I started running at the age of 34. I never ran in my life before this. I did my first 5k race the day after I ran 3 miles without stopping for the first time. This was probably 3 yrs ago. I came in shy under 28mins. The fastest I have ever run at that point in my life.
As time past, I noticed that my 5k times where slowly but surely getting faster. It was the same with my 10k and my halfs. My first half, I came in at 1:44 and my latest one was at 1:36. I know a lot of it due to dedication and training. But I am 38 now, creeping on 39. Will I get faster? When will I hit that plateau? When will I start to see a decline in speed? I feel right now that I am at my peak. I really can't imagine myself getting much faster than where I am now. Then again, I couldn't imagine myself running a 5k in 20:33 three years ago.
Do some runners get faster as the age? I guess time will tell. Any thoughts on this?
4 comments:
As I push towards 40 I have found in this last year of true training I have gotten a little faster. I have also realized that effort trumps speed...so don't stress too much about the numbers!
I ran my best half marathon when I was 45 BUT I hadn't really ever trained very hard before. There does come a point when your body starts to slow but with good training you can slow down the inevitable.
I've wondered this same thing. I'm only 32 and didn't start running until 3 years ago. I'm not fast at all now, but I wonder how much faster I'll be able to get before age slows me back down.
Jose - I'm guessing you're PR for the half is near the top already but I think there's always room for improvement. Good luck chasing those PR's.
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