I've been a little busy lately (working 6 to 4 on the chain gang), hence the late blog post. I read about Em's first marathon and it occurred to me that my first was 30 years ago (yes, I was crazy to start my running life as a marathoner). I should run another marathon one day, before my running becomes too glacial. Bob, now 76 (red striped singlet in the photo), said he became too slow for 42.195 kilometre races at 55, when he could no longer break 3 hours!
Jog asked in a comment on my last post about my use of the Powerbreathe. I've stopped (temporarily), as I'm trying higher quality, lower volume running (in my quest for a longer stride-length), and don't wish to muddy the waters by having too many variables going on in the experiment.
Speaking of the experiment, it continues to go well. I raced 8k cross-country last Saturday over a particularly bumpy, spongy and awkward course. Finished 23rd (again) in 40:16. What's encouraging is that my time was almost a minute faster than 2007 and at a lower average HR (150 compared to 153). Towards the end of '07 I ran 20:54 for the Stromlo 5k and what still remains my M50 10,000m track PB of 44:54.57. So my logical brain says that it's possible to kick on from here and run close to 20 minutes for 5k.
Jog asked in a comment on my last post about my use of the Powerbreathe. I've stopped (temporarily), as I'm trying higher quality, lower volume running (in my quest for a longer stride-length), and don't wish to muddy the waters by having too many variables going on in the experiment.
Speaking of the experiment, it continues to go well. I raced 8k cross-country last Saturday over a particularly bumpy, spongy and awkward course. Finished 23rd (again) in 40:16. What's encouraging is that my time was almost a minute faster than 2007 and at a lower average HR (150 compared to 153). Towards the end of '07 I ran 20:54 for the Stromlo 5k and what still remains my M50 10,000m track PB of 44:54.57. So my logical brain says that it's possible to kick on from here and run close to 20 minutes for 5k.
Happy runners after the Nail Can Hill Run
15 comments:
That is encouraging. Keep it up!
My first was in 1990, the second in 1991 and the third 15 years later: 2006!!! The 3rd was faster than the first (3h 46' 35"). I have a dream this year......
You made a good job on the cross-country 8km. That is always a hard race.
Have a good sunday.
Very exciting! Progress is really happening. I'm so happy for you Ewen, congratulations.
You're not the only one to start your running career with a marathon. It's not what I would recommend, but it worked for me as well.
Good luck with the ongoing quest to another 20 min 5k!
Good to see your making good progress with the running.
My view is that a lot of runners put decreasing performance down to age when really it is overtraining over many years that has slowed them down.
I think we do need to train smarter as we get older.
Hills prints, plyometrics, strength training etc and regular massage to speed up recovery.
Stick with it mate and that sub 20 min 5 k will be yours.
Glad I waited 6 years before my first marathon, not sure how many more I'll do, they are pretty hard on the body, kind of enjoying off road races these days lot more FUN!
Thanks Bob. From yesterday's run I think I've turned a corner, and that's before any specific hill interval work.
Stefano, I suspect your dream is to run a PB. I think you can do it!
Thanks Flo. It's slow progress, but slow and steady wins the, um, 11th place in the 50-59 A/G.
Thomas, it sort of worked for me. I learned that the marathon isn't my best race distance. Wish I'd stuck with them long enough (like you) to break 3 hours though.
Rick, great comment. My thoughts exactly: "train smarter as we get older." Agree about the fun aspect of off-road races too.
That's a good race Ewen. Well done! Maybe it's because you don't have a certain running partner to slow you down on the long runs! Love the photo - not sure you qualify as an oldie though!
The marathon will remain beautiful and who knows you run this distance again?.
The 5k under 20 minutes is possible, the older faster!.
For mine, I reckon you're a shoe in for the sub 20min 5K.
Pity you don't believe my opinion means anything!
Did the Blue win?
Strewth, Andy said last night he's looking forward to whipping the Spanish mama into shape. Aki said anyone over 30 qualifies as a oldie!
Rinus, yes, someday I'll run another. I want to get older and faster like you!
Scott, thanks mate! I value your opinion highly (except your opinion on how to cure every running injury known to man). And the Blues thrashed your Maroons!
Rick's comment leads me to mention a point of debate that I have discussed with others many times over the years - ie, what's the difference between the effects of ageing Vs the effects of long term over training, and how do you tell the difference? And then there's the related question - ie, what's the difference between racing unfit and racing over tired (or over trained) and the (similar) effect of one or the other (or both) on race performance? Essentially, running and sports science is not that precise and there are many grey areas.
Good luck in the ACT X/C race tomorrow! Might see you there.
Well you know ewen i have always believed that less is more, diversification of training and purposeful training every time and spending less overall time doing it...well gee thats what i hope will work because it will be a long time until i have time to dedicate many hours in the week to running...as for your breathing technique, how can one focus on that and talk at the same time - you probably can't...so forget it lol! (jen)
Jog, great comment. True that running training is an imprecise science. Runners (even from similar groups, e.g. '5k runners') respond differently to different training plans. Also to aging. The training that produced good results in one's 30s might not be the right training for one's 50s or one's 80s!
Jen, I'm sure that will work for you. Then when you hit the 45-49 age-group you'll have heaps of time to train ;) And yes, I can only do two things at once - run and breath. Or drink coffee and talk.
Great result, faster AND lower HR, couldn't ask for a better combination.
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