In this eye-opening first part of a two-part series, host Simon Ward sits down with world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee and strength specialist Matt Pendola to tackle a frustrating reality many over-50 athletes face: while swimming and cycling performance may hold steady, running seems to decline more sharply with age. This isn't just anecdotal - it's a well-documented phenomenon that affects both male and female endurance athletes. The trio dive deep into the physiological, neurological, and cultural reasons behind this decline, setting the stage for practical solutions in part two. Key Point 1: It's Neurological First, Physical Second Your brain loses the ability to judge foot-to-ground distance, causing harder landings and longer ground contact times. Key Point 2: Running is Biomechanically Unique Among the Three Sports Unlike supported swimming and cycling with concentric contractions, running demands unsupported eccentric loading under massive forces. Key Point 3: We Do What We're Good At (And Avoid What We Need) Aging athletes gravitate toward endurance work while abandoning the sprinting, plyometrics, and strength training they desperately need. Key Point 4: 70% of "Aging" is Actually Inactivity Most performance decline attributed to age is actually due to lack of specific training - your greatest gains come from your greatest losses.   Connect with Bobby McGee Website - bobbymcee.com Instagram - bobbymcgeerunning Pendola Project - Run Form   Bobby also recommends the following books Endure - Alex Hutchinson The Transformational Power of Pure Intelligence Cory Reich Bobby is a consultant for STRYD power meters,  He highly recommends the Duo if you want state of the art mechanical data to work on your run   Connect with Matt Pendola Website - Pendola Project and check out his programs including a free movement improvement assessment and protocol Instagram: @PendolaProject Facebook: PendolaProject   Connect with Us If this episode resonated with you, share it with a training buddy or leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss upcoming episodes on fasting, midlife performance drops, and more awkward questions from Beth.   Check out my Instagram  and YouTube  channels Join the BattleReadySociety - For those who want to be ready for anything — adventure, challenge, life.Get in early and be first in the fight. https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadyvanguard   Join the Unstuck Collective – for Beth’s weekly inspiration and coaching insights (not a chat group; replies welcome via DM). Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle Website: www.simonward.co.uk Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter Sign up for Beth’s weekly newsletter   💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com — and you might just hear it on a future episode!