So proud of myself

[staceysue]

I have never been athletic or good at sports. The only two sports I've discovered I'm even average at are XC skiing and cycling. So - I am so pleasantly surprised and [I]proud[I] of myself for the improvements I've been making! I'm especially proud that I'm doing it at 40!

Today I discovered a whole set of muscles I wasn't using - or a new way of using them or something. I was able to sprint at over 20mph on a stretch of road I haven't ridden over 15mph on before by tilting my pelvis at a different angle and putting more of my body into it.

Also, I decided to start running. I've never been a runner. On St. Patricks Day I tried it for the first time in years and tore my plantaris muscle (my first "age-related injury" as people under 40 rarely tear it). It was a heck of a tear - it made a loud noise and got black and blue and everything. I went back out 9 days ago and tried it again, just jogging and walking for a mile. I was sore for 4 days. (Which didn't make any sense to me because I can cycle over 60 miles and not get sore but whatever) Two days ago I went out again and jog/walked the same mile and have not had any soreness!

I feel so . . . . . I don't know . . . . athletic or something! Like . . . . "ROAR!"

[marni]

go you! The reason you are sore after running is that it is a considered a weight bearing muscle and uses more muscles than biking which is not considered a weight bearing exercise.

I am trying to start running as well as cross training for biking. Although I can do jogging intervals on the elliptical or treadmill, I'm finding the transition to outdoor very slow so like you I am doing one minute walk run intervals. Sadie the corgie who comes with me as I combine this with her daily walk, is not amused.

marni

[TriMom217]

WTG SS!! It does get easier, I promise. Not having run myself in over 3 years, I bought some new running shoes and plan on taking them for a spin tomorrow. I hope it comes back as easy as biking and swimming did.

[Bike Chick]

You go, girl!!! You will be doing triathlons next!!

I'm new to running too, StacySue, and I'm almost 52. Just ran my first half-marathon and it was a hoot. I'm planning the next one.

I think the ladies here on TE give me the inspiration and support to try new things and encouragement to stick with it. Thanks everyone!!

[TrekTheKaty]

I don't consider myself athletic either, just pig-headed! Everyone should run a marathon once--it was a life changing experience :D Now I know I can do ANYTHING I set my mind too!

[staceysue]

Triathlons would be so cool . . . . . but how on earth could I learn to swim faster without a coach? The only swimming I ever do is on an occasional camping trip - out to the ropes and back.

I love this forum. I can't believe how many women there re on here who don't start until later in life.

Is it possible for a middlel-aged woman who was not athletic for most of her life to get to the point where she actually wins races?

[Bike Chick]

Who said anything about winning, Stacey? I did my first triathlon at 49 1/2. Because of my birthday, they put me in the 50-55 division. I got a trophy for 3rd place but there were only 3 of us in the division;) My goal was to complete it and not be the last person finished and I accomplished both. It was a blast and a real confidence boost. I was scared to death of water and took lessons for 3 months. It was an indoor event and all I had to do was get across the pool---it didn't have to be pretty---and it wasn't. I learned that the people that excel in the swimming portion are rarely the winners of the triathlon. I would recommend doing one.

TREK, your comment about running a marathon is how I always felt about childbirth!!! If I can do that, I can do anything. You are right about the confidence though. I'm pretty pumped about my half but don't know about doing a full. You make it sound intriguing.

Hang in there, Stacey. I was never athletic either--in fact Title IX wasn't even around when I was in high school, which is probably why a lot of us middle-agers are trying this now. I have always been a clutz and tripped over my own feet. My brother was the athletic one and now he has high blood pressure and can't get off the couch. I'm slow but I'm running, biking AND swimming and having a ball. It makes me feel so alive.

[GufiFoot]

"Triathlons would be so cool . . . . . but how on earth could I learn to swim faster without a coach? "

Piece of cake - United States Masters Swimming website.
It is amazing what you can learn by working out with them.
Good luck
kcj

[malkin]

Is it possible for a middlel-aged woman who was not athletic for most of her life to get to the point where she actually wins races?

Sure!
Race against me, and it's practically a guarantee!