Anybody over 50

[Bicyclette]

doing triathlons? I'm fascinated by the whole thing and secretly would like to start the training - my husband thinks I'd tear up my hips or knees if I start running. I have access to a pool so the swimming would be doable. I'm in no hurry because I have no idea how I would find any races here - and I don't know anybody who actually DOES triathlons - so I guess right now I'd be getting all dressed up with no place to go!! but that's ok as far as I'm concerned

[KSH]

Hello, and welcome!

I am not over 50... but I know of plenty of people who are... who do triathlons! So, please know that you can do it! Age ain't nothin' but a number!

I will say that there are plenty of people over 50... who kick my butt in races, cycling... etc.!

As far as running ruining your knees and hips... yes, it can, if your form is piss-poor and you up your miles way too quickly. There are many people who run without injury though.

I am sure you can find some tri's in/around your country. You just have to do the research to find them. Dig around on the internet and you will find something I am sure.

Now, as far as training... well... that's a WHOLE lot of information to post in just one thread. And you have to do your research, get information from a bunch of different places, and go with what works for you.

www.beginnertriathlete.com, is a great source of tri information, and if you pay a small fee to sign up... you can access to training programs, etc.

Now, for free, you get access to an area where you can log your training, which is really cool. I started logging my training in May 2006 and it keeps all the totals for me:

July's totals:
Bike: 25h 32m 02s - 356.9 Mi
Run: 1h 11m - 4.5 Mi
Swim: 40m - 1800 Yd
Aerobics 3h 50m
Walking 20m


2006 totals
Bike: 79h 2m 22s - 1131.56 Mi
Run: 1h 31m - 4.75 Mi
Swim: 4h - 9700 Yd
Aerobics 15h 55m
Elliptical Training 1h
Stationary Biking 25m
Walking 2h 13m

It's great looking at what you have ACCOMPLISHED in the training process.


Well, best of luck! Read all that you can and then go for it. Yes, it's scary... and a bit intimidating, but once you do it... you will realize that it's very achievable with the proper training.

[Tri Girl]

I'm not over 50 either, but all the women in that age group around here kick my butt at races. You're definitely not alone!!

KSH gave some great advice- she knows what she's talking about.

I also like www.trinewbies.com and www.trifuel.com - both great websites with lots of information.

Even if you can't find many local races, you can still do the training (which is so nice to have 3 sports to focus on instead of only one), and then do your own tri.

Have fun, and keep coming back here!!

[Flatlander]

I'm 49, and I don't think that's terribly different form 50. I feel fitter and better than I ever have in my life-seriously! (And I was a college athlete...) I have more energy, I eat better, I sleep better, I handle stress better...All because I'm training for the tri.

I also train smarter than I did when I was younger, listen to my body better, know more about nutrition and health...

I think that if you do it right (The only concession I've made for age is that I have taken a year to get ready for my first tri so that I won't succumb to "too much too soon," but that might not be necessary for everyone), there's no reason to think that training is going to do anything but improve your life. You can do more than you ever dreamed you were capable of doing--but you'll never know that if you let fear of trying get in the way!

Go for it. Use this forum and others for encouragement. I'm on another one for triathlete through runnersworld.com (I started out as a runner), and there's another called beginnertriathlete.com. You'll find lots of people who are in this terrific time of their lives and loving every minute of it. In fact, I read an essay recently in Newsweek that was about the fact that there are so many Masters age people doing marathons--it could just as easily be about triathlons...

You'll love it!

[Bicyclette]

oh my gosh!! YOu guys are great!

I'm so encouraged now! I know eventually I can find a race or two if I try so I will check out some of these sites and get started on a running program. I'm a terrible runner but I have a running program I found on here downloaded so I will follow that and hopefully be able to work up to 5K - my first goal.

Thanx for all this information - I'm sure I"ll have lots of questions

Pat

[Trek1500]

I'm over 50 and feel fabulous since I started cross training. I did my first duathlon a few weeks ago and am eagerly awaiting my next one.

Unless you plan on doing extensive running - like training for a marathon or something - don't be too concerned with knee/hip issues. Start your running program slowly, increase by 10% a week (if you feel ready for an increase), do plenty of stretching, go to a reputable running store for shoes that suit your form. You'll be fine. Good luck!

[KSH]

oh my gosh!! YOu guys are great!

I'm so encouraged now! I know eventually I can find a race or two if I try so I will check out some of these sites and get started on a running program. I'm a terrible runner but I have a running program I found on here downloaded so I will follow that and hopefully be able to work up to 5K - my first goal.

Thanx for all this information - I'm sure I"ll have lots of questions

Pat

If you are able to.... try to find a store in your area that specializes in running shoes. Have them watch your gait and form to ensure that you are wearing the right shoe for your stride. This will help keep you injury free.

[Lise]

Hi, Pat, I'm a "terrible" runner, too, but I ran the Chicago Marathon last year, and a half-marathon two weeks before that, and a number of 5 & 10Ks, and seven triathlons so far (three Oly, four sprint). There is so much info out there about how to start and build up slowly. Good shoes are really important. John Bingham has some very compassionately written books about starting running. I love Jayne William's book Slow Fat Triathlete. www.slowfattriathlete.com It's wonderful for anyone who doesn't believe they can do a tri. I'm 46, and just started doing this "athletic stuff" four years ago. I hope to keep going strong for many years. What's hard for me is to admit that my body really is 46 years old, and to treat it with respect. I look better and feel stronger than I did 10 years ago...but I really am 10 years older. So I want to be smart about training and racing so I can keep going as long as I want to. Best wishes to you, Lise