Once pro runners reach their limit (Kenenisa for example, reached it when he ran a 26:48 10k), they are almost always on a gradual, yet constant rate of decline.
For all the work they put in, from the 20+ mile long runs to the 100-120 miles per week they put in, their progress halts.
Do you ever find it sad they make such efforts day in day out, yet they work hard only to stem the speed of their decline?
Asphating wrote:
Once pro runners reach their limit (Kenenisa for example, reached it when he ran a 26:48 10k), they are almost always on a gradual, yet constant rate of decline.
I guess if they train hard enough, they can ultimately surpass their limit -- like Kenenisa, who went on to run 26:17.53 in the 10,000m.
So you're saying pro runners never run faster than their all-time PB.
I checked to see if you're right, and yep, Kenenisa, El G, Lagat, Nick Willis, none of them have ever run faster than their PBs.
Mind blown.
Will it blend???? wrote:
So you're saying pro runners never run faster than their all-time PB.
I checked to see if you're right, and yep, Kenenisa, El G, Lagat, Nick Willis, none of them have ever run faster than their PBs.
Mind blown.
Mine too. Completely.
Is it sad that pros continue to train as pros even after they've set those PBs? No.
What kind of idiot comes up with crap like this?
Seriously?? Is the OP an idiot?
A runner won't know their current PB will be their all-time PB until they retire...
Did I just take the bait???
Ask a stupid question wrote:
Asphating wrote:Once pro runners reach their limit (Kenenisa for example, reached it when he ran a 26:48 10k), they are almost always on a gradual, yet constant rate of decline.
I guess if they train hard enough, they can ultimately surpass their limit -- like Kenenisa, who went on to run 26:17.53 in the 10,000m.
This is why I love LR.
Bekele never ran 26:48, that was Rupp who then ran 26:44. However, KB did run 26:49 the year before he ran 26:20.
I doubt this is a serious question but what the heck. Do you understand that a professional athlete earns a living from his/her sport and usually continues doing so for some time after their performances have peaked? MLB players who once hit 30 home runs in a year but now only manage 20 don't retire or stop taking batting practice. They keep playing because they still can earn money for their 20 HR seasons. It's no different for professional runners.
Then there's the matter of actually liking what you're doing. Going to baseball again, if you watch enough minor league games you will always come across guys who were once major leaguers but are now playing minor league ball because the CAN. Undoubtedly many pro runners keep on past their PR years also because they can and want to.
It becomes about more than PB's. For the elite, you can win a medal without running a PB or by simply outracing your faster opponents (Boston 2014).
As a local runner, it hit me that I will never run a PB (I'm 55) a few years ago.
I mean, I knew it, it just kind of hit me- wow!
I realize that I still enjoy running, training, racing, albeit slower.
To be honest- gettint down under 7:00 per mile for a length of time on a training run feels the same as when I was under 6:00 25 years ago.
My 8:00 per mile easy runs feel like my 7:00 per milers 25 years ago.
You love running for the sake of running.
why are we talking about pros running 100 mpw? at least they get paid. how about those idiots who run 100 mpw FOR FREE?!?!?! those are the real losers...
Asphating wrote:
Once pro runners reach their limit (Kenenisa for example, reached it when he ran a 26:48 10k), they are almost always on a gradual, yet constant rate of decline.
For all the work they put in, from the 20+ mile long runs to the 100-120 miles per week they put in, their progress halts.
Do you ever find it sad they make such efforts day in day out, yet they work hard only to stem the speed of their decline?
I once threw a ball into the air and it missed the ground.
Will it blend???? wrote:
So you're saying pro runners never run faster than their all-time PB.
I checked to see if you're right, and yep, Kenenisa, El G, Lagat, Nick Willis, none of them have ever run faster than their PBs.
Mind blown.
My theory behind why this is is that once you set your PB, you lose motivation because all your life you've been trying to get faster and faster. From trying to break 15 the first time to a 4 minute mile, etc. and then once you run your PB, you have to find other ways to motivate yourself. It's not easy knowing that you've finally set your PB after years and years of hard work.
You act like a 20 mile long run is so unbearable its not worth it. Well, training for a couple hours a day is much more enjoyable than a 9-5 desk job! Plus you get to compete with the best in the world. Let's ask Nick Willis about this, I think his post sub 3:30 interview says it all. He's pretty old now and still having a blast and possibly more motivated than ever.
However, I understand where your coming from and I bet guys like Bekele are getting pretty tired of it, though the paycheck probably gives them that umph they need to get through training.
afasdfds wrote:
why are we talking about pros running 100 mpw? at least they get paid. how about those idiots who run 100 mpw FOR FREE?!?!?! those are the real losers...
I tried 100+ mpw but didn't like it. I run once a day at a higher quality now and rest on Sunday. And I don't care that I don't get paid for it. It's fun and I enjoy it. It's a test of me against myself as I strive to be the best that I can be.
And its just a good way to stay in shape. If I didn't run, in a year I'd probably put on 50-60 pounds and get some of that diabeetus.
Careers peak? Wow, that is an amazing insight, OP!
They could start running different distnaces. 12k, 100 miles, 2 miles, etc. They could be setting PBs every month of their lives. Just lack of imagination.
So people who run 100 mile weeks without getting paid are idiots? If you love to run, compete, and better your times in the sport you love then 100 mile weeks may eventually be needed. How does that make you an idiot?
Trot head wrote:
So people who run 100 mile weeks without getting paid are idiots? If you love to run, compete, and better your times in the sport you love then 100 mile weeks may eventually be needed. How does that make you an idiot?
exactly
Trot head wrote:
So people who run 100 mile weeks without getting paid are idiots? If you love to run, compete, and better your times in the sport you love then 100 mile weeks may eventually be needed. How does that make you an idiot?
It's idiotic, because, you see, if you keep improving your lifetime best, then eventually you'll peak and you won't break it again. At least that's what I've gathered from OP.
Idontevenknow wrote:
Will it blend???? wrote:So you're saying pro runners never run faster than their all-time PB.
I checked to see if you're right, and yep, Kenenisa, El G, Lagat, Nick Willis, none of them have ever run faster than their PBs.
Mind blown.
My theory behind why this is is that once you set your PB, you lose motivation because all your life you've been trying to get faster and faster. From trying to break 15 the first time to a 4 minute mile, etc. and then once you run your PB, you have to find other ways to motivate yourself. It's not easy knowing that you've finally set your PB after years and years of hard work.
That's a good theory. When I was 10, I ran a 1500m in 5:38. It was a pb, therefore I was never motivated to go any faster. Where do these idiots come up with this stuff?