Past it at 33?

My father started running at the age of 32 as an overweight recent ex-smoker and former has-been competitive swimmer (quit at 17y). Five years later and 50lbs lighter (at 37y) he ran 2:24 in marathon and 31:09 in 10k.

It took me 8 years (I started at 15y) to break his PBs.

It's never too late to be competitive within your own capabilities. Respect them in terms of not being stupid and overdoing something, but find out for yourself where your limit is.

it is never too late to get fitter, besides this woman's story of success should be enough motivation for anyone

http://www.powmarathon.org/pages/speaker.html

a woman who didn't take up competitive running until about 40 won the nyc marathon... unreal

Hi Guys,

This is just the sort of inspirational stories that I was hoping for. Too many people and coaches, talking about how important it is to develop your talent before you are 15 etc and be running a hundred plus miles before you're in your mid twenties.

I totally approve of this advice, but it can be discouraging when the first real opportunity to settle down and take your running seriously comes later.

I have no dellusions of running in an Olympics or reaching national standards, or at least I hope not as this probably means that there is something seriously wrong with my sport. However I can at least aspire to the good for my age standards. The question is how many years does it take to reach a peak level of fitness? The only person that can answer that is me + dedication + good advice + time.

Who knows, I might be able to inspire someone else in years to come.

Thanks again!

Wellpark

Jack Foster was a recreational cyclist until 33. Started running to "get in shape". Got good. Ran a 2:11 masters world record in the marathon at age 41.

Alan

John Campbell is another good example of someone who started in his 30's running again and was able to run a 2:11 as a master. Foster also ran a 2:20 at the age of 50.

I took up masters track at 45 after a few years of 5k road races (ran my first step at age 28 and averaged about 25 miles a week), then did several years of 10 mile weeks of fitness running.

At first, I was stiff and sore every day for about 6 weeks, but I loved the training. I kept with it and became very competitive in everything up to 400m. Now, at 49, I've won several meets and set some regional records.

Although you're doing more distance than I am, the bottom line is still the same. It doesn't matter what age you begin, you can very, very easily become competitive if that is what you want out of it.

So, what are you waiting on? JUST DO IT!

Check out the story of Priscilla Welch. I believe she started running around age 33 or 34 and eventually made Great Britain's Olympic Marathon team.

at 33, you could be on the edge of peaking or slightly past it. (it seems to be different for everyone). I would think that you could see the results from your higher mileage and stepped up training level within the same calendar year. (ie, you put in higher 'base' mileage in the late summer and thru the fall and winter-in the following spring and summer you should reap the results with new PRs).

Thanks again guys,

I expected to get lots of critical posts or stuff about adjusting my expectations, however regardless of how things work out for me, its great to know that the encouragemnt is there and that there are always exceptions to the \'rules\'.

Warm regards

Wellpark

Welllpark wrote:

Thanks again guys,

I expected to get lots of critical posts or stuff about adjusting my expectations, however regardless of how things work out for me, its great to know that the encouragemnt is there and that there are always exceptions to the 'rules'.

Warm regards

Wellpark

It IS great to get support and encouragement from everyone...Just as long as you realize that the only way to get better is to go out there and NOT care what anyone else thinks.