long time runner, staleness and weight

Question
Dear Ryan, I'm 52 and have been running for over 25 years (five or six days a week. The only breaks in running I've had is when I've backpacked three or four times a year). I'm 5'7 and weigh about 145. I've been a size 8 for many years (on the lower end in my 30s when I weighed about 130; upper end now). I run 4 miles daily (maybe 5). In my late 20s-30s, I raced half-marathons and 10Ks and ran an average of 5-6 miles a day. I feel I should up my mileage but most days I feel like 4 is enough and my legs feel more tired than they used to. Should I get in a long run on one weekend day? I sometimes do speed work on the track--1/4 mile fast, one slow. That helps. My fast run is now an 8 and half minute mile, though I usually run 10-11 minute mile. I know that I could drop weight if I increase distance but wondered if long-time runners have difficulty with this since they've been pounding the roads for so many years? Is malaise common among long-time runners? I've never been seriously injured. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer
Lois,

I've never heard of malaise among long time runners, but they can get tired mentally or burned out. This isn't the case with you.I think you need some variety. Try some longer runs, or different intervals...maybe 1000's or 800's. Also make sure you are taking your vitamins, the body changes with age. As they say, variety is the spice of life.

RYan