Loads of people do sporty things and age doesn’t seem to stop them and they seem to be able to conjure up the time and place to do it. Good for them I say and well done. No patronising, just honest praise.

But what about the other side of this coin for the folk who lives, age and time does get in the way and make a huge difference? Does it mean sport has to be given up on or can there be a pleasant balance?

I used to love sport from club rugby to gym workouts and long distance running to cycling and maybe a bit of walking and climbing with an occasional swim and shoot.

Where did I find the time and what has happened to me?

My guess is age versus injury and  other commitments have taken their toll not to mention cake, biscuits, sweets, crisps, beer and television. Oh and who wants to go out on a cold, wet winters day and freeze their nuts off or become a statistic when blown off the face of a cliff during howling gales?

Twenty-five years ago I could quite comfortably complete a ten mile run in under an hour. Today I can’t manage ten miles and find the hour only gets me to around five and a half to six miles and even then I’m done in. If I push harder then injuries flare up and I’m in danger of blowing my heart up.

Even cycling and swimming have become almost a burden and walking is just so slow and boring. What is going on with the loves of my life and the buzz that exercise proved too alluring to give up?

A lack of fitness and a constant feeling of exhaustion is my immediate answer but look a bit deeper and its more than likely the weight gain too. It does appear to be a simple fix. Ditch the weight, find more energy and become fitter. But that’s like saying get rid of the dog or cat and be free of pet hair. Its not quite that straight forward.

Will-power to stop buying the easy fast food and treats would help. Beer? It is just too nice. Maybe invest in a gym membership for the dark, cold and weather-restrictive days of the year and change to a simpler diet.

I’m not looking to become an Olympian or ultra-sportsperson but I could do with changing my shape from a bloated beach ball to one of more just slightly round.

I hope with the new-found focus and more positive mental attitude that I can develop a new routine. Hell, I’m writing about it so that’s a start. To empty out all the cupboards though and bin the crap is such a waste but not adding to them would be a step in the right direction.

Discover new recipes, and seek out tastier foods.

Fifty one years of age is young really but my body feels as though it has gained twice the years over the last decade. Things I took for granted have become painful by comparison but there must be a way to slow things down or bring these ages into a more synchronised plain.

If by changing a few things and adjusting mental perceptions I can do this then be assured I will let you know and try to explain how this came about. If nothing changes then I shall put it down to how it is meant to be. No anger or down-heartedness but acceptance.

We are all built differently after all and one cure cannot cover everyone. We all have to find our own natural balance and capabilities. Boundaries are there to push, and at times break, but we must know our own personal limits and learn to live within them.

Sport? Its still there but needs a new title and direction. Don’t give up because you can.