How much of a role does talent play in being a mid level marathoner? I feel that I'm a very low talent runner (currently a 31:30 10k pr), but with a lot of hard work I can be a 2:20 marathoner. What are the pr's of some 2:20 and under marathoners, what is their mileage, what is their percieved talent levels?
What the hell are you talking about...
Why does 31:30 show low talent? Maybe if you're comparing yourself to Gebrselassie.
I don't think I ever hear anyone saying how much talent they have. It's always "I have no talent." I don't get it.
if u run a 31"30 10k you got talent
I refer to myself as a low talent becuase I have high standards for running. My pr barely provo'ed me for the DIII national meet. Last year I was the 49th fastest 10k guy in DIII, and that was after a fall of several 100 mile weeks and a winter of 90 mile weeks. I dunno, my friend can run sub 25 for an 8k off of 40 miles a week and no speed work, where as myself with similar training can run about about 26:20. See, same training, different results, different talent levels. Thats how I see things, I'm just looking for training (mileage goals, workouts, ect)ideas from people at a similar level of running to help me achieve my goal.
I ran 31:36 for 10k 10 years ago and I never considered myself talented at the time - I thought I was pretty average. It's only now, approaching 40 and running slower (though I can still do sub-36) that I realise I wasn't so bad after all.
Anyway, most 31:30 guys can realistically look at 2:25-30. However, to get down to 2:20 you're probably looking at sub-31 for 10k. The marathon, though is a strange event - I know a 29:30 10k runner who did 2:15 and a 29:10 guy who ran 3 marathnos but never broke 2:20. The marathon doesn't suit everyone. Have you done a 1/2m? - that will give you a better indication.
I haven't really "raced" a 1/2 yet. I kinda ran one as a tempo workout like three years ago in 1:13. I have two big goals that I want to achieve in the next two years. I want to get my 10,000m track pr down under 30 and to break 2:22 for the marathon. I need to develop more leg speed for the 10k, which I think will also help my marathon, and get in some big miles. I am looking for mileage suggestions and work-out suggestions from people who have "been there, done that" I'm lucky in that I live in Madison, WI and run for WI Runner, so I have access to some good training groups, but again, any suggestions to mileage and work-outs will be appreciated.
Some test data - a guy who has broken 2:20 twice, and here are some PRs:
1500 -- 3:59.6
3000 -- 8:25.01
3mi -- 14:05.8
5km -- 14:48.0
10km -- 30:41 (rd), 31:01 (tk), 30:33 "sorta" (interpolated from last 1.95 miles of a "10k" w/a pace-bike wrong turn that made it 6.95mi, and that's my story and I'm sticking to it as my PR)
Another guy named Eric Peters was known around the Hellebuyck trainign crew for having one gear from 5k to the marathon, and that gear got him to 2:20.
Check a book called "Self-made Olympian" by Ron Daws.
I think you just need to train with me after I graduate, then we can kick some ass together. Can't wait to see you on friday. Peace out Coxwill.
Mercier (sp) calculator says 31:30 10K = 24:50 8K, so your 8K time seems soft. Or your 10K was way over your head or on a short course, or something ...
Okay, my 10k pr is actually 31:36, run at the Drake relays this last year. So it wasn't a short course or anything. I guess that time is kinda comparable to my 3k pr of 8:47 which was run on UW-Platteville's indoor track. I have some pr gaps, like a 25:52 8k pr and a 15:23 5k pr, that don't match up with my 10k pr. I have a lot of work to do to meet my goals.
Eeek!!! similar PB alert!!!
my best times are
3k - 8:44.4
3k chase - 9:30.2
5k - 15:15.5
5m - 25:10
10k - 31:36
10m - 52:03
I'm reasonably happy with my times. I think I could have gone under 15 for 5k but when I was at my best I was mainly running the steeplechase on the track. If you're serious about aiming for a 2:20 marathon you could probably do with running a but faster at the shorter distances but at the same time make sure you concentrate on your main aim - I don't think anyone will do themselves justice in a marathon unless they prepare for it properly (sounds a bit obvious I know, but I speak from painful experience in my one and only attempt). Also, have a look at your whole life style - there is nothing so small or seemingly unimportant that shouldn't be considered in attempting to achieve your goal.