With running on the shelf since February 9 (except for a brief two week return that was quickly discontinued) it is time to do a full review of the first 10 months of Mastering 40. I didn't pull any punches in this solo episode. Fist we go through things that I feel good about that happened this year. Then we dive into the many things that I don't feel good about. I'm categorizing them that way on purpose. I don't want to say things went well or poorly - no need to judge, just here for the learning and growing. Lord knows, there is plenty of growing and learning that needs to be done. The genesis of this episode started on February 22 when I received a message from a listener that really struck a chord with me. She asked point blank, "(A)re you just interested in your goals or committed? It seems like the former. To an outsider following the podcasts of course." This quote put me on my heals. I returned to it nearly every day for three months but didn't reply with an answer. Until last week. I wrote her back and thanked her for her candor and insight. What else did I say? You'll have to listen to find out. Mastering 40: I had just completed the worst athletic year of my life. One beset by injuries and a 25 lb. weight gain. Finally, I decided enough was enough. With the help of a professional coach - James McKirdy and sport psychologist - Adrienne Langelier, I am determined to have the best athletic year of my life. One that will end, hopefully, with a sub-40:00 10k. This is a huge stretch goal and I am determined to get it done. Over the course of this year I will also be turning 40 years old and become a masters runner. Hence the “Mastering 40.” We will be documenting the journey with a podcast every three weeks. The podcasts, like this one, will include calls with the experts I will be leaning on, and learning from, throughout the process. Hopefully you enjoy and learn from my year of reclaiming my fitness and pursuing an entirely new level of performance while trying to maximize my schedule as a dedicated amateur runner. Thank you to the Mastering 40 partners: - Supplements/Protein: Previnex - code: RUNNER15 for 15% off - Health Analysis: InsideTracker - Go to www.insidetracker/ramblingrunner to save 25% on their Ultimate Package by using code GIFTFROMRAMBLINGRUN - Attire: Tracksmith - code RAMBLINGRUNNER for 15% off first purchase over $75 Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices