Very good advice, Steve, and I thank you. I am already doing the prioritization thing. I want my strength first, so running has already taken a back seat. Cert prep will be my focus until it is accomplished, and from there I'll set my sights on whatever shows itself to be the thing that "grabs" me. Not likely running will to any degree again, as I've literally "been down that road". I love my natural propensity for endurance, so I'll always leave that door open. Once in a while I will likely go for a run to see where I am with that ability to do it, but I let go of the "times" a while back. As long as I can do it, enjoy doing it, and do it "well"... I don't need to compete at it any longer. At least for now. Hell, not strapping the shoes on for months and then going out and busting out a 10k in 40-45min still feels good. No, it isn't anywhere near a PB of 33, but the PB isn't the goal these days. Its kinda like going for a cruise on my Harley... I'm not out there to race the sportbike guys... I'm just riding to have a good time and enjoy it. That's running for me these days. I love just being able to do it, and I suppose if the day comes that I can't do it, I will re-evaluate and see if I want to change my priorities or not.
Though I know very generalized sounding, I've always said that one of my standing goals in life is to always be capable of doing pretty much whatever I want to do. If I want to run a long distance, I'll do it. If I want to lift what I consider "heavy" weight, I'll do it. If I want to Ski a specific mountain, I'll do it. If I want to climb a certain mountain, I'll do it. Sure there is preparation and training for anything, but simply being capable of immediately embarking on whatever specialised training is required (without the need to "get fit"), and quickly and efficiently moving through that in order to go achieve the goal is, for me, the reason to be "Strong First".
That said, your advice, again, is not fallen on deaf ears. I'm embarking on the lean mass thing first starting Monday. Strength and technique for cert next, and the running thing doesn't need to be developed, but will be visited from time to time to see if at some point it needs to be looked at.
Stay strong and thank you from all of us down under for being part of Strong First. This morning I met with some of the RKC's who've come over to SF here in Oz, and we really do appreciate the efforts going into getting SF up and running, and the contributions you all make.
To quote the chief, "Power to you".