Question for runners: Are some people just not capable of running?

[emily_in_nc]

Interesting thread. My question is more like, "are some people just not capable of decent speed at anything?"--I have done swimming, running and cycling and been rather slow at all three (10-11 min/mile running, never got below about 32 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle, do well to average 12 mph on the bike). I also seem to get my heart rate really high more easily than most people in decent shape, especially with running. The only thing I seem to be faster than average at is walking, including hiking, but that is something that generally doesn't involve being anywhere near maximum effort. What are the factors (besides being out of shape, which isn't the case here) that affect general speed when it comes to sports?

1. Exercise-induced asthma?
2. Muscularity (a bit difference than being "out of shape", which I would consider more of an endurance thing).
3. Power to weight ratio.
4. Heart problems (hopefully not!)

I'm similar to you -- I've been a semi-fast rider in the past when I was riding a LOT, but I have never been a fast runner at all. I am a fairly fast hiker, but nothing spectacular. I have EIA, am not all that muscular, and am very small (102 lbs). I get passed by larger, more muscular female riders on my mountain bike fairly often, which I think is can be an example of #3.

Emily

[Jolt]

1. Exercise-induced asthma?
2. Muscularity (a bit difference than being "out of shape", which I would consider more of an endurance thing).
3. Power to weight ratio.
4. Heart problems (hopefully not!)

I'm similar to you -- I've been a semi-fast rider in the past when I was riding a LOT, but I have never been a fast runner at all. I am a fairly fast hiker, but nothing spectacular. I have EIA, am not all that muscular, and am very small (102 lbs). I get passed by larger, more muscular female riders on my mountain bike fairly often, which I think is can be an example of #3.

Emily

Well, maybe my issue is just due to not being very muscular as well (5'2" and 105 lbs)--I don't have asthma, and definitely no heart problems (thank goodness!!). Actually, next week I am participating as a healthy control in a research study that involves a VO2max test and body composition analysis in the screening visit, so maybe that will shed some light on the situation. Should be interesting at least.

[KSH]

Well, I'm seriously thinking about giving up running all together. I am going to Race Walking 3-day Clinic in Austin in December... and I hope I can learn the technique so I can walk FAST!

I had to come to the realization that I suck at running... and nothing I do (getting a coach- running 80 miles a month- etc.) is going to fix how much I suck. My body just rejects running.

But I have always been a fast walker and I think with some training I can get really fast. I can walk a 13:30 minute mile now (flat terrian)... if I can get that down to a 12 or 11 minute mile... then that's how fast I was running.

[emily_in_nc]

But I have always been a fast walker and I think with some training I can get really fast. I can walk a 13:30 minute mile now (flat terrian)... if I can get that down to a 12 or 11 minute mile... then that's how fast I was running.

KSH - I know you are a triathlete so the running thing must be frustrating! Do some triathletes do race walking instead of running? I am ignorant since I've never witnessed a tri, other than the Ironman on TV.

It sounds like you have a good plan, though!

Emily

[KSH]

KSH - I know you are a triathlete so the running thing must be frustrating! Do some triathletes do race walking instead of running? I am ignorant since I've never witnessed a tri, other than the Ironman on TV.

It sounds like you have a good plan, though!

Emily

Well... they do when they get tired and can't run anymore...

Seriously though, top triathletes run. They run FAST. I have come to the realization that I will never run fast. And since I'm so bad at running, why not take up race walking?

Now, I do know of one guy around these parts who walks all his run portions. Even at his Ironman's... and he beats a lot of people out there.

In the longer events, the Half Ironman and Ironman... people train to run the 1/2 or full marathon, but get out there and end up walking most of it. And they walk slow because they are so tired.

At my Half Ironman, I came in 36 out of 52... and that was walking a 1/2 marathon at a 14 minute per mile pace (it was HILLY!). I was trucking along walking and people would comment how fast I was walking.

So anyways... I tried Plan A... to become a runner. Plan A didn't work out.. time to move to Plan B.

[alpinerabbit]

At my Half Ironman, I came in 36 out of 52... and that was walking a 1/2 marathon at a 14 minute per mile pace (it was HILLY!). I was trucking along walking and people would comment how fast I was walking.

So anyways... I tried Plan A... to become a runner. Plan A didn't work out.. time to move to Plan B.

That's pretty good walking there!

I decided today, I am going to make "finish and not be last" my life motto...

[KSH]

That's pretty good walking there!

I decided today, I am going to make "finish and not be last" my life motto...

My motto is, "I won't die" or "It won't kill me".