Age 50 is a lot tougher than 40s
Don't feel guilty about driving somewhere nice to run. If people can drive to a park to eat hot dogs, you can drive there to run.
Every race is totally different.
If you want to win a race you have to go a little berserk.
You cannot always run at your best.
The advice I have for beginners is the same philosophy that I have for runners of all levels of experience and ability -- consistency, a sane approach, moderation and making your running an enjoyable, rather than dreaded, part of your life.