The sad devolution of a runner

Training Advice/Discussion Masters

9 years ago 04/15/2015 6:40pm EDT

For most of my 50's up to and including 58, I was a training, focused competitor. I was defying age and couldn't understand the 50's guy who didn't have the competitive spark. I took pride in what I could do at my age.

At 59, things started to change. I raced hard but seemed pretty physically beat up at the end of races. The racing really wasn't fun anymore. At 60, I kept training to stay in shape but didn't really race anymore (did a couple of events escorting slower people).

But now for the past 6 months, the intensity and consistency of training have fallen significantly. (Even put on 6 or 7 pounds). My runs have become must shorter and less often.

I've slowed and am starting to run like an older runner.

Question: Do I fight the good fight and try to regain speed and fitness or do I just accept the inevitable?

9 years ago 04/15/2015 10:25pm EDT

re: gonna be 61

The fire is still within you. Maybe you burnt yourself out. Relax and refocus when you are ready.

9 years ago 04/15/2015 11:57pm EDT

re: gonna be 61

I think the problem is with your inability to set goals and then readjust them with age. It sounds like you have some talent. Can you use it wisely?

Look up the 61 year old masters record and facking go for it! Dream!

9 years ago 04/16/2015 9:02am EDT

re: gonna be 61

I'm going to focus on when you started to seem pretty physically beat up at the end of races.

I'm 10 years younger but have gone through a very similar process brought on by injuries. Even when I was running great times, I just felt old.

Recently, I found

http://gmb.io/

Their attitude and exercises seem be the right way for me to get restarted.

Have a look for yourself.

9 years ago 04/16/2015 9:08am EDT

re: gonna be 61

Don't we just deal with it one day at a time.

As long as we are still moving things are good.

9 years ago 04/16/2015 9:42am EDT

re: gonna be 61

I'm 70 and have been running for 57 years. I've always paid attention to age group performances and accepted the inevitable decline in performance that comes with age. However, in the past few years, its been more difficult to get myself up for racing. I feel that its just going through the motions even if I can win my age group, locally or nationally. If I can train with decent intensity, what's the point? I feel your pain, brother.

9 years ago 04/16/2015 9:49am EDT

re: gonna be 61

gonna be 61 wrote:
For most of my 50's up to and including 58, I was a training, focused competitor. I was defying age and couldn't understand the 50's guy who didn't have the competitive spark. I took pride in what I could do at my age.
At 59, things started to change. I raced hard but seemed pretty physically beat up at the end of races. The racing really wasn't fun anymore. At 60, I kept training to stay in shape but didn't really race anymore (did a couple of events escorting slower people).
But now for the past 6 months, the intensity and consistency of training have fallen significantly. (Even put on 6 or 7 pounds). My runs have become must shorter and less often.
I've slowed and am starting to run like an older runner.
Question: Do I fight the good fight and try to regain speed and fitness or do I just accept the inevitable?

Oh!

9 years ago 04/16/2015 10:14am EDT

re: gonna be 61

We are about the same age.

My last race was a few months before turning 50. Ran 16:44 for 5000 on the track. I was wanting to run under 16 but pf was bringing me down so I QUIT.

Almost no running except for a come back effort at 56. Lost interest.

My current focus is NOT running like an older runner!

I think it can be delayed with the right approach.

You should consider this as a worthy goal...regaining your form.

Good Luck!

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