Going With The Flow

Having strength trained a lot, I really can back those suggestions up. It has a significant effect on hormones for sure. And it aids the joints and connective tissues in being more pliable I swear You're so smart in what you're doing.

His exact quote - "I've only known one runner who ever came close to their potential as a vegetarian" :-)

And now I'll go eat some leftover steak for breakfast

Definitely agree about the strength training and eating more meat and I could absolutely work on both. :)

How cool is it that a 42 year old ran a sub 1:16!! That totally gives me hope.

Did somebody just say steak????

Jake: http://youtu.be/w4OwRUHE_-I

Now I don't feel so guilty about eating so much Burger King.

Good call on the day off. Keep making good progress...

let's point out that she was a track star from the beginning...so basically Melody and Andrea when they are 42 : D (oh and you too Rachelle). My 1:19:35 aided course and NO strength training at 42 was fine enough for me. Hee Hee!! seriously though...I have been lifting for the first time consistently since....hmmm body for life days, like 1998-2000 and I see marked improvement in my strength. Actually feeling hulk-like so is that what you mean by aiding the hormones?? which hormones exactly?? cortisol (steroid hormones) or female ones like estrogen and progesterone?? Give me the 4-1-1 when you can Andrea ; D. Way to join me in the strength training. The first week I was like come on....I didn't like getting sore. Now I don't get sore much.

he probably said to not play contact sports with your kids....it could take you out of running for four weeks ; D. stupid soccer!! or is it my skinny weak ankles??? they are so bony they were bound not to take a pounding from my 10 year super star soccer player.

lots of meat haha. Funny. 1:15 at 42 is impressive - almost as impressive as 1:05 on that course Jake annihilated!

Camille Herron is a big advocate of meat as well. There are a handful of vegetarian (Sage Canaday was one recent surprise to me) and vegan runners and at least one fruititarian (jury is still out for me on this approach), so it is possible. Not that I am advocating one or the other, but I think we are a bit protein obsessed.

Andrea: I think it is easy to neglect the strength training when not in a regular running routine. As for upper body stuff I found out today that it is entirely possible to run with your hands in your jacket pockets and maintain a good pace, but you have to work pretty hard and have some serious ninja skills if you fall :)

I'll put in my 2cents on this awesome thread here - I think Dorota is absolutely AMAZING. I think so many masters runners are showing us younger runners that you don't have to bronze your shoes at 40 and retire.

I completely agree that meat/good overall nutrition (love me some steak - we have a frozen cow in our garage), strength training, genetics, core work and consistency are the key to success - but it can be hard for the average person to put all of those elements together.

Camille Herron hit it right on the head when she said many people would find her life as an elite athlete "boring." While daydreaming about only having to eat, sleep and run is nice, that will never be in the cards for me. It is so nice associate with so many talented and wonderful athletes (on this blog) that are striving to live a balanced life. We have jobs, families and community obligations, while at the same time we are trying to literally chase our dreams.

Well said, Melody.

I like the challenge of balancing life and still being able to run well. Some people at the RnR race this weekend were surprised I worked a full time job... I was like, what the heck else would I do all day?! I think its overwhelming when running becomes EVERYTHING... its not as fun that way. It should be an aspect of your life that ENHANCES everything else.

What women like Dorata show is that the performance curve doesn't have to sharply drop off after you turn 30 years old. You can continue to run really, really fast into your 40s if you have a smart approach.