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i kinda like running
Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 2:53PM Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
This is kind of a vague question, and I'm really just shooting the bull here. But part of me is genuinely curious to see what some experienced runners/coaches think.

Is it at all feasible for me to think I, as a 31 year old male, could regain the sprint speed of my 21 year old self? I ran track in college and the while the long and triple jumps were probably my best events, I wasn't too shabby in the in the 400m either.

I've made a few half-assed attempts at getting back in shape and even competed in a handful of all-comers track meets here and there over the past 10 years, but I've never really made any serious attempts where I trained properly and consistently over a significant period of time. I'm currently pretty out of shape and I am about 20-25 lbs heavier than my college self. If I trained seriously for the next 2 years, is it even remotely realistic to think that I could return to form speed-wise at my age?
Had to laugh
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 3:17PM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
You could get close. Sounds like you have too much of "life" in the way to be that focused. But yeah, you could get close.
cpr
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 3:18PM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Go for it!
The chase is better than the catch.
one more time...
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 3:18PM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Yes... I just turned 33, and am within a tenth of my college average in the 60m (7.04ish). A lot of General Strength components and 100-150's have brought the Max Velocity back. I have done some short rest interval stuff over 200m on a few occasions this season, but most has been >2min rest between reps... even at reps in the 70% range.

Granted, I didnt have as much weight to lose, but it is definitely possible.

For the most part, I follow a weekly track session microcycle that is along these lines...

Mon. - Acceleration... 10-40m
Tues. - General Strength... 100-200m
Wed. - Easy Body Weight Circuit x 2-3, easy flexibility work
Thurs. - Acceleration/Max Speed... 10-80m, flys, etc.
Fri.- Circuits, Flexibility
Sat.- General Strength... 100-200m
Sun.- Rest

Depending on the period of the season, some things are added, and some days might change in theme. Components such as Multi-Throws and Plyo's usually take place on Accel days.
ukathleticscoach
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 4:47PM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
You need to find other people to train with, have you got a local track?
i kind like running
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 5:11PM - in reply to ukathleticscoach Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Thanks for the feedback folks. Like I said, I'm not really sure if I'm serious about this because I have a lot going on, but it's definitely something I think about sometimes.

To answer ukathleticscoach: I don't really have a local track. There is one within running distance of my house, and I used to use that one at night (jumped the fence), but technically the school doesn't want non-students using it after hours. A lot of local tracks are restricted that way. It sucks. There is a local university that holds all-comers/masters meets during the summer and I met a few sprinters there a couple years ago. So that's a possiblity as far as training partners are concerned.

I may start doing general fitness and cross training this spring or summer so that I can be ready to take on some sprint training before next year's track season. This season ain't happenin', haha.
Coach Carnegie
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 5:35PM - in reply to i kind like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I have a training program if you need help.
Interested Observer
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 6:54PM - in reply to Coach Carnegie Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

Coach Carnegie wrote:

I have a training program if you need help.


Can I get a copy?
Coach Carnegie
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 7:46PM - in reply to Interested Observer Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

Interested Observer wrote:

[quote]Coach Carnegie wrote:

I have a training program if you need help.


Can I get a copy?[/quote]

My training programs are personal.
its boretastic
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 2/29/2012 8:54PM - in reply to Coach Carnegie Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
pet a doggie
i kinda like running
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 9:03AM - in reply to Coach Carnegie Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Does it cost money?
1992 Theatrical Release
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 9:18AM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
It's tough to regain speed in your 30's. I ran a 4.8 40 in college (I played football D-1) and my speed absolutely sucks now.

Granted, I do distance work these days but I can't even come close to catching my 19-year old self in a 200m sprint.
redux
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 9:33AM - in reply to 1992 Theatrical Release Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
What do you think the range is for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m for a 30-something who trains?
mr. Toad RIP
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 9:40AM - in reply to redux Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Looks like another half-ass attempt which, sorry to say, isn't going to cut it.
Too olddd
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 9:42AM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Can you do it? Of course you can. MJ ran 19.71 and 30.85 when he was 32 and had set the 400m WR a month shy of his 32nd birthday.

Realistic? Probably not if you have too many "life" factors that could potentially get in the way.
redux
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 9:45AM - in reply to mr. Toad RIP Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I don't totally agree. If he gets someone who will give him good training help and not try to sell him something he may have a chance. If he posts his weekly summaries and opens himself up to criticism and accountability I think he has a better chance.
backintoit
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 11:17AM - in reply to redux Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I believe it is possible if you're serious about it. I am 30 and haven't ran in 10 yrs. but will attempt to break all my prs. by the end of the year. I just ordered my racing flats and havent' bought some since my high school days. I ran a 440 mile as a sophomore in high school and ran a pr. in the 800 (2:06)en route to my mile best of 432 my freshman yr. of college. Like I said, dedication will get you there, I'm close to 2 months into my training and haven't felt this good about running since my senior yr or high school. Good luck.
Coach Carnegie
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 1:58PM - in reply to i kinda like running Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

i kinda like running wrote:

Does it cost money?


A good training program is never free.
Coach Carnegie
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 2:35PM - in reply to one more time... Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
[quote]one more time... wrote:

Yes... I just turned 33, and am within a tenth of my college average in the 60m (7.04ish).

You might be in 11.03 - 11.2/100 meter shape.
legger
RE: Can I get my speed back in my 30s? 3/1/2012 2:38PM - in reply to Coach Carnegie Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

Coach Carnegie wrote:

[quote]i kinda like running wrote:

Does it cost money?


A good training program is never free.[/quote]

Actually, a there are lots of great training programs you can find for free just by searching these boards. E.g. 'old sub 4' posted a great program for the 800 a few years ago - just use the search function!
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