Am I getting slower, or smarter?

[The Moose1]

I would guess that I'd have to look very hard for person who doesn't think we slow down as we age, but are we really that much slower, or are we just getting smarter?

So, background:

I was running the other day on my standard 3 mile fastish Tuesday run.  The one that used to be difficult to do in the prescribed time.  (We won't talk numbers, but it is fast...ish).  I noticed that fastish isn't all that hard anymore.  This got me thinking  (something I do alot when running or drinking), why are my 5 and 10k times not as good as they used to be?  I'm still running the same in training, and it seems easier than I remember.  I train as hard as I am willing to, and that threshold hasn't changed substantially since the beginning of time.  If anything, I train a little more now, probably why Tuesday is getting a little easier.  But the race times aren't dropping.

Am I really getting slower, or am I just not as willing to push as hard as I used to.  Race day used to be about pushing beyond my limits, running all the way out to the fine edge of existence and trying not to fall off.  Maybe my body and mind are conspiring against my desire to compete, and saving themselves from the effort of recovery, by slowing me down just a hair?

Really, is there less water in the well, or do we just let out a little less rope?

For myself, I can't remember the last time I ran 'til I puked.

Now, none of this is to say that I really believe I'm as fast as I was in high school, but as we creep towards middle age, are our times rising because of age, or experience?  How do you measure desire?  Sure we could have lots of discussions about heart rate, wattages, strength, mass etc., but I honestly believe that those things are the same as last year.

I guess the next logical question is, How do I get the fire back?

In the heat of competition how do I get back to the next level?

How do I convince a body that's tired of hurt that this time will be worth it?

Comments and suggestions welcome.


Peace,
Mike

[MITCH]

Hi,

I normally don't respond to posts, just gather advice from them - but your post today struck a cord.  I usually try to go 'all out' in races and generally have good results.  But after thinking about it, I have not reached the point of nausea and throwing up, which I used to do all the time, in quite a while.  My training is quite intense and really hasn't changed much over the years either.

I think you are right, as we age we (should) get smarter.  Why push ourselves that hard when it hurts   ?  Come on - throwing up just isn't fun!  I actually ran the fat ass 'for fun' and what a different experience!  I ran 17.5k, barely broke a sweat, and carried on the rest of the day with no pain (other than being cold and wet until I got home).  I did the 1/2 at PEC running as hard as I can, and I was toast the rest of the day.  So yes, I think as we age we are getting smarter!

Mitch.

[chattyfeet]

just how old are you??

I'm afraid I can't help because i never trained intensely...never, ever to the point of being sick.  I am a "late" bloomer to running in that I took it up after the birth of my first child...I was never a runner before that. In fact I was a lazy, out of shape smoker!  BUT I do find that as I age I am content with less.  For e.g. I am very happy if I get out 2-3 times a week...whereas 10 years ago I worked out (aerobics, running) 5 times a week, and if there was a week where I missed two or three workouts I'd be convinced that I'd either gain 5lbs immediately, or lose ALL of my conditioning overnight.  I would literally be depressed if a week went by where I couldn't get in all my planned workouts.  Now I KNOW that 's not the case, I'm much more relaxed about the whole running thing.  If I miss a run, it's okay, if I miss a week it's okay...I know I'll get back next week and the hips will remain the same size!  (now, taking the summer off?  Another story...)

[John B]

This is my first year running/swimming/biking for 20 years.  It started out as some what of a joke
this year with a few buddies.  My first race was in Peterborough in Feb.  I showed up in fleece pants,
sweatshirt and it was cold and all I had was dress gloves so I wore them.  It was not pretty.
On the 2nd km I thought what am I doing here I am going to be sick.  I continued on and finished
the race limping.  I had trouble walking the rest of the day!!!

I introduced myself to Patty and the gang at Tri & Run and with their input and help in my first year I
have ran 6 races, 2 Try a Tri's and a Duathalon.  The 25lbs I dropped I am sure have helped.

If it was not for the help & support that I had from them, I would not still be at it.  Late this summer I
learned about the Saturday morning bike rides and loved going.  Running is my weak link, followed by
swimming, so biking I found is my strength.

This year was my first year at The Fat Ass Trail Run.  I was ready for a great time.  Water & mud.
I finished 13 minutes faster then I thought.  For me it was a great race... then the blister on my heal
was so bad that I had to cut the back off my dress shoe so I can walk. (and still cannot run or bike)

I thought to myself that I finished great and then realized that the other runners that went at a slower pace are much wiser and are still out running, biking and enjoying their pain free feet.

Yes, I think that the more I run the smarter.... and possibly slower I will go.

John Barry