Posted on Dec 19, 2018
Why is running the hardest exercise to maintain as you age?
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I first enlisted when I was 20, I could run the 2mi in the 13 min area and now I'm about to turn 27 and I'm only hitting about the 14:30s (If I push myself into running shape) and 15:30-16:00 with just regular runs every two weeks anyone else have the same experience?
Running
APFT
Physical Training
Advice
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 18
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Usually it's because you're scrawny in your early 20s and you put on weight as you age. I know I've put on about 50 pounds in the last 20 years.
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SSG (Join to see)
I joined at 185 lost 20 lbs in BCT and when I was in Afghanistan this year I got up to 198 from 180 my weight has fluctuated but my run has been steadily declining
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I can tell you, it doesn't get easier at 36 about to be 37...at 220lbs
I hit the gym 6 days a week, 3 weight training, 3 run/cardio. I can tell you what helps me stay under 16:00 is a mix of 60/120's and long runs. I do 2 miles (running) on Tuesdays, 60/120's (x6) on Thursdays and I do at least a 5 mile (jog) on Saturday. I hate running, more than anything, but if I slack even a little bit I lose time quick. I can usually hit a 15:50 to 16:00 on a PT Test. Not the best, but it well under my minimum standards.
I hit the gym 6 days a week, 3 weight training, 3 run/cardio. I can tell you what helps me stay under 16:00 is a mix of 60/120's and long runs. I do 2 miles (running) on Tuesdays, 60/120's (x6) on Thursdays and I do at least a 5 mile (jog) on Saturday. I hate running, more than anything, but if I slack even a little bit I lose time quick. I can usually hit a 15:50 to 16:00 on a PT Test. Not the best, but it well under my minimum standards.
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SSG (Join to see)
that's awesome! I am quickly getting to be that way where I can't slack or I fall massively behind on my running
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - you’re getting older. It happens. Wait until you’re pushing 40 with a few surgeries under your belt, maybe some metal in your body, a few different forms of ‘-itis’, etc.
Just be careful and make sure to eliminate unnecessary risk while training/running. Don’t ever doubt that the Army will chew you up or let you grind yourself to a nub.
Best of luck.
Just be careful and make sure to eliminate unnecessary risk while training/running. Don’t ever doubt that the Army will chew you up or let you grind yourself to a nub.
Best of luck.
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SSG (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) Yeah I try to take care of myself mentally and physically the best I can, thanks for the advice!
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Impact exercise breaks down the body over time. I train for 5 K, 10 K and half marathon races now more than I would have ever considered in my twenties. I suggest finding a civilian track club for training in longer distance runs. Once you've mastered the longer distance runs and the associated techniques to decrease your running time and increase your distance, the two mile runs for APFT are likely to be a breeze.
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SSG (Join to see)
I have tried to train with this mindset in the past especially when I was in ROTC before I enlisted, I found that Shorter distances with a faster pace (60/120s or run .5-1mi as fast as possible) conditioned me better for the 2 mi than long distances but the reverse for 12-15 mi ruck marches. I also wonder how Ultra Marathon runners keep up with it, I also met a 101 year old WWII vet that runs 3 miles daily. Those kinds of people blow my mind.
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CPT (Join to see)
Well, that's the thing. The track club training program for 1/2 marathons included shorter distance tempo runs, fart-licks, and sprints that increased my pace and decreased the time for all of my runs. HA! Ultras! I am not there yet! Maybe in the next life.
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