I've lost the run of myself: P.I of the athletics kind

humourous_sky

Hi all,
Very long time lurker here! Just need to get a few things off my chest. (Warning: This is long, very long, my apologies, fingers couldn't stop!)

Bit of background...
I was born sporty! First girl after boys, my Mother was delighted to be able to buy dresses. However I was a tomboy, more interested in getting into my shorts/boots and joining in with my brothers and father playing hurling. I did all the usual sports when I was younger: gymnastics/badminton/horseriding/running/football...excelled in all. As you grow up you don't have time to do them all so decisions had to be made. I naturally picked football (come from gaa family!) and athletics. The latter as it was from my athletic ability I was so good at other sports. It was noticeable from a young age I had natural speed. Went to all open sports..have soo many trophies!! Then from there it was counties->munsters->allirelands. I couldn't tell you how many All-Ireland medals (indoor/outdoor..gold/silver/bronze) I have! Represented Ireland in underage events. I was good athlete considering I never put in hard sessions at training. Was more of a social outing, gossiping/having a laugh with my friends. My fitness came from playing football.

Now to where it all goes downhill...
Off I went to college. In first year I didn't participate in athletics there as they didn't have any, however I did play football. I played mid-field with them, I got on my county junior team that year but fractured my thumb blocking a ball in training early in season. Was in a cast for 6 weeks, but it never healed right and gave me fierce trouble after, therefore football ceased and social life took off! That continued for 2nd/3rd/4th year. Lost all contact with the friends I made through athletics. Lived a very sedentary lifestyle. I put on weight, which I never knew could happen to me! (Always had moaned how I wanted to put on weight, now the opposite is true..lesson: be careful what you wish for!! lol!) Qualified last year in a professional field. Went back playing football for my club last year, all good, back in my mid-field position. Was fit (I use the term loosely, fit to me is back when I was 17) but could run around after ball, speed coming back. Season ended in October last year, never keep myself ticking over during Winter/throw in weekend nights out=fitness gone back to zero again! Season started about four weeks back, have yet to go back.

I'v always keep up with all things athletics. Reading results on Mondays paper. Watching international events on TV. Reading here. Not a day goes by when I think 'what if...' I'm so afraid I'll still be saying that when I'm 40 and whatever hope I have now, it will definitely be too late then!

So yesterday I saw the thread saying that leevales open sports were on, I decided to go for some reason..inspiration perhaps?! I put on hat/glasses (didn't want to be recognised..thank god it was sunny! lol) Standing at the side of the track tears started rolling down my face, it brought all my athletics memories back. I saw people who I use to know pass by/complete. Athletics use to be my life..I couldn't go away with my school friends/do things at weekends/summer as I was always running up the country. I didn't mind though as I had friends in my running club/athletics in general and had great fun! Its funny, my college friends don't know anything about that part of my life!

I want to make it again in athletics! Guess what I'm asking here is...is it too late for me? Ye're a very honest lot here, so give it to me! Can you lose your natural ability from doing nothing for years? I know I'd have so much hard work to do and I'm scared as I don't know where to begin/have a plan/know what to do! I don't want to join an athletics club though, it's hard letting people you know see you as you are now..ie:unfit/slow!

Let the psychoanalyzing begin!

PS: Thanks to anyone who manged to get through that without snoozing!

myflipflops

It depends what age you are to a certain extent but in general, it's not too late.

There are a number of examples of athletes disappearing and then returning.

Mark Keneally for one took at least one break (maybe 2 years?) from athletics. He came 8th in the European Cross COuntry before Christmas.

Hazel Murphy is another who was away form the sport for 2/3 years. She just competed in Doha at the World Indoors.

RoyMcC

That's a great post, someone opening up their heart like that. You had a great career as a younger woman and that can never be taken away. You're not the first to be waylaid by life and you won't be the last.

You don't give your age, but mid to late twenties? Events? I'm guessing sprints and jumps.

You certainly seem to want it enough, which is more than half the battle. Yes you have a lot of work to do. And yes you should get involved with a club again, Leevale or whoever. Don't be worrying about what other people think, they are much more concerned with themselves than you.

