Old as Mold
2010 July 27
After finally posting about my “wings” experience in the Antigravity Yoga class at Crunch it’s hard to write a follow up post. Flying is as exciting as it gets here on FCITC.
Otherwise, I’ve been busy worrying myself by reading Run Less Run Faster.
Seriously the book is freaking me out. Why you may ask? Let me quote the book itself:
“Aging runners need to be aware that their performances will decline.” “Runners slow with age, generally beginning around 35 years of age.”
Guess who will be 35 later this year?
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Rubbish
Just because it happens “generally” doesn’t mean it happens to everyone! My mom, when she was in her late-40s, ran a marathon in a time that I’ve yet to beat as a runner in my 20s. Also, the 30-39 age groups tend to be very competitive at most races! You’ve got a lot of years left in you. Don’t sweat it. 
Hey there. I’m 36. I’m a lot faster than I was 2 years ago. I have cut several minutes off of my half marathon, and my full marathon times. Age might eventually matter, but the most important part is your training, and cross training. As long as you have those covered…you’re good.
Oh, that’s crazy talk! As long as you train properly, you’re A-OK.
As long as you are safe, age is not really that much of a problem, I think.
My In-Laws are around 55-60 yrs. old and they both run about 12 kms a day…still going strong.
Plenty of people get faster (or even start running!) in their mid-30s. My friend is PRing at 37 with no sign of slowing down. And my ass regularly gets kicked by this 50-year-old lady near me. PLUS…soon you can run for Senate!
oh you’ll be fine! I have heard though that running faster for a shorter distance can be just as, or maybe more (?) rewarding for your body. Can’t wait to hear your input after the book!
So 35 is aging now? Sheesh. What, was this book written by a 12-year-old?
I love and hate to read all at the same time, don’t you!? Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss (ha!)
BTW, you heard it here first: 40 is the new 20…so we’re in great shape (literally!)
Don’t think like that. You should read the Blue Zones. Part of the declines with age are a totally a mental thing.
Try being 53 in November!!!
I dunno about this, I don’t think you’re the average runner! Don’t think twice about it!
Psh there’s always exception to the rule! Don’t let it freak you out!
Total crap- ignore it! I started & finished my first race next to a 74 year old man and he rocked!
Don’t let that “runner’s slow with age over 35″ get into your head! The last thing you need is to think you’re getting slower.
I don’t think runners necessarily “slow” with age. You might be actually faster than you were 2 years ago, but hypothetically speaking, your optimum performance is actually from your late teens to your late 20s. There’s a chart somewhere based on studies in the UK.
It’s basically saying you at your peak at age 70 can’t compare to you at your peak at age 20 (even though you might not have been at your peak at age 20). Just the potential is higher.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter how “fast” you go. Really. You run for yourself and for enjoyment
1. I have heard from numerous women in their 30s that they are better athletes than in their 20s.
2. There is no way you will be 35. Liar. If so, we demand your youthful secrets.
I think as you get to 30-40 you actually increase speed in long distance so don’t worry! I do love the plans in that book though they’re great!
Don’t you worry, plus you look like you are in your 20′s anyways, so that must count for something!
No worries, Angel!! MAYBE thats the “Norm” BUT You are NOT the norm!!
Keep on Keeping on!!! BTW… I’m 38 and getting FASTER EVERDAY!!!!!
i agree with eileen! i am 40 and am running faster than i used too-sheesh that book has put out some WRONG info
!
Girlfriend, you’re going to be fine. I know plenty of people in their 60′s that qualified for Boston. I actually think that our bodies are peaking later into the 30′s because our life expectancy is longer.
I think you get more endurance with age and you can definitely get faster! A lot of its mental, in my opinion. No worries, you will be running when your 80!
That’s a depressing thought…
Meh. The author just doesn’t know you. You will continue kicking butt.
LOL! Thanks Tina!
I’ve heard that too and being over 35 myself I was worried that I would never achieve my goals but then I remember I have running buddies well into their 50′s and 60′s who are still way faster than me. (6 & 7 minute miles fast) So I see hope there. Continue to run strong my friend!
I read something a long time ago that studies had found that runners improve time wise for about 10 years after they start running and then their times start to slow down. I’m 42 and started running when I was about 27. My fastest marathon times were when I was 35 and 36. I’m slower now but I think that has more to do with taking a complete break when I was pregnant and going 5 years between marathons. And I find that i don’t have time to train as hard now that I have family demands. My neighbor though just turned 40 and is just as fast as ever, but she has older kids and more time to train (and I think better genes). I think if I wanted to train more intensely I could, I don’t feel less fit or strong at 42 than I did at 27.
Very interesting because I always thought that marathon runners peak in their 30s. Isn’t Paula Radcliffe nearing 40? Do numbers matter that much to you or do you run for other reasons?
Aw, that quote is annoying. If it makes you feel any better, I read recently (in Born to Run) that some study was conducted finding that adults actually gain speed at a certain age (I think it is 65 or 70, I can’t remember off-hand). So, even if there is a decline (bollocks) you will speed up in later years!