Will I Ever Be Fast? a training thread

I’m not sure I agree that it’s usual though I’m following this thread with interest.

I started running as an adult at 27 with similar “raw” speed, if not slightly faster as an adolescent (FYI I’m also a girl). I was generally fit (as a rock climber) but lacked running endurance. I’m also around 5 ft 6 at 63 kg so similar build to OP (though no longer hourglass, think more triangular with bigger shoulders!)

My first ever 10k race after 3 months of running 15 mpw (longest run of 5 miles) was 47:02 mins. After 3 years, I’m now sub-20, but it was not easy! Has taken a year of 30-50 mpw and a marathon cycle to get the endurance.

However I find it hard to believe that anyone with 60-70 400 m speed and a 6 min mile runs 11 min miles. I cannot physically run at that pace and would find it hard biomechanically to do so.

Anyway, good luck!

Read Gerry Lindgren's book. It will give you a totally different perspective on training.

Your progression makes sense and getting sub 20 as female is not easy at all, it's like a male running 17 flat or low 17.

Turtle was fast in HS, but then mostly sedentary for many years, and also injured at the end of her HS career. She still has the great speed that she has (not 62, but mid-high 60s she can probably drop these days). 6 min mile is not her current ability, but she will be able to run that again if she keeps training and improving.

I had decent speed after 6 years of being sedentary (and was not even a 6 flat miler as kid despite being physically active) but absolutely no endurance and leg strength, and 11 min miles were hard. Rock climbing gave you very good shape/fitness in general, being completely sedentary you would struggle to even run 1-2 miles and certainly not break 60 in a 10k.

When the HR/cardiovascular system becomes the limiting factor, running even 10 min miles becomes quite hard so I see no reason to doubt Turtle's PR's or current speeds. They are typical for a beginner, but what should happen is that since she already was on a high level once, she should be able to reach it again eventually if she keeps training. So the current 11 min miles will become 10 min miles soon, then 9 min miles, 8 min miles etc..

LateRunnerPhil wrote:

Your progression makes sense and getting sub 20 as female is not easy at all, it's like a male running 17 flat or low 17.

Using an Age-Grade Calculator, I did some fact-checking on LateRunnerPhil's above statement. The results are presented in the following thread:

Phil - That's correct, and I completely agree with you.

Brakz - Also, I haven't ran any 11 minute miles since the 100 degree weather passed, and I have not claimed to be in 6 min mile or 62 sec 400m shape currently. I look forward to when races start again, and I'm able to test myself more.

I am currently on my 9th consecutive week of mileage between 14-17 miles with my longest run being 5.6 miles. I have a ways to go and don't think it's fair that you doubt me based off of your not really comparable experience. Thank you for following along, and I look forward to any substantive feedback you provide. Give me a few years, and I will give you a run for your money in any race @Brakz :). Happy running!

turtlegirl wrote:

Give me a few years, and I will give you a run for your money in any race @Brakz :). Happy running!

With your competitive spirit & a little competition, I bet you’re ready for 25-low, you can do it! Prob closer to 26 flat if solo TT. (Or go crush a 24:XX and show up all internet prognosticators! ?)

I think you're ready for 25

I meant sub 25!

lurker wrote:

turtlegirl wrote:

Give me a few years, and I will give you a run for your money in any race @Brakz :). Happy running!

With your competitive spirit & a little competition, I bet you’re ready for 25-low, you can do it! Prob closer to 26 flat if solo TT. (Or go crush a 24:XX and show up all internet prognosticators! ?)

haha we will see what I can do. Would love to find an actual race

Heyy, did you keep at it?

hope you’re doing well!!