First, don't expect to re-create past glories. At least not immediately. Don't jump in and try to train with the senior groups. Why not help out with a bit of coaching to begin with? You'll have received good coaching as a youngster and you might enjoy passing some of it on.

And if you find you've lost your raw speed then you might try stepping up a distance or two.

As you recognise, athletics - track & field in particular, is a great sport. You're much too young to be thinking you can't be involved. Go on, pop down the track and give it a go. Let us know how it goes.

meathcountysec

+1

dna_leri

humourous_sky wrote: »

Hi all,
Very long time lurker here! Just need to get a few things off my chest. (Warning: This is long, very long, my apologies, fingers couldn't stop!)

..

I want to make it again in athletics! Guess what I'm asking here is...is it too late for me? Ye're a very honest lot here, so give it to me! Can you lose your natural ability from doing nothing for years? I know I'd have so much hard work to do and I'm scared as I don't know where to begin/have a plan/know what to do! I don't want to join an athletics club though, it's hard letting people you know see you as you are now..ie:unfit/slow!

Let the psychoanalyzing begin!

PS: Thanks to anyone who manged to get through that without snoozing!

I think it depends on how badly you want and at what level you are prepared to settle for. It sounds like you want to get back badly enough to give it a go.

Unfortunately the country is littered with great potential athletes who for whatever reason did not fulfill their potential. Personally I stepped away from athletics at a similar age (though with probably less potential) and did not return for 25 years. Last year as a vet, I came back and won a few national titles and am enjoying it more than ever but I can't get those 25 years back.

So don't wait until you are over 40, start today. Get yourself fit this summer, on your own if necessary. Get some confidence back, then get in touch with someone who will help you get back to a competitive level, an old coach maybe. As RoyMc said, maybe offer to help coach others.

Start today or you will regret it in 20 years time.

humourous_sky

myflipflops wrote: »

It depends what age you are to a certain extent but in general, it's not too late..

RoyMcC wrote: »

You don't give your age, but mid to late twenties? Events? I'm guessing sprints and jumps.

I'm 22. Hardly old I know, but I guess when you'v been out of the sport for four years, you feel that so much has happened/too late.

myflipflops wrote: »

There are a number of examples of athletes disappearing and then returning.
Mark Keneally for one took at least one break (maybe 2 years?) from athletics. He came 8th in the European Cross COuntry before Christmas.
Hazel Murphy is another who was away form the sport for 2/3 years. She just competed in Doha at the World Indoors.

That's optimistic!:)

RoyMcC wrote: »

That's a great post, someone opening up their heart like that. You had a great career as a younger woman and that can never be taken away. You're not the first to be waylaid by life and you won't be the last.

Thanks for those words Roy, they were comforting for me after such a post!

RoyMcC wrote: »

You certainly seem to want it enough, which is more than half the battle. Yes you have a lot of work to do. And yes you should get involved with a club again, Leevale or whoever. Don't be worrying about what other people think, they are much more concerned with themselves than you..

I really don't know about a club. Not for a good while anyway. Want really good fitness before all that.

RoyMcC wrote: »

First, don't expect to re-create past glories. At least not immediately. Don't jump in and try to train with the senior groups.

Oh don't worry, I'm not that naive to think I could keep up with seniors, they'd leave me for dust..speed and fitness wise! The children would be passing me out!:D Alot of work ahead of me and I know it.

RoyMcC wrote: »

And if you find you've lost your raw speed then you might try stepping up a distance or two.

Yeah, that would be plan alright. Even during my running days, it was said to me I would be more suited to a distant/two up..but I never paid much attention as I was happy out doing what I was doing/shorter distances were were over quicker, lol! But, if I were to get back on the track again, those would be the distances I would be training for.

RoyMcC wrote: »

Go on, pop down the track and give it a go. Let us know how it goes.

I don't think there's much point heading to a track until I have good fitness again, so will hold off!

dna_leri wrote: »

I think it depends on how badly you want and at what level you are prepared to settle for. It sounds like you want to get back badly enough to give it a go.

