E: This really stinks and I'm sorry for what happened.

This guy is having an affair...with himself, his dream, his addiction. It's no different than alcoholism or a romantic affair, but it's more sinister because it has the appearance of being "healthy and constructive" because it's competitive and exercise...and what's more healthy than that? But you found it out before it's too late...and once he got past this obsession, there would be another, and then another.

I don't want to minimize the pain, because it's genuine. But, there is a bright side that you've already found - you're not encumbered by job or relationship, and you're not happy where you are...you are free to pursue what you want.

I think that somewhere beyond the pain, there's a whole new world opening up for you!