Is it possible to break 2 mins in the 800m in my mid to late 30's if I start training now after no training in 15 years?

Metaverse wrote:

I read about your times, how you ran for a bit and it hurt, and the competitive fire that built up when you spoke to your former teammates.

I am also in my 30s and ran similar times as you in high school and was a 400m/800m specialist. Prior to the COVID pandemic in 2019, I lost 50 pounds going from 230 to 180 doing dieting, strength training, and elliptical HIIT.

When the pandemic started and the gyms closed in March 2020, I started running again and in the beginning I remember it hurting and and being confused on how easy it was to run 5-8 miles a day before. The first time I ran back to back 6 miles, I had to take a week off of running. The first time I ran 10 miles, I had to take 10 days off from all exercise.

After that, I hit the restart button and slowly built my mileage up and got books about running and listened to coaching blogs. I got the competitive fire back that you described; but instead I channeled it to running marathons.

After a slow ramp up, I ran my first marathon in Dec 2020 in 3:14 and my second marathon in March 2020 in 3:00 and am training for Berlin in September to go 2:50. I rotate between marathon training segment and 10k training segment and travel to race destinations. I am also learning how to swim and ride a bike this summer to explore adventure triathlons as well. I got to this level with 1.5 years of run specific training; running everyday; fueling and resting right, making sure life stress management is good, and following a coach/training plan.

I'm sharing this to give you an example of a different way that could channel that competitive fire than returning to the 800m where we are past our prime (not saying there is not merit in master athletics in shorter distances). You could also do 5Ks/10Ks like others suggested.

There is a big athletics world out there for you to explore, compete, and adventure with; expect to train consistently for six months before running starts feeling natural and easy again.

ummmmmm wrote:

JMWLP wrote:

I'm really happy by the response, I thought I was just speaking into the void. A lot of you said to focus on the longer distances which makes a lot of sense. I need to get my feed and millage underneath me and find realistic, attainable goals.

I ran today btw. It hurt. I'm severely out of shape...bad. I was only able to run about 3 miles before my feet and calves were in excruciating pain, I didn't feel winded. If anything, my legs gave out before my lungs did, at least to my perception. I'm also a flat footed runner, always have been. My arches are collapsed and I've had high stability shoes to compensate for that (though I could be wrong and I may need something else), but my guess is just lack of strength in that area and my terrible feet on top of that. I do stretch and warm up before I go, but again I'm pretty sure I just need to build that strength and get my body used to running again. It's a little tough on the brain because I still vividly remember being able to run 5-8 miles a day easy, so it's kind of messing with my head not being able to do it right now.

Anybody have any other thoughts on why my feet and calves feel like this or am I on the right mind of thinking?

Again, you guys are great, you didn't have to take time out of your day to talk to me, but you did, so thank you.

Your feet and calves hurt because you are out of shape. It will take a while to build the muscles back up. Took me about 6 months before my calves and shins stopped hurting when I started back running again in my late 30s.

Don't worry about the fact that you used to be able to run 5-8 miles on easy days. You will be able to do this again in the future of you start slow and don't overdo it.

Be careful with the feet. Plantar Fasciitis is a MFer. Start with running every other day and walk or bike on some of your other days. Once your body gets used to it you can start adding more run days. I started at 3 days a week and am now up to 6-7 days a week after about 2 years.

The main advice I'd have is to not get anxious and take the long term approach. Getting yourself injured will quickly send you back to square 1.