It was hard to believe that it was 70 degrees this afternoon.  We decided to meet up with Rich and take advantage of the weather.  We filmed on the track at Foothill College.  Rich and I first meet here at the fun runs I was putting on each weekend back in 1973.

Rich was a running bum until he was 35.  Then he met his wife, found a job, retired, and still runs because he loves it.

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."