Runners -- from mediocre to competitive?

neeterskeeter

Has anyone here gone from being a mediocre or "hobby" type runner to a faster, more competitive runner, like in road races?

I've enjoyed running as a hobby for many years, and have run marathons, half marathons and other races. But I feel like I haven't given it a real effort to see how fast I could really get. I always assumed I'm not a naturally fast runner but maybe I'm wrong and I'd like to test that.

If you have gotten faster at running, did you do it by increasing your mileage, or lowering your speed at lower distances? Do you have a certain plan you followed? I'm looking for strategies and experiences so I can decide how best to put a real effort into getting faster and more competitive this year. Thanks in advance!

neeterskeeter

Has anyone here gone from being a mediocre or "hobby" type runner to a faster, more competitive runner, like in road races?

I've enjoyed running as a hobby for many years, and have run marathons, half marathons and other races. But I feel like I haven't given it a real effort to see how fast I could really get. I always assumed I'm not a naturally fast runner but maybe I'm wrong and I'd like to test that.

If you have gotten faster at running, did you do it by increasing your mileage, or lowering your speed at lower distances? Do you have a certain plan you followed? I'm looking for strategies and experiences so I can decide how best to put a real effort into getting faster and more competitive this year. Thanks in advance!

dw_moto

It sounds like you already have the stamina necessary for competitive running. It sounds like you need to work on your strength. To do this you need to do intervals and weight training. This will build your leg muscles so you can have a more explosive stride.

Good luck with your running.

runnerdad

Certainly, work outs to improve leg strength will help your speed. When you are running, vary your work outs to include slower longer endurance runs, quicker mid distance 'tempo' runs, and faster intervals (shorter, fast pace work outs). That will give you a feel for varied paces, improves your fitness to handle faster paces, but still gives you those slower recovery runs. (you can't run your fastest all the time, you will end up injured). (If you log all your miles at a 'comfort pace', you will find it hard to run faster in a race)

neeterskeeter

Thanks everyone for the tips. I will put in more speed/ interval training, as I already do the long runs, the comfort pace runs, and the strength training. I do *some* speed work now and then but that's really what I need to make sure I fit in each week.

Thanks again.