Words of advice from Rich Stiller
"This is a tough goal you have set for yourself"
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Bob...
The more I think about the challenge you have set for yourself the more I think you're going to have to think out of the box on keeping yourself together for this year.
I know you hate this stuff. I mean running was always "just fun"...right?
But in our sixties things don't quite work that way. Your sub seven pace goal is roughly equivalent to averaging a 5:20 pace at age 30. Tough goal.
I think your problem or weak point is showing up in your hamstrings but it may be related to other areas effected by running.
You are facing a similar challenge to what Coghlan faced when he broke four minutes for the mile at age 41. He had a weekly visits to a massage therapist and chiropractor to keep himself together so he could do the training. I am not saying you have to do this weekly but I think you need to incorporate that into your program. Maybe every other week massage and the chiro as often as needed. I go once a month but if need be, go more often. My weak point is my back. Just like you if I up the intensity of running, I start to have issues.
I think your hamstrings may not be the problem. It may be above or below it and that can be massaged or adjusted. My hamstring bothered me and I had my back adjusted.
My hips were out and were pulling on my left hammie. One adjustment and the problem went away.
Aside from this, I am pulling for you to make it of course. But you may want to think about what you need to do to get through this rough patch.
Notice I never said, don't stick with your goal. I would never say that and I know you are going to complete your goal.
Note: Rich, a self-confessed running bum up until age 35 and a friend of Bob since 1973 is one of the four main characters that will be featured in "A Long Run."
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