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What I Puzzle About When I Puzzle About Running

(6 Posts)
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GeeKay Tue 23-Jul-24 19:07:32

Now in my 74th year I am a middle-distance runner (2 miles: 3.2 km) who has been regularly pounding the streets and our local common two to three times a week during these last forty odd years. Two other things: my runs are timed and I always run alone. In fact I don't know any other runners, full stop.

What bothers me is not knowing where I slot in with regards to expected running times for my age. That's to say I have NO idea where I'm graded on the fitness spectrum. As such a chart or diagram listing everything from absolute beginners to (say) elite for the above distance (and age) would be a real eye-opener. Incredibly, Google Search doesn't seem to one among its algorithms, certainly not one applicable for the over-seventies. So in a state of some bewilderment I now turn to Granset for help.

Thanks for reading this post.

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GeeKay Mon 29-Jul-24 15:30:40

It's okay: I've finally managed to track down the answer all on my lonesome ownsome. For any other seniors who have taken up running in their spare time and would like to know proficient they are, the link is right here, enjoy:

runninglevel.com/running-times/2-mile-times

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fancythat Mon 29-Jul-24 16:21:24

Crumbs. I dont even need to read the link to know I will come nowhere.

3 of us, similar ages, early 60s, about 2 years ago said, we couldnt remember when we stopped running. We tried it. It was quite a pitiful sight.

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DrBenjaminMc Sat 03-Aug-24 23:57:34

It's impressive that you've maintained such dedication to running! For your age, a good benchmark for a 2-mile run is around 18-20 minutes. You can check age-graded charts like the World Masters Athletics standards for more detailed comparisons.

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GeeKay Wed 21-Aug-24 11:55:01

Thanks for that, Dr Benjamin. I used to be a bit faster back in my sixties. Even now I can complete a two-mile run in under 17 mins. That's on a gym treadmill, however. The thing about treadmills is that once you've set the time, you WILL do that time, come what may. Out on the bricks and mortar, however, I'm lucky these days if I don't stray past the 18 min barrier. But I keep going.

Generally (to state the bleeding obvious) other activities like walking, cycling and swimming can also make the difference. Regarding swimming itself, it's always encouraging seeing people in their eighties taking their morning dip at our local pool. Mostly they're not fast, but they keep going (as I do) which is the main thing. It also serves as a reminder that exercise can be a lot more rewarding than simply watching sport on the TV, for instance.

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Cossy Wed 21-Aug-24 11:56:33

Well done you!

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