ONE. TOUGH. BASTARD // Sub

[@sterlingsimmons8309]

I think you already showed that you are mentally tough when you gritted that last one out instead of dropping.

[@global-runner]

That’s a fair point. Thank you. I am actually super proud of that effort. That was one where I did dig deep. I still think I can improve that side of things. But maybe I’m better than average after all. :)

[@tomharvey-run]

Sound like a good plan. Bring on the pain cave. I’ll be 50 next year and have just 10 min Pb Berlin 2:37. Bring on project sub 2:30 @ 50 in ‘2025.

[@global-runner]

Wow! Good for you!!! That’s huge! Well done. Keep me updated on your progress will you?

[@tomharvey-run]

@@global-runner will do, keep the great videos flowing. I’ll prob do a Berlin race report video whilst fresh in my mind as a lot of good thing’s aligned 🙂

[@global-runner]

Great!!! Send me the link when you have!

[@jamesdennison1536]

Interesting angle. Good to challenge the status quo as opposed to just patting yourself on the back. Although if we operate at our absolute limits there's got to be potential jeopardy there in terms of injury and longevity risk. Aside: I see you are running London 2025. My name came in the ballot for this. Will be my first marathon. 🙂 Don't won't to blow your trumpet too much but you are top of the pile for me at the moment and I follow all things running related. Keep up the good work! 👏

[@global-runner]

Thanks for your comment! And glad to be top of the pile! I’ll do my best to stay there! :) That’s a good point on injury. But I think if I push in areas which are non running-related then that might help the top-end without the risk of injury? Good luck in London! Such a fun marathon…

[@kazchandler2074]

Love the update! ❤ I think it’s a great idea to mix up the training especially during our hard and long winters when running outside isn’t a fun option. By about January me and my treadmill are not the best of friends (haha!) so mixing things up can’t be a bad way to go !! The important part is to keep it interesting and find out what works best for you :)).

[@global-runner]

Great comment! Thanks!!

[@bon277]

Yet another great video! Thanks for introducing me to another mantra!

[@global-runner]

Thank you!! Really appreciate it.

[@Jonzard]

No way no how. You're a beast. This is just a necessary step to being better. Father time is undefeated but you'll get your licks in. Thanks for the videos, been following a version of your plan and just pb'd a 3:28 today, 40y/o, down like a half hour.

[@global-runner]

I love hearing this!! That is a HUGE PB. Congrats! You must be super proud. Which marathon was it?

[@Jonzard]

@@global-runner Twin Cities

[@global-runner]

Great work! Good for you! Enjoy the glory!!!!

[@adriaantermors8122]

I've often had races that did not quite go as hoped, and then two minutes after crossing the finish line (of a 10K, typically), I actually don't feel all that tired, and I started to question whether I should just have dug deeper. For me it certainly differs per day how hard I can push. I can dig deepest when I'm physically in top shape, and I build up my race well, meaning I can speed up for the second part; on such days I can cross the finish line feeling I had left nothing out there. On other days, when I'm perhaps not in peak fitness, and/or I started off too fast, I cannot seem to dig very deep at all - I just want the suffering to end and give in to it (which, btw, was not the case for your Montreal marathon, so I doubt mental toughness was the issue that day). Finally, for me digging deep also seems age-related. I'm 44 now, but some 20+ years ago I competed in cycling races, and I felt I could really hang on to the riders in front even if it meant digging really deep. Last year, I entered a cycling time trial with my colleagues, but as soon as it started to feel tough, I could no longer keep up, so perhaps for me there is also a cardiovascular component to it. Back to running, digging deep is not something I have been able to train very well. I hear other runners mention how tough they find interval sessions, but for me those are usually quite manageable. The rest periods (I still keep running, but slower) in between the intervals mean that I never suffer too badly in the individuals reps. On race day, though, when you have to run for kilometers on end in the red, that's when I can not always keep it up. Anyway, good luck with your adapted training program, although it seemed to me that Montreal was just an off-day, and it was not really your training that was at fault for running slower than your goal time. As you said, even during the warm-up you could feel your heart rate was too high, and mental toughness is not a factor in that.

