Slowly but surely, I feel like I'm getting back to my old self. I've said it before, I'll never be "elite fast", but I've been fast enough (and fortunate enough) to win my age group a few times. So if I'm one of the "faster old guys" I guess that makes me "moderately fast", or "slightly above average fast" ... which at 43, I can live with.
Since the whole foot-strike change, I've really struggled with three main things - leg fatigue, reduction in endurance, and reduction in speed. But as I slowly ... and I mean SLOOOOOWLY, progress through the whole forefoot strike thing, I'm gradually beginning to see all three improve. I know the endurance will come eventually. That's just running more and more and more ... right? And as my legs get stronger, they don't fatigue as easily. I rarely have anything other than common muscle soreness after a run. But the speed ... ah, the speed. That's tricky.
I know many of us runners don't talk about speed. It makes running "work" and not "relaxing". It makes us "too competitive". And it in some folk's minds it creates unnecessary separation between us as weekend warriors. But if they're timing it ... I'm gonna run it hard (most of the time). Plus getting faster and more efficient is probably the key factor in letting me know I'm progressing as a runner. But it's really just a competition with myself. I mean, I NEVER single out Bob from Cleveland, or Chuck from Davenport and say, "I'm really gonna fly by those guys today!" But do I wanna win my age group ... heck yeah!
And until recently, I thought my limited version of "speed" might be gone with this new foot strike. At some points in the evolution, I didn't even know if I'd stick with it. But my last few runs have given me a little peace of mind that maybe, just maybe, I'm getting back to my old self. At the Little Rock Half Marathon a few weeks ago, I went 1:33:23/7:08 mile - which I know is not blazing fast for some of you jack rabbits, but it was good for me. And this morning in my weekly speed workout, I did 4 one mile repeats in the middle of a 10 mile run. They went 6:30, 6:17, 6:07, 5:58. Again, not earth shattering I know, but solid for where I'm at. And I felt okay with it.
I'm really trying to build toward the Rock The Parkway Half Marathon in Kansas City in about 4 weeks. And everything I'm doing is geared specifically for that race right now. I'm shooting for sub 1:25 ... which is a TALL order for me (6:29/mile). But hopefully if everything goes well, I'll be close. That time won't be good enough to win my age group - it's a pretty large race. But if I can pull it off - I'll finally feel like the old me, and officially call myself a forefoot striker. And one thing's for sure, everyday I'm making strides. So watch out Prairie Fire Marathon in Wichita in October ... you're the ultimate goal. And slowly but surely, I'm starting to feel it again!
... be great today!
Those numbers all look pretty darn fast to me. Sub 1:25 for a Half is awfully fast, especially for old guys like us. Much respect for sticking with your form change despite the impact on your speed. I'm guessing your legs thank you for it.
ReplyDeletethose numbers are fast to me too. I have just started using a pair of Pure Flow a few times a week. I am not ready to wear them for over 6 miles just yet. It is HARD to adjust! The thing I noticed was that I am much slower with those shoes. It is frustrating. Now that I finally made progress with my pace I go and buy these shoes! BUT it does help with form even when I use my other shoes.
ReplyDeletewhen did 43 became old...Jonathan my 6 yrs old says that 43 is "medium young". I like that.
they are races afterall...
ReplyDeleteglad that you are finding the speed.
Dude, dont sell yourself short. You are super fast!! Great job on sticking with the new foot strike. Do you find it hard not to fall back to your original strike?
ReplyDeleteA 5:58 mile? That's throwin' it down Olympic style. I only go that fast on my segway.
ReplyDeleteI have done NOTHING about changing my running BUT I am working on changing my swimming from I can do it and get there but everyone has left the pool to being more efficient and faster. At this point I am actually slower and confused. THere is so much to remember. But this post gives me hope that I will catch up in swimming. At least some.
ReplyDeleteGreat humblebrag, bro. I'd single handedly wipe out an endangered species of mammals for times like those.
ReplyDeleteGreat humblebrag, bro. I'd single handedly wipe out an endangered species of mammals for times like those.
ReplyDeletePT ... yeah, when I get tired, it's tough to maintain the forefoot strike, but it really then goes to a full on flat foot strike - but I never really heel strike any more, partly because the minimalist shoes just don't have that much cushioning in the heel
ReplyDeleteScott ... ha, busted! Yeah, that was kinda "braggish" after re-reading it
Your persistence will pay off. Just keep believing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I must admit that a 5:58 mile at the end of a 10-miler...and the last mile repeat is 100% earth shattering to me. You are talented Jim, very talented and I am glad that the speed is starting to come back.
ReplyDeleteBTW - my best friend Julie that I train with is your exact same age and her marathon PR is 3:08, she is going for sub-3 at Boston. You should use her as fuel to feed your competitive fire. ;)
If you can run 1:25 there not a single doubt in my mind you are capable of sub-3.
I'm glad you're feeling it again, Jim! Your story is inspiring to me right because I'm injured and so worried to have to take "down time" in the middle of trying to achieve a goal. I do worry I'll never get close again. But this has to be done, and to see you running times like that after your own step-back is encouraging to the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I think with all that positive energy, you are going to do better than you expect. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThose are indeed fast times! Don't sell yourself short.
ReplyDelete