Becoming a professional athlete

Question
I live in NYC and am a personal trainer and I do distance running 5k's-half
marathons every couple of months and a triathlon here and there.  I did a
little bit of cross country from middle school to high school and for a very
short period in college.  Even though I was involved in the sports involving
running back then my heart really wasn't in it.  Now that I am 23 I feel like I
was born to run and I want to do it competitively...relays, individual races,
whatever.  I'm just ready to take it to the next level.  I know the Olympics may
not be in my future but where do you think I can take this now at my age?

Answer
Jenny,

For 5k and 10k, you probably reach your best by age 30-32, and for marathon around 35-37. That being said, you have some years to see where you can get. In all honesty, it is hard in this country to make a go at being a professional runner. The support system that Europe has does not exist here, and to give what it takes. That means, full time training, no working, partying,etc. It is hard to pay fixed bills (car, house, etc).There are a few group training areas now that weren't around when I was running (unfortunately) that help athletes with homes, small jobs, insurance etc. However, most only take people already running fast. What are your times? What is current training? Give me your details and i'll tyr to help more.

Ryan