[@global-runner]

Thank you! I appreciate your comment a lot! I think I posted this video too soon after Montreal because it sounds like I’m upset with Montreal. I’m definitely not upset with Montreal. If anything, it was a marathon where I really did dig deep - I’m super proud of the effort on the day. I think what I’m thinking is that if I can suffer on the bike, then that might make the reps easier? Maybe. Worth a try and if it doesn’t work, that’s OK too! :)

[@craig.a.murphy]

Admittedly, a big Zwift fan here. The platform has really helped me during this deployment when I’ve taken many runs into the treadmill, and, of course, making use of the cycling piece to scratch that itch. Enjoy the variety!

[@global-runner]

Thanks! I figure it can’t hurt, even if it doesn’t help. (But I think it’ll help).

[@tigibo]

Running is more than just V02 max. Running economy plays a huge role

[@RobertNaik]

I was just about to say that. Otherwise lance armstrong would not have been doing a 2.59 marathon with his vo2max of 85-89

[@global-runner]

That is 100% correct. I think I also need to work on form and efficiency - that is probably low hanging fruit, definitely. If I do have a high stat in terms of VO2 then I want to look at how I bring up the other (poorer) stats and running economy is definitely one of them. Although it’s tricky to improve because it’s so personal. I’m thinking hill sprints will help and weights but if you have any other thoughts, let me know. Interestingly, I beat Lance in that race. ;)

[@frankmarquez6934]

Love the motivation. One tough bastard!

[@global-runner]

I want a t shirt that says that! Ha ha. :)

[@jeffmather5594]

I love all of this. Build tough bastard fitness!

[@global-runner]

Thank you! I appreciate it!! One. Tough. Bastard. I want that on a t shirt! :)

[@erikfadiman]

you have the right approach, very inspiring

[@global-runner]

Thank you for this comment! I really appreciate it! I’m not beating myself up - just looking for some ways to improve. I think this is definitely one which Is often overlooked…

[@Winnietaco]

Switching things up can actually lead to a breakthrough. At the very least it will keep things new and exciting. The plan looks solid!

[@global-runner]

This is exactly my thinking! And if it doesn’t work, I see no downside! :)

[@andreimusat2767]

The winter is coming!

[@global-runner]

The winter is coming. Sigh.

[@jsrunningfitness]

Regular zwift racing is great fun and does supplement running training well. Accidentally discovered this during lockdown and it’s a weekly staple of my current marathon block.

[@global-runner]

That’s good to hear! Have you ever done a crit race? Man they are HARD!!!!

[@jsrunningfitness]

@@global-runner yes! Absolute sweat box, and the lungs do suffer, but great fun. There’s a racing league each season that has organised competition every Tuesday. You can find a team anywhere and race with them.

[@global-runner]

I’m terrible at cycling!!!! No one would want me on their team! Ha.

[@jsrunningfitness]

@@global-runner you never know, it’s good fun. Also when racing with a team you will find that extra motivation to keep going until your legs fall off 😬 just don’t try walking down stairs afterwards 😩💀

[@global-runner]

Ain’t that the truth?! When it’s just you, it’s ok to settle for a “lesser” performance. When you’re part of a team, that no longer becomes an option! :)

[@gregward5771]

First time commentary. As someone approaching 50 myself with my own running goals, I have looked with intent at your plan. What you have called double threshold days are often a combination of interval repeats with other work, most of it does not appear geared to the 2-3mmol level that would fall under the Norwegian method/level for lactate threshold work. However, these are essential for maintaining high output durable performance without excess glycogen use essential to peak marathon performance. I feel like that was the secret sauce missing from your training-*not toughness, which you showed by grinding out an 2:39 on suboptimal training, which was tough!-and such lactate threshold focus would benefit you immensely with otherwise excellent VO2 Max, experience, and goals. Best of luck, Greg

[@global-runner]

I love this comment. Thank you so much. I think you have hit the nail on the head. I was actually very proud of my effort in Montreal. I definitely dug deep. But your comment on LT is excellent. I did not nail the double threshold days like I should have and I think that’s a great focus going forward. Thank you. Do me a favour? On the next training block, if you see me doing this again, will you call me on it?

