Running through a mid-life crisis

The idea of a mid-life crisis has always seemed like such a cliche. And often an excuse, I reckon. I mean, if you want a Harley, buy a damn Harley. Go nuts.

But I kinda get it. Sometimes you need to throw yourself into something different, extreme even, to reset.

A couple of years ago, for me, a feeling that the world was weighing me down got me thinking.

Work stuff and self-confidence

were at a low point. I recognised that I was always feeling negative, even at home where things should have been happy. I wasn’t fun to be around.

I was even dreading running, typically my lifeline. The last time I’d felt like that I’d virtually stopped running altogether and started eating really badly – two things which had plunged me into a spiral of self-loathing.

So I knew I needed a circuit breaker and I dreamt up a plan. For me, it was easy to reach for the thing I knew so well, except this time I stretched for something I knew would challenge me. I entered three tough races – an off-road marathon and two trail ultramarathons. Over the space of three months, I’d race a gruelling 220km.

And I did it. When I look back, I can see that the challenge I’d set, and the desire to achieve something I didn’t know I could, was what I needed.

I look at finish-line photos of the second race, with my arms around my family, and I see a smile so wide I almost don’t recognise myself.

Running is the go-to circuit breaker for many people.

It’s cheaper than a Harley, it’s easy to begin (though those first few steps, those first few runs, can be really hard, I know), and it’s good for you.

On the Dirt Church Radio podcast this week, my co-host Matt Rayment spoke to an extraordinary Australian runner, Patrick Bowring, known as the Ultra Chef. And, yes, that’s because he’s an ultra-marathon runner and a chef.

About seven years ago, he wasn’t a runner. And he admits his lifestyle was a long way from where it is today.

‘‘Like a lot of people in hospitality – and every industry really – I was burning the candle at both ends.’’

He was running four restaurants, but there was also drinking, drugs and partying. ‘‘I was sort of a functioning addict.’’

Eventually, he reached a crisis point and he knew he had to change his lifestyle. For some reason, that meant putting on his running shoes and getting out the door for a run.

Bowring still works hard, he still enjoys himself, but running has changed his life.

Running is not the answer for everyone, of course. But if exercise is your vice of choice, I reckon that’s a good thing. Eugene Bingham and Matt Rayment host trail running podcast Dirt Church Radio. Learn more at dirtchurchradio.com or email dirtchurchradio@gmail.com