Running Performance After 50: Why It Declines More Than Swimming & Cycling (Part 1)

2025-09-17

In this eye-opening first part of a two-part series, host Simon Ward sits down with world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee and strength specialist Matt Pendola to tackle a frustrating reality many over-50 athletes face: while swimming and cycling performance may hold steady, running seems to decline more sharply with age. This isn't just anecdotal - it's a well-documented phenomenon that affects both male and female endurance athletes. The trio dive deep into the physiological, neurological, and cultural reasons behind this decline, setting the stage for practical solutions in part...

In this eye-opening first part of a two-part series, host Simon Ward sits down with world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee and strength specialist Matt Pendola to tackle a frustrating reality many over-50 athletes face: while swimming and cycling performance may hold steady, running seems to decline more sharply with age.

This isn't just anecdotal - it's a well-documented phenomenon that affects both male and female endurance athletes. The trio dive deep into the physiological, neurological, and cultural reasons behind this decline, setting the stage for practical solutions in part two.

Key Point 1: It's Neurological First, Physical Second

Your brain loses the ability to judge foot-to-ground distance, causing harder landings and longer ground contact times.

Key Point 2: Running is Biomechanically Unique Among the Three Sports

Unlike supported swimming and cycling with concentric contractions, running demands unsupported eccentric loading under massive forces.

Key Point 3: We Do What We're Good At (And Avoid What We Need)

Aging athletes gravitate toward endurance work while abandoning the sprinting, plyometrics, and strength training they desperately need.

Key Point 4: 70% of "Aging" is Actually Inactivity

Most performance decline attributed to age is actually due to lack of specific training - your greatest gains come from your greatest losses.

Connect with Bobby McGee

Website - bobbymcee.com

Instagram - bobbymcgeerunning

Pendola Project - Run Form

Bobby also recommends the following books

Endure - Alex Hutchinson

The Transformational Power of Pure Intelligence Cory Reich

Bobby is a consultant for STRYD power meters, He highly recommends the Duo if you want state of the art mechanical data to work on your run

Connect with Matt Pendola

Website - Pendola Project and check out his programs including a free movement improvement assessment and protocol

Instagram: @PendolaProject

Facebook: PendolaProject

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