![]() 03/16/2018 at 14:31 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
I hate running. Mostly. For about 10 years, ever since I did my first 5k (out of about 10 or 12 total), I’ve always had this mental barrier of 22:00 — from around age 27 until now (39), whether I was a lean 185# or a mediocre 205# (now), I could never get better than about 22:30.
I usually prioritize lifting and strength over running and conditioning, so a couple months ago I decided to try running 2-3 days a week. I train in a very hilly area where my mile pace might range from low-6:00 downhill to nearly 10:00 uphill.
Today I found a fairly flat asphalt golf cart/walking track and decided to go for consistency:
One fun thing I learned recently is that there’s a calculator based on you age and weight, which “normalizes” your time against an average competitive runner (male: 25 years old and 143#). It says I’m at about an 18:07 adjusted time, which would be pretty solid.
http://www.running2win.com/calculator/WeightAgeGradingCalculator.asp
I’m in WAY better shape now than when I was 25. There’s hope for us older guys yet...
![]() 03/16/2018 at 14:51 |
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I have a 5k comin up next weekend. while the free beer at the finishline will motivate me to haul ass, I promised my wife I would run with her....
![]() 03/16/2018 at 14:53 |
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I’m doing one in a few weeks with crazy terrain (2 fast downhill miles and one slow uphill one).
The cool thing is it’s just a church fundraiser, so it’s really cheap ($20) and they feed you a huge pasta dinner the night before, plus lunch after.
There’s one I need to look into where you have to pound a beer at the start, then at miles 1, 2, and 3.1 before you can “finish.” Sounds like my cup of tea, er, beer.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 14:56 |
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I walk mostly now, but speed walk. I’ve been at a 10 minute mile pace while walking. Worried about damaging joints as a lot of my friends who run are now in replacement territory.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 15:14 |
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That is freaking amazing, IMO. The whole dynamics of walking at that speed are very impressive, kudos.
I only really run because I switched up my style to midfoot striking, and never any distances over 5-6 miles to reduce the repetitive motion. It’s made a huge difference — what used to be joint pain is now muscle and tendon pain as you adapt to letting your calves take the hit (not your knees and hips).
I’m in this for longevity and health and also have a lot of friends just 10-15 years older than me going through replacement joints. Not fun.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 15:36 |
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my wife is confused/amazed at my ability to eat dinner / drink beers then go right out for a 5 mile run. I think i’d do good at that one.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 15:37 |
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Awesome, I need to go to somebody to train me on my gait. Speed walking is fun, but I have long legs between a 34 and 36" inseam. Really fast walkers do between a six and seven minute mile which is nuts.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 16:49 |
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I can run full, empty, sober...not sober
Not so much for weightlifting, swimming, etc.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 16:51 |
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I think my best mile was 6:00 and I can’t wrap my head around walking that speed. It’s superhuman.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 17:00 |
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Yeah, they look weird walking that fast I think. I also think it stresses out other joints faster than normal which defeats the purpose for me.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 20:25 |
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I switched to Vibrams about 7 years ago. I really like them, but they’re not for everyone. It’s rare for me to run more than miles in any workout.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 20:33 |
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Same here, they’re my everyday runners. They’re about due for a replacement after 5-6 years. Not much there to wear out! Once you get used to them, it’s hard to go back to traditional shoes.
![]() 03/16/2018 at 22:02 |
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I got shitfaces and went mountain biking. I did ok but would not recommend
![]() 03/16/2018 at 22:35 |
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I still have my first pair, though the mid-foot rubber is thin now. I tore right through my second pair, but my third pair is in great shape.