SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Apparently, no one has informed Frank Gore he turned 30 in May.

Turning 30 is generally considered the beginning-of-the-end birthday for NFL running backs. Often, great running backs see their production drop dramatically after their 30th birthday.

But halfway into the 2013 season, that is the not the case with Gore. In fact, in many ways, he's on pace for a career year.

Through eight weeks, Gore has 618 yards on 146 carries with seven touchdowns. Gore is on pace for 1,236 yards, 292 carries and 14 touchdowns. Remarkably, Gore is on pace for the most carries since he had 312 in 2006 -- at age 23. His projected yardage total would be the second highest of his career. His highest rushing touchdown total is 10, gained during the 2009 season.

His teammates and coaches are marveling at Gore, who has been the offensive spark-plug during the 49ers' 6-2 start. Going into the season, the 49ers wanted him to be Frank Gore-like. Instead, he is giving them vintage Frank Gore as he enters the fourth decade of his life.