Mid-Age Rider

[Lollybell]

Haven't ever posted - any body out there over 50 and riding? Have the double nickel birthday coming in December and have just signed up for a women's only sprint tri - crazy. Trying to lose some middle age weight gain and started riding regularly again about 3 months ago. Any advice?

[mimitabby]

welcome to TE. I've never been in a tri, but i'm 56 years old. I don't know your capabilities, nor your sticktoitiveness; but there are lots of gals here who do tri's.

how much time do you have to train? when's the tri? You are probably the best judge of your own abilities here.

Sit down, read the forum and get to know us. post a few times, let us get to know you.
mimi

[fastdogs]

hi- I'm 50. I just started riding last year. I've never done a triathilon, but I have a 4 year old son!
I think there's a lot of us middle aged types out there.
vickie

[KerryCrow]

I'm "only" 48, but 50 will be here before I know it. I am running impaired (back issues) but have given it the old college try via previous marathons in my 40's. I stick to the swimming, bike and strength exercises now. But I don't think you are even CLOSE to alone.

[Zen]

I've never done a triathilon, but I have a 4 year old son!

Holy smokes woman! That's a triathlon right there!

[Boise Birder]

I can't run because of knee issues - but go for the Tri!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey welcome!
Lots of us middle-agers here.
I'm 54, been riding bikes only about 2 years....I can 50 and 70 mile rides now, started with 6 mile rides two years ago. Bikes can do that to you- they're just too much fun!

Advice?.....hmmmm....my best advice is to remember that your body adapts slowly to new things...new body positions, new muscles being used, new limits being pushed. I am always amazed at how much I keep progressing- but my body takes it all at it's own pace. Then before you know it you get surprised by how much better you can do than you did months before.

[nancielle]

I turned 56 this week (not so happy about that!).

Yebbut, tctrek, when you consider the alternative, 56 is not so bad.


Lollybell, When is your tri? If you haven't already done so you might want to check out the triathlon section on this site and get some feedback from the women there. There might even be somebody close by who can train with you.

[Jenerator]

If you need some inspiration for starting out at 49, it worked out well for multiple record holder Madonna Buder.

[Bad JuJu]

Seems like someone once posted a question or a poll about how many of us here are over 50--response, as I recall, was overwhelming! I'm 55 myself, and thrilled about it, considering, as nancielle noted, the alternative.

Good luck with your tri ambitions!

[wavedancer]

Haven't ever posted - any body out there over 50 and riding? Have the double nickel birthday coming in December and have just signed up for a women's only sprint tri - crazy. Trying to lose some middle age weight gain and started riding regularly again about 3 months ago. Any advice?

I started riding in earnest about 3 years ago and like others here am totally hooked. I never ran until this year and hadn't swum(?) since I was a kid. I turned 59 this year and did my first sprint tri last week. WOO-Hoo! I love the challenge and the fitness I have gained. I'm even looking forward to the big 6-0 because I'll be able to step into another age group, and maybe get a medal

Have fun training, take it easy as you go, and share your progress with us here.

[SandyLS]

61 here. Did my first century ride last year. Welcome. and enjoy the ride.

[jaydee]

Just curious - how many of our mothers were taking up new and active sports in their 50s/60s. I know my mum would never have considered cycling or running or even swimming. A sedate walk with the dog was her idea of vigourous exercise when she was my age.

[Duck on Wheels]

My mom gave up strenuous sports activities by around her 50's, yeah. Or maybe not ...? She gardens. Still does at 86. And by gardens, I mean she hand turns heavy adobe soil with a shovel, daily, for up to several hours. She buries her kitchen veggie scraps while she's at it, for soil improvement. It works. You should see the stuff she grows!

[mimitabby]

my mother started going to the gym when she was close to 70. Imho, it was too late. She has osteoporosis and has fallen at least 3 times (I'm thinking 4!) and broken bones each time. When we went to Vancouver, she stumbled once and lost her balance another time. It is extremely critical to maintain our balance and stay physically active as long as we can, since most of us ARE going to get osteoporosis. It's not the thin bones that do it to us, it's the poor sense of balance which causes us to fall and then break those bones. And this is something you can do everywhere, (although cycling is great for maintaining your sense of balance!!!) stand on one foot while you're waiting in line!