J.O. wrote:
To run faster you need a more powerful stride. You don't get that just from mileage, which is really more about endurance. Combine endurance training with the faster work and, if you get it right you can keep improving for a long time despite getting older.
Of course, how much fat you are carrying has a big impact on your pace also.
I am 5'4", 122 pds, much of that from leg muscle. I don't think body fat is my problem, although I would like to lose maybe 7 pds just to become ultra-lean, carry less weight while running. I would be underweight for sure 7 pounds lighter, maybe in an unflattering way.
Anyway, thanks again! This really helps b/c my husband and I have had a LOOONNNNGGG running debate about genetics v. training. He firmly believes that running speed is mostly genetic. Those kinds of thoughts get into your brain and affect what you attempt. So I was just kind of wondering if all people, regardless of their genetics, tend to improve significantly with speedwork, since I was never on a team and haven't done much speedwork.