True potential of novices

onrail wrote: »

Given the exploits of latecomers to the sport of running, are there any indications of 'true' potential of novice runners, should they (slowly) increase and improve training to a high-achiever or elite level?

Like everyone, I'd love to know what I'm capable of, should I increase training to a higher quantity and standard.

e.g. I tend to run/train continuously for periods of about 6-12 months before getting injured (mainly due to terrible form and muscle imbalances, but that's another story), take 6mths+ off, rinse and repeat. Each time, I get to about 18:00-18:30 5ks, 1:28HM after about 2-3 months of training with a local (very casual) club - covering maybe 20-40k per week over 3-4 runs.

I'd love to know roughly what sort of times might be possible for us should injuries stay away - guessing there may be some gains, but nothing massive? Any stories here of response to increasing/improving their training regime?

The first thing zid not is if you are running 18 5k you should be sub 1.25 at least for HM. This suggests your endurance is weak probably because of running too low a volume at too fast a pace and this may be the root of your injury problems Its very hard to achieve potential if your training is regularly being interrupted by injury or anything else.

Its a very broad question and probably hard to answer. Potential of Novices is never really known until its tapped and developed.

I went from novice to National Championship wins in one sport but when I tried hurling once I was laughed off the field.

With running at least benchmarks generally correlate upwards. So any race calculator (McMillan et al) will give you an average value for all other events vs your 18 minute 5k. Assuming all training is on track per plan no injuries it then comes down to your engine (petrol speed or diesel endurance), desire to achieve and better yourself, capacity to endure pain, recover and pick yourself back up after disappointment.

Unless you are a fulltime athlete, throw life into the mix and all sorts of obstacles you don't anticipate, appear.

The key thing with novices (and from experience) is not pushing too hard in the initial excitement of many pbs! It takes weeks, months, years of consistent training to progress to your potential.

If you approach it with realistic incremental goals, a smart plan, and recovery strategy that works you can be assured of a generally steady upward curve.

How far the curve goes is really up to you