[@LeeCook01]

Great idea mate. My mum had a break through year from smashing the bike over winter and then went on to win British fell running champs following year. Plenty of triathletes running 16 min 5k’s off just a couple of runs a week, there’s got to be something there

[@global-runner]

Love this comment! Your mum sounds proper hardcore. Good genes you have there!! :)

[@alangray8952]

Good mantra. One. Tough. Bastard! Your nails anyway with the times youve banged out this year. Shame you weren't 100% at Montreal or you would've done it 🙌

[@global-runner]

Thank you! Appreciate it. Train like a bastard. :)

[@alangray8952]

@@global-runner you need to get that on a t-shirt

[@global-runner]

I really do!!!! :)

[@Gufenaugh]

I just need to work on the “tough” part! Got the other 2 down.

[@global-runner]

Ha ha ha! That’s brilliant. Made me laugh out loud!!

[@Gufenaugh]

@@global-runner Yea, that and Meat Loaf on the airpods, motivation+. Good luck.

[@BillBrinkop]

I think you just had a bad day. Recover and build up for a winter marathon and you might crush it.

[@global-runner]

Thanks for the comment! I did - I’m not beating myself up over one average (it wasn’t even bad!) day in Montreal. I’m looking forward to how to improve next time - and I do think this is an untapped area…

[@benjamin.kelley]

Making me know I haven't dug deep enough since I'm 29 and haven't broken my 3:23 PB in 2016, even though the last 2 marathons I've been in 3:15-3:20 shape, I just didn't restrain myself enough and bonked hard at miles 18-20

[@global-runner]

Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry you haven’t hit your goals recently. But I think that’s a different issue. That’s about patience and restraint. Most of the marathon is about patience and restraint. Other than the last 5k, I don’t think you should ever feel in distress in a marathon. You got this. Just got to give it the respect it deserves. But you got this.

[@MikaNumminen]

I think there's a lot of value in doing alternative training. Had a niggle with my meniscus and did crosstrainer and cykling for 7 weeks and I found that my vO2Max increased so that after a week of easing into running I ran a 10k race and besides my legs feeling funny not being used to the truover, I was a BEAST on the uphill parts of the course.

[@global-runner]

I love to hear this. I’ve never been great at it so I’m interested to see where it’ll take me!

[@crayontom9687]

I don’t agree with the premise of this video. I doubt you are mentally weak. The marathon is actually less about being ‘tough’ or ‘gutting it out’ but more about restraint. If you can stay patient in the first 20 miles then as long as you’ve done the appropriate training, you’ll generally get a good result. As for Montreal, I’d wager you were either still sick or probably peaked too soon / overtrained. If you were mentally weak you wouldn’t have done the level of training that you did. Good luck with it all 👍

[@global-runner]

This is a great point. I think what I’m aiming for is mental toughness in the last 10k of the marathon. I 100% agree with your comment that the marathon is all about patience and if you can be patient (which is so difficult!) you’ll usually run well. But those last few miles are what I’m thinking about - that’s where I would like to be able to dig deeper. Also, I had some disappointing results in the 10k and half marathon leading up to Montreal and those are definitely about not digging deep enough, I think. I also agree that I peaked to early in Montreal - this is something I’m prone to!! :) Thanks again for the comment - really appreciate it.

[@colindittmer.]

73 is a good vo2 max but doesn't equate to any marathon time. From someone who knows how to suffer I can tell you that it's handy for short term gain, but now 20 years past my pb marathon I think I am paying big time for pushing through all that pain. Cycling is good cross training, but have a look around and tell me how many Kenyan and Ethiopian marathon runners are doing Swift workouts?

[@Banjo2030]

​@@colindittmer. How are you paying for pushing past pain in the past, if you don't mind sharing? I'd like to learn from your experience.

[@colindittmer.]

