I had a heart attack while riding at the tender age of 46 YO. It motivated me as I had to climb up that damned steep hill where it happened ASAP. While I was slower after the heart attack, I started doing silly things like a century every month and some double centuries.

Before that I came down with gout which I always considered an "old man's" disease. It got me on a healthier diet.

I have arthritis in my right hip and was told that I'd probably need a hip replacement when I'm around 70 YO which is 10 years from now. However last week it started hurting BAD as the weather got better and I picked up my riding plus training for a half marathon in a couple of weeks. Looks like I'll be loosing my entry money on the half marathon and miss the hilly Vino Fondo next month if things don't improve soon. I have an appointment with my doctor on April 1st and fear the worst in that I may have a more serious hip problem. The thought about buying a hand cycle floated through my mind. I WON'T be stopped!

Professional counseling can help. I had it decades ago as a child. Drugs as a near last resort if that's what it takes.