Yes, I just want to give it a go, give it my all..fair enough if I don't make the cut, atleast I tired and can't say 'what if..' anymore. Plus, they'll be no more threads like this!:D

dna_leri wrote: »

So don't wait until you are over 40, start today. Get yourself fit this summer, on your own if necessary. Get some confidence back, then get in touch with someone who will help you get back to a competitive level, an old coach maybe. As RoyMc said, maybe offer to help coach others. Start today or you will regret it in 20 years time.

Yes, I started today! Went for a walk/run.

I guess, to get fit is just getting out there and running mileage? Should I be concentrating on running a certain distance within a certain time or running a certain distance without stopping?..Oh and what should that distance be?! 3/4miles?

All comments/remarks gratefully received!
Thanks again.

myflipflops

humourous_sky wrote: »

I'm 22. Hardly old I know, but I guess when you'v been out of the sport for four years, you feel that so much has happened/too late.
.

Near perfect age unless you've done damage to your body in the time off.

Get out and train today.

The 2 examples i gave were extreme cases but they ring true. Other athletes had given up and come back at your 2/3 years later and gone on to international standard athletics. With the right dedication, you should feel confident of your ability to become competitive again at whatever level your talent allows.

T runner

humourous_sky wrote: »

I'm 22. Hardly old I know, but I guess when you'v been out of the sport for four years, you feel that so much has happened/too late.

Dont worry. At 22 and You have loads of time to achieve your goals.
Youve made a brilliant decision.

I really don't know about a club. Not for a good while anyway. Want really good fitness before all that.

I know what you mean but dont wait too long. A club will give you the advice you need.

Yes, I started today! Went for a walk/run.

I guess, to get fit is just getting out there and running mileage? Should I be concentrating on running a certain distance within a certain time or running a certain distance without stopping?..Oh and what should that distance be?! 3/4miles?

You could start with something like 5 mins walk (1 min run 1 min walk) by 10, 5 mins walk. If thats too easy there are plenty more get you started sessions HERE

After a few weeks when the legs when the legs have adapted a bit you could start throwing in 6-7 by 100 metre strides controlled at 3/4 full speed at the end of every second run.

In 6-7 weeks when your happy with things might be time for the club.

thirtyfoot

Firstly, you won't have lost your speed, whatever you had as a kid can be re-ignited. Secondly, if you do come back, you will probably train harder, live better and appreciate it a lot more. Thirdly, don't faff, if you are serious, join a club. Whether your own club or Leevale or whoever. If you are Cork based and into sprints, they are your best bet. Fourthly, you are 22 for God sake. If you were as good as you say you were, you have loads of time. Finally, if you do come back it'll be the greatest feeling you ever had.

But, it won't be easy. You will feel fat, slow and at times like an idiot. Set a small target right now. Join a club within a week. Compete in a race within 3 months. Be running fast again within 12 months. Be still running fast in 10 years!!!

PS: Don't listen to these muckers and road runners here, stick with the sprints;)

Enduro

I started running at 30. I've been to 3 world championships, and will be going to a 4th next month (hopefully).... granted at slightly longer distances than sprints. 22 is so young! Just run girl

meathcountysec

OP, I’m back in my box after 20-odd years adrift. Forget what others may think/say. In reality everybody else is so wrapped up in their own training/performances that they will only notice/comment when you go whizzing by them. I have had nothing but support and encouragement from other athletes. This is such a relatively minority sport that we all must support each other. GO FOR IT;)

humourous_sky

Hi all! Thanks for all ye're replies. As always, sound advise!

So since my last post I'v done exercise of some sort everyday. This week will be a different matter as even though I'm qualified at what I do, I still have one last hurdle to over come, so fingered crossed! My fall back career to when I'm a professional athlete!;):D If I pass, I'm treating myself to new runners next week, new start and all that. I really better pass as I'v had my old pair since I was 17, don't think they'v much left in them!:)

I also went back to football last week! Thought I was going to die as I didn't know what to expect, but it was actually grand! Granted playing a match will really tell though as no doubt they'll stick me straight back into Mid-field thinking I'm Ms.Fit! Should have had one yesterday, but I had to go into work to get some work done, too distracted at home/loads to do!

