So what's the deal with turning 42?

Training Advice/Discussion Masters

15 years ago 09/17/2008 9:59am EDT

I've read here before that age 42 is about when you start to really see declines in speed/performance. So in early July I ran a 17:20 5k. I was pretty encouraged since I had only done a couple of quality workouts. I had visions of going sub-17 for the first time in years. Well, I turned 42 in late July. Nothing else has changed. My running has been consistent, and I have felt no change in my pace/effort. I've done some decent speedwork and felt good. I have run 2 5k's in the last month, and failed to break 18:00 both times. Each time I can come up with excuses (one was XC, so hard to judge time, the other was very hot and windy and a small race with little competition), but no way I should be running over 18 if I am in the shape I feel I am in. So let me just say: turning 42 sucks.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 10:05am EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

The first course was short. Sorry.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 10:19am EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

Stop whining young man.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 11:05am EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

I'm 46, I started running at 38 and am still getting faster. I know lots of runners who had no fall off in race times until mid and late 40s. There is nothing magical about your 42nd birthday.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 11:08am EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

Well, 42 is the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything...

15 years ago 09/17/2008 11:30am EDT

re: DasBoot

What about Geb? He's gotta be around 40. Though it's different for everyone, I think most runners retire at 32 more because they're not at their prime anymore, not because they can't do it anymore. Most could probably still be competitive for another 6 years or so.

Who knows what's up with you and your times. Could be a ton of different reasons.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 12:06pm EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

The truth is that everyone slows down at different times. Age, training background, genetics ... Maybe for you it was between June and now. I quit for 15 years and when I started back up in my late 30s, there was no way I could get back to how fast I was at 22. I didn't even really get close, but with smart training and learning what worked for me, I stayed pretty consistent from about 38-46. But then, shite, things fell apart at 47. For me, 47 (and beyond) sucks, at least as far as running goes.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 1:40pm EDT

re: DasBoot

DasBoot wrote:
Well, 42 is the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything...

love that book/movie!!

as for 42, i know plenty of people that are 40-50 and they all slow as they get older but it is small differences. and then some do not slow at all it seems?

15 years ago 09/17/2008 1:55pm EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

42 means you are one of the oldest postboomer babies and forgotten by all. Congrats--Leader of The Inutile Generation

http://www.boomerdeathcounter.com/game.htm

15 years ago 09/17/2008 2:16pm EDT

re: metrognome

Your pubic hair begins to turn gray. Sad.

15 years ago 09/17/2008 2:32pm EDT

re: Old SPHS runner

it does suck... the worst is training your guts out only to run these crappy times. also the amount of recovery needed between hard workouts just gets longer and longer. i see why so many older runners fall into the rut of just putting in their daily run w/o ever actually "working out."

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So what's the deal with turning 42?

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