Beginner trying to sprint...

AirDemon

Right, well a little back story first... I'm 29, nearly 30 and I've recently started exercising quite a bit. Say 5-6 months of exercising now, I'm lifting weights, playing football and badminton every week.

I've decided to join a sports team locally and as with most sports, speed is a big factor so I've started doing some sprint training. The last time I really concentrated on fitness and speed was about 10 years ago when I was playing football consistently. It's been a long time but I feel like I'm in okay shape now, not great shape by any stretch but I feel like I should be able to do a reasonable run.

Anyway, I started doing some sprint training today and I'm shocked at my time. I wasn't expecting to be fast but I managed 24 seconds for 100m. I will say that it was a rugby pitch, the grass was long, well above my feet, and wet but from the times I'd been told to expect 14-16 seconds it just feels rubbish.

I'm wondering if anyone can give me ideas on what their opinion of 24 seconds for 100m for a beginner is?

Pherekydes

AirDemon wrote: »

I'm wondering if anyone can give me ideas or what their opinion on 24 seconds for 100m for a beginner is?

A lot more than 100m?

pconn062

Are you sure it was 100m, maybe it was longer? Without sounding harsh, 24 seconds for 100m is not good. It equates to 96 seconds for 400m which is 6.16 per mile pace. However, as you said the conditions weren't great and it could have been longer than 100m. Your best bet if you want to start sprinting would be to join your local running club and get training from them. Sprinting training is much more specialised and technical than long distance running so this would be your best bet.

pconn062

pconn062 wrote: »

Are you sure it was 100m, maybe it was longer? Without sounding harsh, 24 seconds for 100m is not good. It equates to 96 seconds for 400m which is 6.16 per mile pace. However, as you said the conditions weren't great and it could have been longer than 100m. Your best bet if you want to start sprinting would be to join your local running club and get training from them. Sprinting training is much more specialised and technical than long distance running so this would be your best bet.

Or even 6.24 a mile pace. :rolleyes:

I just realised that came across a little harsh, which is not my intention. What I meant was there is loads of room for improvement there, so don't be put off. Join a club and get the basic technique right from the beginning and you can chop loads off that time.

Pherekydes

pconn062 wrote: »

Or even 6.24 a mile pace. :rolleyes:

6:26 even. Don't forget the 9.344m! :pac:

Chivito550

I'd be surprised if you only managed 24 seconds for 100m. I'd say you probably ran 120m or something. I'm not sure how long a rugby pitch is. I know a GAA pitch is between 130-145m.