Thanks everyone, so appreciated. As usual Spareribs is very perceptive. Yes, I have pretty much only one speed. Fast and although over the years I have slowed down some, it's still an issue for me. There is a great little book out there called. Don't Sweat the Little Stuff and iit's all Little Stuff and one of the things I have to keep reminding myself from the book is "To Cut Myself Some Slack". It's never good enough,I am never quite satsfied. Always going the extra mile for other people and for those closest to me. Part of the discussion that led us astray with my lady friend was specifically around this constant need to do and to never be satisfied, while she just wants to enjoy. Yes there are other things, but this is one of the biggest and one that I drag behind me from my first marriage. But as I get older I am getting smarter. Hopefully I will live long enough to laugh about it one day. Thanks guys Tall

whatever tammy says is what I say too from now on. We’re hopin’ everything will be back to normal soon when tax, divorce, etc. are all done and you can focus on your girlfriend, . . . I mean your running. .

Tall You have listened here to many friends who have followed your various life situations over the recent months. You know that you are greatly respected in here. The "all out" pace you use does work for a long time in life but often it has to be adjusted and tapered at some stage. I know because that was my pace for years. I lived on little sleep and a pure adrenelin drive for 40 years. It was then that I realized I was a heart attack waiting to happen. A cholesterol check around that time pointed out to me that I HAD to make some changes. Through a better diet and exercise (my main reason for running), I have been able to still live a life far more active than most my age and stay fulfilled in my life. I was fortunate in that I didn't need to use medication to bring the numbers down to a sensible level. It is sort of like a basketball game. You play hard, you press, you run the fast break, and go all out for the first half. Since the game is early and you are in good shap, this plan works well. But then you come to the third quarter. You then realize that you CAN still do most of the same things that you did in the first half. But you have to go a little slower and a little less intense because you can sense you don't have enough in the tank to do more. However, you also know that you want to be around and still in the game for the fourth quarter. This will only happen as you pace yourself starting in the third quarter and learn when to "turn it on" and when to use your head and coast a bit. Tall, since you want to be around to enjoy your kids in this next quarter as they go to college, get married, etc you have to make the adjustment and pace yourself now. The same thing is true with your new lady friend. She will only be enjoyed if you are still around. It sounds like she is perceptive and can be a great help to you in this change. Most definitely she is a worthy goal and worth making the changes for. Some things you can't change in your life. But the areas that you CAN, that is where the relief will come. You will do fine. But make the pace adjustment now. This is a voice of experience here. Good luck.

But this too I will overcome. One day at a time.

My thoughts are with you bud!!! As my friend told me when I was going through my divorce -- everything happens for a reason. The interesting part is seeing what the reason is!!! You will get through this! Keep the kiddoes in the forefront and all will be well (just my opinion).

Tall, There is not much I can say that hasn't been echoed by these wise folks on this forum. Some people are just wired to be type A AND feel compelled to do and do for others and it sounds like this is you! This may be the wake-up call that saves your life. Think of those girls and sloowww down, please!

Tall, so sorry to hear this. But it's a good thing that you know something's going on and you're going to get treated. Please do keep us informed. We're pulling for you! Jem

Tall, you've been given some good advice on this thread and I can add very little. The one thing not mentioned (and as you may or may not know I'm a retired psychiatrist) is some sort of professional counselling. Talking to someone who is objective would be t your advantage and extremely helpful. I say this from professional and personal experience. You recognize the stresses in your life and you can certainly overcome them in a healthy way. Best of luck.