@@Banjo2030 Thanks for your question. It has made me think more about what I said in regard to paying for what I did and It could be that the general wear and tear and tightening of the various muscle groups is just part of the ageing process. And that David Goggins is right about humans being able to do a lot more than they think they can. All that said I don’t think it is healthy practice to push through injury pain, like when I was once 5 k into a marathon and could feel hip and glute pain coming on but kept pushing on until the finish line. Pushing through the psychological pain barrier is a different matter. Wanting to slow down or stop because it just feels tough is totally different to wanting to stop because your hip is giving you stabbing pain. Thankfully for the medical profession there are not many masochists out there like me 😉

[@irritablearchitect]

4:40 - Not gonna lie, I think that's correct. Focusing on the things that might make you stronger in a different way, as you're doing. i did a lot of weights back 35 years ago and most people told me I was nuts for trying to intentionally pack on pounds as a middle distance guy, but in my estimation it worked. One more thing too, and that's rest. You've got to get enough, and not that you're deprived necessarily, but sometimes a little time off or just backing off is a good thing. That might be harder than exploring more of the pain cave.

[@global-runner]

Great points! And thanks for the comment! You’re right about the rest. I will. And I am sort of resting at the moment - but I want to insist on some speed while the weather is so nice!!

[@neilpurves2664]

Sign up for an ultra!! Cramping up with 18 miles to go sorts out wether your tough enough 😁

[@global-runner]

I have been looking! There’s one in Canmore mid-October but that may be a tiny bit soon for me…

[@יואלבלום]

Your vo2 max is off the charts, for any age group let alone 50, but I'd go to a lab to get it tested for an accurate picture and not rely on Garmin. If Garmin was always right I'd be around 3 minutes faster on my 10k. Also, for long distance lactate threshold is more important than vo2 max.

[@global-runner]

Agreed! I do take it with a pinch of salt. But it always makes me wonder if I am under achieving. So I thought I’d throw it out there. :)

[@Neilly671]

Calgary 🙌🙌

[@global-runner]

Great place to live in the summer!

[@Neilly671]

@@global-runner winter too if you like to ski 😀

[@global-runner]

True! I’m not great at skiing but it’s super fun.

[@EvanKingsmith]

For me my garmin watch doesn’t read my VO2 max accurately so if you want to know for sure I would reccomend going to the TCR bike shop in Calgary. After the lab your also provided with threshold values ect and I believe an estimated half and full marathon. Also I love the idea of getting time in the paincave on the bike-definitely the hardest thing for a runner

[@global-runner]

Thanks for this! Is it bike-specific or do they do treadmill VO2 max tests do you know?

[@EvanKingsmith]

@@global-runner they do treadmill VO2 max tests. I’ve done it with them 3 times and it works great. When I’m healthy again I plan on doing another one.

[@aj-runner]

Good video. Have you considered joining the Strava app so that we can follow along daily on your progress and journey unless you are already on there? Thanks

[@global-runner]

Thank you!! I’m there! Under global runner. I’m not diligent on posting every day or every run but I’m getting better!

[@nickflemming-nichol908]

Maybe im wrong but it looked like you were wearing run shorts on the bike - it's really worth using padded shorts and chamois cream. As someone just entering the 40s I appreciate your content of lofty goals at non-whippersnapper ages. I'd love to hear more about your sporting history, how did you get to where you are now?!

[@global-runner]

I was! You’re right - I really should get some proper shorts…! Thanks for your comment. Appreciate it!! A few people have asked that same thing - I definitely need to do a video on that…

[@carolyngersh3038]

I've followed your journey with great interest. Your performance was truly inspiring to me. Unrelated to this video: I'm a fellow Calgary runner, and I'm curious what suggestions you might have for winter footwear (both shoes and socks). I struggle with traction and with cold toes. (I have Raynaud's syndrome and chilblains.) Thanks so much for any suggestions.

[@global-runner]

Thank you!! I love hearing this. For the super cold days I have a pair of under armour shoes that have almost a quilting effect on them. They’re great for the coldest days. Or get some heated socks from decathlon. Traction is a different matter. The problem with traction is consistency of surface. If I’m running on packed down snow then I use a pair of inov8 trailflys that are old which I put screws in (you can pick some up at any running store). Bare sidewalk is more difficult though. I just picked up a pair of Pumas that apparently have good traction…

[@SkiSurfHikeIt]

Hard and dangerous to replicate often in training but you could try get yourself to a place close to the last half of a marathon and work on running hard on tired legs.