But overall, I love feeling healthy! Diet is improving aswell (alot less chocolate consumed!) not that I'm heavy or anything (9st3lbs at moment: Usually 8st 11lbs. I'm 5'6'') Thankfully stress doesn't turn me into a muncher, too busy with head in laptop doing paperwork etc to think of it at moment!

Next week I want to go and run a few distances...see where I am/be able to notice improvements as I get fitter! Perhaps a 400m/a mile?!

Pisco Sour

humourous_sky wrote: »

Hi all,
Very long time lurker here! Just need to get a few things off my chest. (Warning: This is long, very long, my apologies, fingers couldn't stop!)

Bit of background...
I was born sporty! First girl after boys, my Mother was delighted to be able to buy dresses. However I was a tomboy, more interested in getting into my shorts/boots and joining in with my brothers and father playing hurling. I did all the usual sports when I was younger: gymnastics/badminton/horseriding/running/football...excelled in all. As you grow up you don't have time to do them all so decisions had to be made. I naturally picked football (come from gaa family!) and athletics. The latter as it was from my athletic ability I was so good at other sports. It was noticeable from a young age I had natural speed. Went to all open sports..have soo many trophies!! Then from there it was counties->munsters->allirelands. I couldn't tell you how many All-Ireland medals (indoor/outdoor..gold/silver/bronze) I have! Represented Ireland in underage events. I was good athlete considering I never put in hard sessions at training. Was more of a social outing, gossiping/having a laugh with my friends. My fitness came from playing football.

Now to where it all goes downhill...
Off I went to college. In first year I didn't participate in athletics there as they didn't have any, however I did play football. I played mid-field with them, I got on my county junior team that year but fractured my thumb blocking a ball in training early in season. Was in a cast for 6 weeks, but it never healed right and gave me fierce trouble after, therefore football ceased and social life took off! That continued for 2nd/3rd/4th year. Lost all contact with the friends I made through athletics. Lived a very sedentary lifestyle. I put on weight, which I never knew could happen to me! (Always had moaned how I wanted to put on weight, now the opposite is true..lesson: be careful what you wish for!! lol!) Qualified last year in a professional field. Went back playing football for my club last year, all good, back in my mid-field position. Was fit (I use the term loosely, fit to me is back when I was 17) but could run around after ball, speed coming back. Season ended in October last year, never keep myself ticking over during Winter/throw in weekend nights out=fitness gone back to zero again! Season started about four weeks back, have yet to go back.

I'v always keep up with all things athletics. Reading results on Mondays paper. Watching international events on TV. Reading here. Not a day goes by when I think 'what if...' I'm so afraid I'll still be saying that when I'm 40 and whatever hope I have now, it will definitely be too late then!

So yesterday I saw the thread saying that leevales open sports were on, I decided to go for some reason..inspiration perhaps?! I put on hat/glasses (didn't want to be recognised..thank god it was sunny! lol) Standing at the side of the track tears started rolling down my face, it brought all my athletics memories back. I saw people who I use to know pass by/complete. Athletics use to be my life..I couldn't go away with my school friends/do things at weekends/summer as I was always running up the country. I didn't mind though as I had friends in my running club/athletics in general and had great fun! Its funny, my college friends don't know anything about that part of my life!

I want to make it again in athletics! Guess what I'm asking here is...is it too late for me? Ye're a very honest lot here, so give it to me! Can you lose your natural ability from doing nothing for years? I know I'd have so much hard work to do and I'm scared as I don't know where to begin/have a plan/know what to do! I don't want to join an athletics club though, it's hard letting people you know see you as you are now..ie:unfit/slow!

Let the psychoanalyzing begin!

PS: Thanks to anyone who manged to get through that without snoozing!

Fantastic post! You have made a great decision to come back and at 22 you have so much time. Forget about the past, you have so much time ahead of you.

Mara Yamauchi took 4 years away from the sport and has come back far better than she was before her break. Take that as inspiration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_Yamauchi