49 years old? You ain't nothing but a young snot-nosed whippersnapper. You got many years in those legs and saying you're getting close to "over the hill" is just an excuse.

In fact, I am convinced there are many older members on this website who are not only "over the hill" but ahead of me and pulling away from me on the trails. (55 years old)

And, yes, there are many, many, many out-of-shape people your (our?) age. Just follow that old inspirational poster "Don't Let the Turkeys Get You Down."

One thing, don't confuse general "in shape" with hiking in shape. I lift weights MWF, swim laps on TThur and mountainbike ride on Sundays. I recently joined my wife walking the dog for two miles and got shin splints!!!! Gotta get those legs moving.