[@global-runner]

Yes that’s definitely something I want to do more of. But you’re right. It’s not easy on any front.

[@therunningtattooartist5172]

Sauna!! Will definitely make you mentally tough.. a good 25 minutes!

[@global-runner]

Ha ha! Good point. And apparently there are other significant benefits!

[@stevenlennie]

Assigning a target time to a v02max is such an oversimplification. Way too many other factors go in to it.

[@global-runner]

You’re 100% right. I couldn’t agree more. I think what I was getting at is whether or not there are other areas I can improve which will put me more in line with that number. Maybe running efficiency or strength or mobility. I picked on the mental side but you’re right - there are many factors that go into this…

[@NEILBARKER-u8x]

Have a look at Dan Nash's videos. Vo2 max is not a good indicator of marathon time according to him.

[@global-runner]

I will! Thanks for commenting and thanks for pointing me in that direction!

[@neil1974uk]

Great update, as someone who is the same age as you though a bit slower (my marathon PB on is 3.18) I find there is a limit to how much threshold work I can do running. I tend to supplement my training with a couple of hours per week on the indoor smart bike on zwift. I was just wondering what your FTP is and how your cycling VO2 max as reported by your Garmin compares to your running VO2 max.

[@global-runner]

Thank you!! I’m not big on cycling so let me look those up on my watch. Last time I looked my VO2 max was similar on my bike, just a couple of points lower. Not sure what FTP is but I’ll look that up!

[@neil1974uk]

@@global-runnerit’s the best power you can maintain for 1 hour. There is a test on zwift that will estimate it based on your best 20 minute power and Garmin will give a similar estimate as well. One way to think of it is the cycling equivalent to threshold pace. If you want to try a challenging workout on zwift I would suggest the gorby - it’s a calf burner.

[@mythosthecat]

If you want to test your ability to suffer do an ultra marathon off road. Absolutely soul crushing. At a point it becomes more mental than physical. Try a one that runs through the night (13 Valleys in the Lake District for example). It will help you appreciate how nice normal marathons are ha.

[@global-runner]

Ha ha! Does the fact that the thought of doing that horrifies me say something about me already?? ;) I’ve done a trail 50k but it was daytime. And I really enjoyed it! (Other than when I went headfirst into a tree and knocked myself out, but that’s a different story!). :) Do you do overnight ultras? Kudos to you if you do. That’s definitely a way to test yourself!!!

[@mythosthecat]

@@global-runner I don’t blame you for being wary. Ultras are a strange beast but if you enjoy running it’s definitely something you should have a go at 👍👍

[@global-runner]

It feels like running through the night is only something I could do if I was sharing the experience with someone (and someone I know very well!).

[@mythosthecat]

@@global-runner that’s definitely a good idea! When I ran mine I found the quiet of the night was calming and disorienting at the same time. So much more to think about as well in terms of management of nutrition, rest periods, the loss of momentum when you stop for hills etc.

[@global-runner]

I would definitely need that level of support!

[@rheno03]

I'm stealing this😅 ONE TOUGH BASTARD

[@global-runner]

Have it! I forgot about this until I started making the video - we used to say it to each other all the time 20 years ago! :)

[@danielecavalcanti3720]

More specific long Runs ( no Easy long runs) 30/38 km 90% /95% MP More intensive long Runs 100%/103% MP 25/30 km 6/7 long Runs last 8/9 weeks. What do you think?

[@global-runner]

I think you’re 100% right. That’s going to be part of my plan going forward. At this stage I’m looking at the other angles and wondering what I can improve. I think I’m not good at being comfortable being uncomfortable and I want to work on that for a bit (especially if it means less running for a short while).

[@shanegill5091]

I think this is very close to hitting the nail on the head. My thoughts exactly with maybe also one or two easyish long runs in a build-up.

[@global-runner]

Love these comments. Thank you guys!!

