What age is too old for a former D1 runner to get back into shape?

I came back after 12 years. Barely ran post college. Something clicked and m back. Took a year to get back to being a runner.

If you were once well trained, you can take decades off. Once you begin training in a smart and structured way, your fitness will come back much faster than someone who was never trained.

What kind of shape do you mean? Are you trying to hit the VDOT equivalent of your 1500 PR? BQ? OTQ?

Why D1? Are they special? Or by saying D1 you think that makes you special?

It gets really difficult after age 75.

To get as fit as you were? That's a tough one and hard to say what age for sure. But to get back into shape? Well, you can do that anytime before you're dead since "into shape" changes as you age. So my advice is to get back into shape before you stop aging.

No, 75 is the new 55 - more like 90. 😉

It's never too late.

I'm doing it at almost 45... it's revitalized me. go for it and see what happens. :)

Unless you are getting paid, the only person you are running for is yourself. Just do it. I stopped running immediately after college and got back into shape after 20 years.

/eot

^^ there is no age and it's never too late.

Malmo is mad

I think a lot depends on weight and if you are at a relatively fit weight. If so, a few months. If not possibly up to a year. If you are coming back heavier you'll also have to build up slower to prevent injury.

Why would I be mad?

Malmo actually made a good point and I upvoted his remark.

Well , if you by shape means do the same results you did as when D1 runner I say around age 40 is the limit . But if you mean getting in shape to finish a half/ marathon with a decent time it can be done higher up in the ages.

"D1 Runner" is just shorthand for "had/has some talent for the sport" vs someone that has never done it.

Same thing if a former D1 football player comes to the gym. They will outperform most of the regular people that show up. There is such thing as talent/natural ability.