Clyde's Comeback!

Clyde:

I thought I'd post the advice I gave you in the e-mail here for everybody's benefit:

You have two issues I can think of that put you at high risk of injury. First, you mention you have some extra weight. This puts unnecessary stress on some muscles and joints.

Second, your mile PR is 4:15. That means at some point you had quite a bit of explosive strength. You probably still do. However some parts of your body are probably not able to handle it right now and you can tear them easily if you get too excited.

I would suggest three things:

- Eat healthy to the best of your knowledge

- Add some cross training (eg. bike to work) to drop the weight and develop aerobic capacity while strengthening auxiliary muscles and avoiding the stress of extra running

- Avoid any impulsive moves - always increase the pace gradually, never sprint without a proper warmup, be very careful with the increase of volume and intensity of your training, etc.

I see no reason why you could not work up to a 2:35 marathon or faster in 3 years if you remain steady in your training.

Thanks Sasha.

Personally Clyde, I think you could get down to 2:35 much faster than 3 years. If you're consistant through the summer you might come close to that time this year at the St. George Marathon.

The only reason I differ from what Sasha said on the 3 years is because I've run with you and know your speed 1st hand.

Clyde, from my view which is from the back. I have to agree with Steve. you have the ability to run at least 2:40 this year if you train right and don't get a ticket for speeding on the running path:):)