[@danielecavalcanti3720]

@@global-runner I love your channel. I have checked all about Renato Canova Coach Marathon training trying to understand the art of Marathon training.

[@global-runner]

Thank you! My friend who is a coach raves about him. I think he’s right…

[@kush1cohen]

I think you are being way too hard on yourself. I suspect you had a bad day. All your adjustments to create more pain may leave you more tired and potentially overtrained. You are a fabulous runner and an inspiration to 50+ runners. Still trying for my 1st sub3 - roll of the dice on Dec 1st!

[@global-runner]

Thank you. I appreciate this comment! Where are you running December 1?

[@mrdavester]

As for the VO2 max on the garmin.. do you use a separate heart rate monitor or the one on the watch? It's just that my watch's sensor has trouble keeping up with my higher heart rate sessions, which inflated my vo2 max to 58. When I started using my chest strap more, it dropped it to 56 pretty quickly..

[@global-runner]

I do have a separate one - it’s the COROS arm band one. It’s difficult to know how much more accurate it is but I guess you just have to assume it’s more accurate?

[@mrdavester]

@@global-runner I would assume so, but ya chest straps are the better ones, but not very comfortable.

[@global-runner]

Yes they always fall down on me so I end up wearing them as a belt. Or trying that awkward “can I shift this up under my clothes” dance! :)

[@mrdavester]

@@global-runner maybe one of us should come out with a line of hear rate monitor suspenders

[@global-runner]

Ha ha! Yes! Maybe an over-the-shoulder number?! :)

[@lowzyyy]

I would kill for that v02max 😅 (57 here)

[@global-runner]

Thank you! I hope I’m doing it justice! :)

[@matthanna1980]

Someone can have a high Vo2 max, but a relatively low threshold. Threshold plays a greater part when it comes to the marathon. May be interesting to get yourself to a lab for the full Vo2/LT1&2/running economy tests. Then you will also find out if you're not 'tough" enough (but I do get it - I don't do enough LT2 work because I'm a wimp 😂), as your training zones will be properly defined.

[@global-runner]

Thanks for this! That would have been a better title - Am I a wimp? :). DOn’t get me wrong - I’m not beating myself up - just looking for low-hanging fruit. And I think this might be one of them. I did look into having the full test but the one I want to go to is in Cardiff, Wales. I need to find another one! Good call on threshold - and that can also be done on the bike…

[@runnerfromhel]

My thoughts on mental toughness: it’s very much inside us or not. Maybe a little trainable, but I tend to believe that either we are the resilient kind of type or not. I don't know you, but running your kind of paces means that you can endure a lot. Still think, it was the bug, that slowed you down. Not your mind.

[@global-runner]

Thank you! You’re right. My best friend ran the Olympics and he could be at 100% and still find that extra 1% (I’m not good at maths…!). It was awe-inspiring to see. Now I’m never going to get close to that. But I feel like I can improve. (And don’t worry - I’m not beating myself up over Montreal - I’m proud of the effort in that one - that’s one where I do think I was actually mentally tough!). :)

[@runnerfromhel]

@@global-runner He/She sounds like a very: focused-on-the-task kind of athlete. I noticed a certain focus, almost robotic immersion in highly skilled people in any kind of skill really, Not only athletes. Musicians, actors, craftsmen. Maybe that’s the mental toughness you mean. I don’t see it in Goggins screaming: “they don’t know me son”. It’s skilled people being in total harmony with the task that makes them seem to be at 101%. That is probably trainable. I just recently found your interesting channel and I would like to see you succeed. But if you don’t, that is ok for me too. I will follow and try to learn. Way to go Mr Global Runner.

[@global-runner]

Love this comment so much. Thank you!! And I agree. I hope I don’t fail. But it’s ok if I do. :)

[@AJB_runs]

I think you’re overanalysing & obsessing about one race where maybe you weren’t 100%. Training doesn’t need to be fancy or unique just need a solid structure where by at least week you are running faster than goal MP. Accumulate training over 6 months is much better than hitting it hard for 6 weeks.

