Talent? Like I said, I had zero talent and wouldn't be able to walk-on to the vast majority of D3 teams.
I think that the real reason for the slow times is a lack of effort during races and am surprised that not many people agree. It's like everyone starts walking when they're feeling a bit tired or when they're starting to sweat.
It’s not a popular opinion, but there’s probably truth to what you’re saying. The vast majority of people back away from the physical discomfort associated with strenuous efforts, in any endeavor. It’s just human nature.
I'm in my mid 30s and haven't run more than 10-12 mpw since 2012. No workouts, no cross training, and barely any racing.
I ran a 5K a few weeks ago, got a 20:47, and easily finished in the top 10% of all men.
My question is, why is everyone else so slow? Many of them are doing more training than I am, and it's not like I'm a talented ex-track star either. I wouldn't have been able to walk on to any college with the possible exception of the absolute worst D3 schools. And even then, I'd probably be the slowest guy on the team (my lifetime 1500 PR is 4:40 set in 2011, and that's my best event).
Is everyone else just stopping at the first sign of discomfort or something?
Ok buddy! Check back at 50 or 60 and tell us if you feel the same. That is if you can still walk and run by then. You probably beat a bunch of older people who are having a hard time. You will be working your butt off to run 20 minutes at that age.
I'm in my mid 30s and haven't run more than 10-12 mpw since 2012. No workouts, no cross training, and barely any racing.
I ran a 5K a few weeks ago, got a 20:47, and easily finished in the top 10% of all men.
My question is, why is everyone else so slow? Many of them are doing more training than I am, and it's not like I'm a talented ex-track star either. I wouldn't have been able to walk on to any college with the possible exception of the absolute worst D3 schools. And even then, I'd probably be the slowest guy on the team (my lifetime 1500 PR is 4:40 set in 2011, and that's my best event).
Is everyone else just stopping at the first sign of discomfort or something?
I can jog a 20:47 and I've never run a competitive 5k in my life.
Perhaps "hobby joggers" are running longer distances?
I'm in my mid 30s and haven't run more than 10-12 mpw since 2012. No workouts, no cross training, and barely any racing.
I ran a 5K a few weeks ago, got a 20:47, and easily finished in the top 10% of all men.
My question is, why is everyone else so slow? Many of them are doing more training than I am, and it's not like I'm a talented ex-track star either. I wouldn't have been able to walk on to any college with the possible exception of the absolute worst D3 schools. And even then, I'd probably be the slowest guy on the team (my lifetime 1500 PR is 4:40 set in 2011, and that's my best event).
Is everyone else just stopping at the first sign of discomfort or something?
I can jog a 20:47 and I've never run a competitive 5k in my life.
Perhaps "hobby joggers" are running longer distances?
the average person would gape at your sub-5-mile-equivalent PR in awe.
And indeed that you were even that fast once is why you can still go faster than them. You learned how to run, and most of them never do. Technique is everything, even if you never realize it.
Most people are slow. Distance running is only sports where people who are not good at it will spend hours and hours training. People who suck at baseball won't be swinging bat 5 to 7 days per week. You also don't see a person spending hours and years trying to break 15 sec 100m.
Talent? Like I said, I had zero talent and wouldn't be able to walk-on to the vast majority of D3 teams.
I think that the real reason for the slow times is a lack of effort during races and am surprised that not many people agree. It's like everyone starts walking when they're feeling a bit tired or when they're starting to sweat.
It’s not a popular opinion, but there’s probably truth to what you’re saying. The vast majority of people back away from the physical discomfort associated with strenuous efforts, in any endeavor. It’s just human nature.
Yeah this, the OP is ignorant about what zero talent actually means, but he's right that most hobby joggers don't really know how to push their physical limits even if they wanted to. It's just a different mindset that's hard to learn if you never ran competitively on a school team.
Most people are slow. Distance running is only sports where people who are not good at it will spend hours and hours training. People who suck at baseball won't be swinging bat 5 to 7 days per week. You also don't see a person spending hours and years trying to break 15 sec 100m.
I'm in my mid 30s and haven't run more than 10-12 mpw since 2012. No workouts, no cross training, and barely any racing.
I ran a 5K a few weeks ago, got a 20:47, and easily finished in the top 10% of all men.
My question is, why is everyone else so slow? Many of them are doing more training than I am, and it's not like I'm a talented ex-track star either. I wouldn't have been able to walk on to any college with the possible exception of the absolute worst D3 schools. And even then, I'd probably be the slowest guy on the team (my lifetime 1500 PR is 4:40 set in 2011, and that's my best event).
Is everyone else just stopping at the first sign of discomfort or something?
You're humble bragging when you don't have the right.
I'm fat and out of shape according to letsrun.
having said that, my 19:35 5k at age 41 (my lifelong PR) is faster than your time in your 30s.
I've also powered my way through a 24:39 (2006)
And a 23:53...(2007}
After not having run distance for 10 years (and after a 20:04 trail 5k in 1996)
Your 20:47 would barely scrape top 20% in Carlsbad.
You're patting yourself on the back for accomplishments and accolades you haven't earned.
there are people who "hobby jog" their 18:30s after their 15:20 PRs.
they could ask you if you quit at the first sign of discomfort.
The answer you’re looking for is a combination of natural athleticism and mindset. Most of the people at your local road race are adult-onset fitness junkies. They’re 30 years behind the curve and age-related decline is not helping matters. They also lack the will (or perhaps they can’t justify to themselves why it would be worth it) to push themselves to their physical limit in both training and racing.
These hobby joggers you denegrade do it for socialising and fitness above all else. Most have a family and s career. Meanwhile you are jerking over your 20:47 5K on letsrun.
Most people train sporadically and generally just do "greyzone" runs.
Also, they are usually overweight (for a runner) and haven't developed powerful and economical biomechanics, compared to runners who grew up doing some form of training.
Most people are slow. Distance running is only sports where people who are not good at it will spend hours and hours training. People who suck at baseball won't be swinging bat 5 to 7 days per week. You also don't see a person spending hours and years trying to break 15 sec 100m.
Golf is another.
My regular route passes through a golf course. Most golfers can't even swing a club. And some of them have been playing for many years.
the average person would gape at your sub-5-mile-equivalent PR in awe.
And indeed that you were even that fast once is why you can still go faster than them. You learned how to run, and most of them never do. Technique is everything, even if you never realize it.
this
this post is pretty dumb but for posterity the answer is that you were 'once a runner,' and serious enough about it (and yes, naturally talented enough) to get a 4:40 1500 with a modest amount of training. that muscle memory and capacity for adaptation (as well as natural talent, if the last two things are not already part of its definition) has stayed with you
I agree with the OP. It is sad to see these hobby joggers stuck in first gear forever. Don’t be that balding skinny-fat duded with a grey ponytail and a gut on him. Please.
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