Deer OP wrote:
I have a desk job and have run up to 100mpw before and it is doable. But, my workouts are nowhere as intense as the elites. I would never be able to recover if they were.
Are you taking naps and getting physical therapy, massages and/or chiro work on a daily basis?
If you are not doing the above, you are not doing EVERYTHING you possibly can.
With the number of 2:10 marathoners in the US I think we can rule you out.
i'm fortunately injury free and have had to see a physical therapist only once ever, last year.
no, i don't get chiro work or massages on a daily basis. nor do many pros.
no i haven't run 2:10. not even close. but my personal genetic ability and speed are completely irrelevant, we're talking about training. PRACTICE.