Former 2:40 Marathoner Who Now Struggles to Break 2:50 Feels Like Shell of Former Self
/
depositphotos.com
A local runner has slowed significantly over the years, Dumb Runner has learned, and is struggling to come to terms with that fact.
Allan Silverstein, 34, a marketing executive and former collegiate cross-country runner, routinely finished marathons in around 2 hours 40 minutes as recently as three years ago, sources said. But not anymore.
“Today, he’s lucky if he can break 2:50,” said one source close to Silverstein, who requested anonymity to speak frankly on a sensitive issue. “It’s sad.”
Silverstein first became aware of his diminishing speed during a marathon shortly after his 32nd birthday, they said.
“He’d done his previous race [about one year earlier] in 2:41 and change, so his goal with this one was to break 2:40,” according to the source. “He went through the half right at 1:20, but after that, things just fell apart.”
Slowing steadily, Silverstein dropped from 6:05-per-mile pace to 6:10 and, eventually, 6:25. He crossed the finish line in 2:46:12.
“A bunch of us were there at the finish line, waiting to congratulate him,” the source said. “It was just embarrassing.”
Silverstein has run three marathons since that disastrous one, all between 2:48 and 2:51, the source said—and each one has reinforced his belief that he is washed up.
“I think he really doesn’t know how to cope with being slow,” they said. “The other day, he did mile repeats at the track, and he just barely ran each one at 5:10-5:14 pace.”
“The final one, I think, was actually closer to 5:20.”
Reached by phone, Silverstein was reluctant to answer Dumb Runner’s questions about his training and racing—until he was asked whether he foresees a day when he’ll be unable to run a sub-3:00 marathon.
In response to that question, Silverstein wept.
Does Dumb Runner regularly brighten your day? Here’s your chance to return the favor. Make a pledge or donation now, and help me keep doing what I do—100% independent and commercial-free!
