From a talk/paper I gave (age 58)
What Would I Say to My Younger Self?
Ten Tips on Training Wiser
1. Consistency trumps heroism.
• “Do the workout that you can recover from not the workout you can do.” Constantina Dita, Olympic marathon gold medalist in 2008
2. Our bodies need rest to produce adaptations from our training.
• Greater volume and intensity do not always lead to greater improvements.
3. “The older I am, the faster I used to be.”
• I can assure you: you will take longer to recover from workouts, heal from injuries, and get back in shape.
• What’s the only thing that gets faster? You will get out of shape faster.
4. Run on grass or trails as much as possible.
• Your joints will thank you.
5. Do at least one high intensity workout per week.
• Speed work helps running economy.
• The absence of a high intensity run strongly limits how much you’ll improve.
6. Listen to your body.
• If your legs feel like lead, your breathing is heavy, or your pulse is higher than usual, then slow down, cut your workout short, or take a rest day. These factors are often a sign of overwork or impending illness.
7. Stay trim: A healthy weight is free speed.
• Excess weight slows your time about two seconds per pound per mile. It adds up quickly.
8. Lift weights: You’re only as strong as your weakest link.
• Your weaknesses will find you. Work on overall body fitness.
9. Keep age-specific PRs.
• It’s encouraging because you get to set new PRs every year.
10. Do something (vs. nothing): Think in terms of deposits.
• Even a relaxed run or a bad workout is a deposit that will add up and pay off in the future. Stay active.
I try to run as fast as I can on 15-25 mpw, which is nothing special.
Last year's PRs 800 2:29; mile 5:36; 5k 19:59 ... I try to age grade at 80.00% in some event.