Is it possible to break 2:30 after Age 40?

It can be done, but we definitely need more information on your running background and what kind of training went into that 2:56. Talent could definitely be a limiting factor - I know many "talented" runners who've ran fast track times and sub-70 HMs but haven't cracked 2:30 in the full...

I'm 32 and a 2:44 PB marathon runner. Ran a 2:47 low a few months back mainly on 70-80 mpw. I know I need focus some more energy on faster workouts.

To the original OP, I'm glad you posted as I was asking similar questions (am I past my prime).

I'm looking to run sub-2:40 here in the next year. Would be thrilled with a 2:3X mid to high. Right now, I feel good and think it's possible. Keep living the dream man!

Lagat could do that as a long run, today... Attainable with intentional and focused training

john_seattle wrote:

What's the "peak" marathon age? I'm currently 32 - trying to see if I'm already over the hill.

Current PR is 2:56 - trying to see if I can break 2:30 before Age 40. But really worried that age might be a factor at some point.

Willing to put in 100 miles per week if that's what it takes.

Are you serious bro? Of course it's possible!

If you have been running only for a few years without a particular structure and on low mileage, then you may have a shot.

Otherwise, sorry, but the talent is just not there.

john_seattle wrote:

What's the "peak" marathon age? I'm currently 32 - trying to see if I'm already over the hill.

Current PR is 2:56 - trying to see if I can break 2:30 before Age 40. But really worried that age might be a factor at some point.

Willing to put in 100 miles per week if that's what it takes.

6/10. Solid piece of trolling here. Not outstanding, but solid. While the claims are out there, they do fall into the range of believability. It is sufficiently subtle. You garnered several serious replies. Throw in a couple of intentional spelling errors, include something subtly angering, and you'd have scored even higher.

NERunner053 wrote:

I'm sure the OP appreciates everyone listing out former pros who run fast masters times.

Sorry, the OP didn't ask "Can I break 2:30 at age 40," he asked whether this feat was possible.

It was a shitty question and it deserves shitty answers.

To the OP, you are too young to worry about post 40 times. You have plenty of time to reach your peak now.

Still At It wrote:

I'm 32 and a 2:44 PB marathon runner. Ran a 2:47 low a few months back mainly on 70-80 mpw. I know I need focus some more energy on faster workouts.

To the original OP, I'm glad you posted as I was asking similar questions (am I past my prime).

I'm looking to run sub-2:40 here in the next year. Would be thrilled with a 2:3X mid to high. Right now, I feel good and think it's possible. Keep living the dream man!

It`s possible, but not so good chance with "home made" guess training. You need a pro to reach your dream! magic AT coachjs DOT se

Just run 84/85 seconds per 400m. For 26.2 miles, should be easy.

assuming your 2:56 was pre-35 that's open bracket and 70% AG

now you are trying to do 2:30 at 40 which is 84% AG

if you were D1 (or really any NCAA division) you might have a chance

Galen Rupp is 32. Mo Farah is 35.

Impossible to say if you can drop that much time without knowing more about your running background.

Do you even run bro? wrote:

john_seattle wrote:

What's the "peak" marathon age? I'm currently 32 - trying to see if I'm already over the hill.

Current PR is 2:56 - trying to see if I can break 2:30 before Age 40. But really worried that age might be a factor at some point.

Willing to put in 100 miles per week if that's what it takes.

Are you serious bro? Of course it's possible!

Agree with this guy. Try harder. If you're putting in even 70-80 mile weeks and your PR is 2:56, then your mental game is weak.

Don't listen to J.S ("half the mileage" etc.). Make running 100 miles per week feel easy (slowly increasing mileage both between seasons and in each season).

Well start with your mile. If you can run 4:40 you got a shot. If that mile time translates up through longer distances in a positive relative way, then you really have a possibility. If you can average 80-85 miles a week and are able to do a session of 12 x 800 in 2:28-230 with a quarter jog, then find a fast course and go for it.

PEDs, baby!

Think about it this way. You have to cover at least 4.5 miles more to run 2:30. That is equivalent of 90 city blocks. Unless you just started running, it's lot harder than you think. This is not the same as 5 hour marathoner going to 4 hours.

john_seattle wrote:

What's the "peak" marathon age? I'm currently 32 - trying to see if I'm already over the hill.

Current PR is 2:56 - trying to see if I can break 2:30 before Age 40. But really worried that age might be a factor at some point.

Willing to put in 100 miles per week if that's what it takes.

Tell me 2:56 was your second marathon and you've been running for 2 years and your mile PR is 4:45 and I'll tell you that you can break 2:30 before the age of 40. Age is a factor beyond the age of 35 but talent is more of a factor.

What is the OP's body type? If he is average height, say 5'9 and average weight, say 160 to 170 lb, then he won't progress much further. 2:56 is a fine time for a person that 'big.'

He needs to be Ryan Hall in structure, about 5'9 and no heavier than 130 to 135 to make a drop to 2:30.

What gets you onto the football field is a handicap in the marathon and vice versa.

ecto wrote:

What is the OP's body type? If he is average height, say 5'9 and average weight, say 160 to 170 lb, then he won't progress much further. 2:56 is a fine time for a person that 'big.'

He needs to be Ryan Hall in structure, about 5'9 and no heavier than 130 to 135 to make a drop to 2:30.

What gets you onto the football field is a handicap in the marathon and vice versa.

You know it's possible to gain or lose weight.