My non-track friend just ran 15:25 in a 5k - should they train full time?

What? Hell yeah dude!! How old is he?

Oh sorry I just saw. But yes, that is an incredible time without proper training regardless of age. Most people do not reach that with years of intensive training. He could end up being elite. Depends on how much effort he puts in and, likewise, his desire.

Are you certain that he never ran track?

For reference, the world record is 12:37. There have only been 19 men under 12:50 and 103 men under 13:00 mins. I doubt he can ever reach those times, but 13:20-50 is certainly plausible if what you say about him is true. However, if he has a long history of cardio-based training, then it is much less likely.

He's never run track but he's really fit. He runs over 10k each week with our team and is into mountaineering. He goes on these super long full day hikes and does a ton of hill training stuff.

I'm trying to convince him to race a couple real 5ks to see how he does and maybe it will inspire him to train.

10k a week is nothing. Most people who run that fast do 100k or more. He can’t just start doing that tomorrow because he’ll get hurt, but if this is legit, there’s obviously a lot of potential for him.

10k a week is close to nothing for distance running. If he is fit, meaning didn't jump off the couch, he shouldn't have any high risk of injury. Convince him to try doing 20-30 miles a week for two to three months. He might be hooked by how good he is. If he improves alot then you know he's something special.

Also, how hard did he try in the 5k race for your soccer team?

First, measure the course and make sure it was actually 5000m. If so, he is an extremely talented athlete. I would encourage him to consider running more. If he plays soccer, introduce him to track and he could probably have a lot of success and it would be a fun way to see if he would want to take longer distance running a little more seriously in the future.

Han Solo wrote:

First, measure the course and make sure it was actually 5000m. If so, he is an extremely talented athlete. I would encourage him to consider running more. If he plays soccer, introduce him to track and he could probably have a lot of success and it would be a fun way to see if he would want to take longer distance running a little more seriously in the future.

They did it on a track. So unless it wasn't exactly 12 and a half laps, then there shouldn't be any noticeable distance error.

I'm a little confused though. If he really was this talented, how did he not discover his potential earlier? It's not hard to accidentally realize how fast you are.

Yeah it was 12.5 laps. We started at the 200m startline and ran to the finish then 12 more laps.

hansen9952 wrote:

Han Solo wrote:

First, measure the course and make sure it was actually 5000m. If so, he is an extremely talented athlete. I would encourage him to consider running more. If he plays soccer, introduce him to track and he could probably have a lot of success and it would be a fun way to see if he would want to take longer distance running a little more seriously in the future.

They did it on a track. So unless it wasn't exactly 12 and a half laps, then there shouldn't be any noticeable distance error.

He knows he has amazing endurance - that's how he got into mountaineering. We all knew he would crush us at the race as well as on our 10k runs he's barely breathing where everyone else is dying.

hansen9952 wrote:

I'm a little confused though. If he really was this talented, how did he not discover his potential earlier? It's not hard to accidentally realize how fast you are.

if there is no mistake in the time, he is a exceptionally talented runner.

After several years training like a pro he would be sub 13.30 for sure. Maybe close to 13'.

Try to make him do other time trials like 400m, 1500, 10k to see what he is best suited for. He might be even better at another distance.

Convince him to run 3-4 times a week as a beginning. He will improve fast and might considered taking it serious.

Unless he is a first division soccer player he should consider switching to running.

footballbarcelona wrote:

He knows he has amazing endurance - that's how he got into mountaineering. We all knew he would crush us at the race as well as on our 10k runs he's barely breathing where everyone else is dying.

hansen9952 wrote:

I'm a little confused though. If he really was this talented, how did he not discover his potential earlier? It's not hard to accidentally realize how fast you are.

Jesus. Ask him to run a mile time trial. Report back afterwards

Think we're going to do a track workout today for fun. The mile mark would be 4 laps + 9 meters? So if I walked back 9 meters from the start line that would work? Not very much running but we could try doing it fast. Going to head there soon - could video it as well?

hansen9952 wrote:

Jesus. Ask him to run a mile time trial. Report back afterwards

How the hell is that possible for him to run so fast? That is like a one in a billion level talent

huh? There's tons of local college kids that run that fast and the best guys run in the 12s. Wouldn't call it 1 in a billion. He could be pretty good locally.

david45 wrote:

How the hell is that possible for him to run so fast? That is like a one in a billion level talent

footballbarcelona wrote:

huh?

There's tons of local college kids that run that fast and the best guys run in the 12s. Wouldn't call it 1 in a billion. He could be pretty good locally.

david45 wrote:

How the hell is that possible for him to run so fast? That is like a one in a billion level talent

Most HS varsity runners who can run a 5k in around 15-16 minutes take years of training and work to get there

What level of soccer do you play?

footballbarcelona wrote:

He knows he has amazing endurance - that's how he got into mountaineering. We all knew he would crush us at the race as well as on our 10k runs he's barely breathing where everyone else is dying.

hansen9952 wrote:

I'm a little confused though. If he really was this talented, how did he not discover his potential earlier? It's not hard to accidentally realize how fast you are.

Is he American? Almost everyone has to run a mile in high school for PE or a team sport like soccer. It seems strange that he is 24 and someone with that much talent has never run a timed race.