r/Sprinting • u/onyxrrit • 5h ago
General Discussion/Questions Is 31 too old to start taking sprinting seriously and aim for around 11 seconds in the 100m?
Hey everyone!
I’m 31M, 174cm and 73kg. I started proper sprint training about a month ago, after nearly three years of regular weight training.
I competed in athletics when I was younger, but never trained specifically for sprinting. My PBs from 2013, when I was 18, were:
60m: 8.21s
100m: 12.61s (12.69s in the heats)
200m: 28.36s
I had never used starting blocks or sprint spikes before that 100m competition, so these results came without proper sprint training. Now, more than 13 years later, I’ve decided to take sprinting seriously.
I’m deaf, and my main goal is to represent Poland at the 2029 Deaflympics in Greece. I understand that the likely 100m standards may be around 11.75s and 11.20s for different performance levels, but I still need to confirm the exact selection criteria.
I currently train sprinting four days a week, Monday to Thursday, with a coach, followed by gym sessions on Friday and Saturday. I’m also focusing on nutrition, recovery and sleep. My coach is willing to work with me towards 2029, and I’m considering reducing my working hours to part-time so I can dedicate more time to training.
My first 60m competition is this December, which should give me a clearer idea of my current level.
I know improving from 12.61 to around 11 seconds is a huge challenge, especially starting serious training at 31. I’m not expecting miracles, but I’m motivated to work consistently over the next three years.
Is it realistic for someone starting serious sprint training at 31 to reach around 11 seconds in the 100m?
Has anyone here started sprinting in their 30s and made significant progress?
I’d really appreciate your experiences and advice!