I also ran at a D1 program 30 years ago. It's both fun and shocking to look back at what we were able to do back then. However, for your goals moving forward, I would recommend setting a new group of attainable and realistic benchmarks. These should be thought out and involve some actual fun targets. The days of running all our mileage at sub 7:00 pace are/should be behind us now.
An example of a recent target: I ran a 5k last summer. A bunch of HS kids were there. I set a goal of trying to stay near some of the ones that would be running around 19:00 5k pace. I would not allow myself to chase the ones faster than that (because I knew my limits) It worked and I ran an 18:45. I was not focused on beating them, just simply seeing if I could ride the tide with some younger guys. Fun day and something positive to move forward with.
Greetings All.
Wondering if I could get some feedback: Former D1 Distance runner. Kept at it into late 20s, but then kids, job and injury had me on and off fitness running.
Now with kids away at school I'm looking to get back to racing. Problem is where once 6:00 pace was an easy day, now I'm doing 11:30 pace. For the past year "training" has been 30-60 minutes at that slow pace with some strides.
Is it worth continuing to build a base and trying to pick up speed, or should I just hit the track and race season knowing I'm going to be aiming to "race" at 9:00 pace? I've avoided track workouts and races feeling like if I can't run a decent pace for an hour I have no business slogging through a race.
Did battle cancer last year and lower leg issues over past 5 years. All resolved at this point.
Any input would be appreciated.[/quote]