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Lead Stories: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

How Old Is Too Old to Get Faster?

Posted October 12th, 2006 at 4:00 AM by Jim Fortner

Section: Running & Training, Training Tips

Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Make sure to also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.

A runner can improve for up to 10 years, regardless of the age at which s/he starts. This assumes that a runner trains consistently. If s/he is inconsistent (start/stop or with no plan) so s/he is always restarting, the total period of improvement might be extended, but the eventual level reached might be lower.

I think that progress is best achieved through a long term program that includes a balance of speedwork, endurance, strength, and rest…that is, long runs and high mileage with speed training, hill training, weight training and scheduled rest periods. And it should be based on a plan…and the longer term the plan, the better.

I think you should set out on a multi year plan. I suggest the type of plan I like to follow…alternate marathon and 10k seasons. I prefer spring 10k and fall marathon programs, but the reverse works just as well. You can even fit three programs into a year with shorter “racing” phases following the training cycles.

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The Trail From Beginner to Boston

Posted October 5th, 2006 at 12:01 AM by Jim Fortner

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Motivation, Training Tips

Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Make sure to also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.

In order to qualify for Boston, it is necessary to be able to do two things…..run long and run fast…..and both in the same race. The qualifying time for females under 35 years of age is 3:40, or 8:24 per mile. For men under 35, it is 3:10, or 7:15 per mile. Neither is easily done. But, with the right combination of desire and my three P’s…..Patience, Perseverance and a Plan…..many runners can get there. Those who have formed the Boston Training Group have certainly demonstrated the strong desire. Your Patience and Perseverance will be tested over the next year or more. What is needed now is a long range Plan.

The plan should extend at least a full year to allow a buildup to a fall marathon. It should be designed to develop yourself in progressive stages to the point where you can take on a marathon program. Read the rest of this entry »

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