Playing the Long Game as a Runner
Verity Ockenden discusses the potential for "veteran" athletes to compete at the top level, benefiting the sport.
Recently, the subject of ageing has been on her mind, particularly after turning 34 in August. She felt uncomfortable about her birthday, likely due to the industry's traditional perception that athletes peak before 30.
I knew that, based on my own data, at four whole years past my “sell-by” date, my body has been capable of producing consistently better splits in training that I had ever dreamt of previously.
This challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that athletes can continue to improve with age.
Author's summary: Veteran athletes can still compete at the top level.