[@global-runner]

You’re definitely right about the big block. I think I’m leaning towards that as to my plan of what’s next. But I’m over Montreal already - I’m not going to let that bother me! I just want to make sure that at the next one, I’m not even close (in a good way!) - so I think if I push a different angle, that’s the way to progress maybe?

[@steventownley3342]

Thats a great vo2 max think it lowers with age aswell i guess it has been higher when in pb shape. Do you think the 15x1min is a key factor for vo2max

[@global-runner]

Maybe. I also think I’m probably naturally high (in the same way some people have a naturally low heart rate for example). It always makes me laugh that if I have been “gifted” an advantage in terms of a high VO2 max (which may or may not be true) then how can I use it more effectively? I think I need to work more on running form, strength, and the mental side of things! I do have a track background too, so maybe that is part of it?

[@steventownley3342]

@@global-runner I'm defo not good enough runner or coach to suggest anything. You are doing great and no doubt you love running

[@global-runner]

I disagree! We all have our input and valid opinions. I love hearing them all. And I do love my running! Addiction you say? Never! :)

[@derricklaychuk8965]

I love the videos, but this one touches a little too close to home. lol. I wish you weighed 40 pounds more and were aiming for 3:20 so I could relate more...The videos are amazing.

[@global-runner]

Yes sorry about that! I meant for it to be a bit more light hearted but I don’t think it came across that way! Ha ha. Well I’m sure I can sort out the 40lb issue no problem!! :)

[@derricklaychuk8965]

@@global-runner it is totally on point...I feel like us 80's kids are tough, but I am not running tonight...for suspect reasoning. It is crazy how important the mental game is.

[@global-runner]

Also important not to beat yourself up though. Balance is important too. You’ll get out there when you need to!

[@chrislee3350]

Interesting... I too have a high VO2 and asked myself that question. So I had a proper lab lactate threshold test done, which cost about $150 or $200. That's the relevant metric, and it's not too dependent on will power which makes it more accurate over lots of people including people who are less 'tough bastards'. It's not all that hard to do it, unlike a lab VO2 test which is proper hard. That showed me what half marathon pace should be, 10k pace, and marathon pace using the Mcmillan (and others) calculator, which includes LT pace in its calculator. It seems unlikely that you're a wuss LOL, and an official lab LT test is the right test. VO2 max, as I'm sure you've read, is an indicator of potential, it's not your current fitness level. Fitness level is best described with LT, aka LT2. VO2 only tells you how much O2 you can pull in, not if you can efficiently use it, both biochemically and mechanically.

[@global-runner]

I have terrible form. My right shoulder massively dips every stride. I would be interested in an LT test but I want to make sure I go to the right place (and then never get round to it!)

[@hibiru6868]

I'd be very surprised if you've been an athlete for this long and didn't know whether you were mentally tough or willing to dig deep. I think you knew the answer all along if you're honest with yourself. You may not be willing to make the tradeoffs that you once did (e.g. if I keep pushing tomorrow is going to be miserable) but I think you know if you're doing it or not. Edit - grammar

[@global-runner]

I think that’s the point. I think I’m concerned that I know the answer. :)

[@Mark-k9n3r]

I think you are being hard on yourself. You obviously had a virus that last week and that is why your heart rate was elevated. Running 2:39 whilst fighting an infection is impressive. I don't think it was your training - you were just unfortunate in picking up a bug.

[@global-runner]

Thanks for this comment! Appreciate it!! Yes I guess I did dig very deep in. Intel. Definitely couldn’t have gone any faster!

[@daviesc.mulenga2765]

Eishh here I am just about 44yrs, I’m just fighting for sub 3:19:59😰😰 while you talk about sub 2:30 🫡 🫡👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💥💥

[@global-runner]

My best friend ran 2:09 in 1999. So he was in another league to me. But at the end of the day, we were both runners battling to run as fast as we could. I hear ya. But you’re doing the same thing as me - just doing your best to run as fast as you can. For whatever reason, I can run faster than you can (at the moment). But you’re still out there. And for longer than I am which arguably makes it way tougher. So kudos to you, and here’s hoping you get that 3:19! (And then that BQ). :)