however go back to Lanza (if it continues) for the ease of logistics. I have no intention of upgrading my Cervelo P2 from 2013 - I love that bike and I’ve had some great rides (and wee’s) on it!
I just want to keep fit, healthy and not put on too much weight as I love chocolate, beer and rum! Exercise keeps me happy.
I’m also trying not to spend much money on the sport (or indeed most things) as I’m not earning much money at all at present (mostly my choice to be fair) but I’m happy. We have a fairly simple life (fortunate to live in a nice house close to the sea), no children (on a day like this I can hear the waves with the windows open - not children fighting in the garden!) so am mighty content.
Yup. This is enough to aim for. My dad is going strong at 83 and plays 18 holes of golf 2-3 times a week so if I can be like him in 30 years time I’ll be chuffed to bits. Hopefully the genes have passed down.
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you forget to say that you’re not bad at windsurfing either! weren’t you semi-pro back in the day??
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Good point. When I was a teenager I was pretty good and finished 2nd Youth in one of the main national series’. My only plan/thought in life was go try and become professional (which I don’t think would ever have worked out). I kinda thought that if it worked for a few years then what… I’d probably be importing and selling boards/sails around the country which didn’t sound overly appealing.
My uncle suggested I apply to university just in case I really don’t know what to do (I was doing a BTEC in computing at the time) so I did and ended up at Oxford Polytechnic in 1991 on a four year computing degree. I met Mrs F on the second day and she’s been doing my cooking and washing ever since 
Windsurfing now is just for fun - and because of where we live I can walk my stuff (which is all very old and mostly bought on ebay) to the beach two minutes away. It’s ideal.
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One of the guys who used to work for us was a good amateur kiteboarder - got his boards and kit supplied by up and coming brands wanting exposure - but he reckoned he was too old to try his hand at going even semi-pro. I guess there are many out there in various sports who think where they could have got to if they had committed more to it rather than settle into normaility.
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Had a similar trajectory myself, did a PT BTec and then to Teesside Poly for Comp Sci, also in 91.
Didn’t quite meet the GF there but I did kind of see her when I was in my placement year at the local FE college, she was studying part time.
Seems I forgot a few more of you, need to add Spoons and TRO as well. Jorgan before long.
This is a pretty talented group!
I’m thinking we all need an M50 championship 
Age graded parkrun, 10k, half and just for the laughs, maybe even a triathlon 
None of that madness Mungo does though, or our life expectancy would plummet quicker than a double Bologna with fruity and co 
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Pencil necks !!!
I’d be up for the run then 200 burpees to finish ?!
No?!
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200 burps after a couple of beers would be my choice….
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Final counselling session done.
6 x 1 hour via phone, just putting this up as I felt it really really helped.
Judging by some of the posts on here over the years… I’m not the only one !
Farm meeting next Thursday. Yikes !
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I had a lot of counselling earlier this year when I was off work for a while.
I’ve never really been one to talk to anyone about my feelings or anything personal, not even the wife.
It’s been a game changer for me, got so much out of it. I know I’ve a long way to go yet, but I’ve got a lot more in the mental toolbox to help.
I’d recommend it to anyone.
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At the end of the last session I honestly felt sad.
( it made me think very differently at times about me, my life and how I think)
The whole experience was very different to my expectations and I totally agree with you.
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I was dismissed from the prison service this morning after 32 years and 3 months.
I was nervy but fine in a room with high up admin types, my mate ( union rep ) and the boss ( governing governor).
Basically
Four boxes
25% never happens ( pennies)
50% more common these days after allegations of public fund fraud ( 30 grand)
75% ( 45 grand)
100% ( 60 odd on area managers approval
He just ticks his box to justify his 120 k a year salary.)
He gave me 100%!
When he read the doctors letter out I started to cry, only for a few secs, I thought I might hearing the words “ dismissed” was hard too.
Very stressful and formal.
On the way out the guv said he’d heard rumours I was struggling some time ago and of some “ quite disturbing “ incidents?!?
If I’d have stayed they would have sacked me in the next 12 months … 100% ( some utter (unt being Cunty no doubt )
With a 0% payout and hard to get another job.
I’m sad today but I’ve done the right thing.
This site has been a big help over the last 4 months some DM messages and lots of likes and shit… tough time in my life but it’s over now.
As always … ONWARD!
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Commiser-gratulations! Sounds like a difficult final meeting. But retirement beckons. I’m jealous.
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For someone as proud and passionate as you come across Mungo I have no doubt that was incredibly difficult for you, even if you kind of knew what was coming.
But. There’s always a but! It does sound like it’s going to be the right long term thing for you and your family. Your mental health will only get better from here now you have closure. If you do decide to work or volunteer or whatever I’m sure you will find something really positive and gratifying.
Good luck to you sir.
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Is that payoff and pension?
Anyway a new lower stress life with less chance of coming across the countries dregs. Positives always eventually follow a negative
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Hardly Ironman wales marathon BUT it was stressful all the same !
Kind words that are appreciated.
My Doris says I’m much calmer now, it just took too much of me in the end … too many horrible people and memories
Was driving me mad … madder ! to be honest
I won’t get bored …
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That’s a medical payout as well have to work till we’re 68… lol … there Twats.
Pension in Jan ( 55) obviously reduced
50k plus 900 a month ish … I think ?!
Hoping to have nearly 200 k put away in feb next year earning 5-6 %, then see when the housing market bottoms out?!
Financially went well for a part time screw but I was seconds away from “ exploding “ on several occasions in the last 12-18 months
Gladly I’m not that person anymore !
Cheers
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32 years of helping keeping society safe & dealing with difficult stuff - seriously, thankyou for your service 
congrats on next chapter and new horizons
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Can I just echo what @fruit_thief has just said. I think that I am quite a strong person but I seriously do not believe that I could have done your job for one week never mind 32 years!!! So yes, thank you is entirely appropriate here. We all owe you
Now, the next chapter starts. I am looking forward to seeing what you do. I am a few years away from retirement and or reducing my hours and I am not sure how I will fill my time so I am looking for tips 
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