This is great to see other OFs experiencing the same things I am at 53. I am a runner (since 1983) and have ran numerous marathons and ultramarathons, but I am NOT fast. Currently run ~3:40 marathon. I've ran the highest mountain here in Spain (50K) and annually run a couple of marathons (one road and one mountain) and a 101K Spanish Legion mountain run (as well as many 10ks and half marys). And, now after ~15 years dabbling in olympic and sprint distance tris I've finally decided to go HIM/IM. Going the distance has always been my forte, but since joining the EN Team I'm finding myself getting into the speedwork. The fast turnover feels good. I'm getting the hang of this "work".
Like many of you the two primary training issues I've found at 53 is that one, I have to warm up for at least 15-20 minutes before I get in the groove and two, I don't recover as fast as I did as a youngster. Since joining the Team I'm also experiencing a personal conflict with balancing my "social" runs with my friends at lunch with my serious training. There are a half dozen of us ranging in age from mid 30s to me being the oldest at 53 who run 5-7 miles at lunch daily during the week. It's nothing serious. It's a social hour not training and so far I've been able to keep up 2-3 runs a week. Not the 5 I was doing before. However, I can feel the effects sometimes. Like today was an "off" day, but I ran 5.5 miles with the group along the beach.
I've gotta get back to doing my total body workouts at least 3x a week. I've only been doing push ups and sit ups lately and I just don't feel as good when running or biking. Anyway, it's good to see we're all in the same boat. Misery loves company. But, as we say here in the Haus WORK WORKS.
Thanks for sharing your personal stories. A very good read.
And, remember we're like fine wine. We get better with age.
Like many of you I also grew up in the "more is better" era of running. I am 52 and my mind remembers running many years of 100+ miles per week. A year and a half ago after getting injured for the xth time by pushing my running miles up to the 60 area, I was forced to recover by biking and swimming and lifting. What I have discovered is that the triathlon training has been great for my recovery and prevented overuse in one sport. The second thging I have discovered is by reducing my miles and recovering, I can go just as fast as when I did lots of miles. The third thing I am now discovering is this whole "work" idea in the haus. It is very different than the last 30 years of training, but I am excited to try something new. I have recuirted a few fellow triathletes to work with me so that we keep each other "honest". I can see that using the community online would accomplish the same thing.
I keep seeing the results of the EN approach and I figure it is worth throwing my self in. I was ready for a change anyhow. The biggest thing to to stay in the present vs. comparing to the many years ago results with the many years ago training regimine with the many years ago body. I want to be doing Ironmans for many years to come!
I wanted to share a small breakthrough/realization for me on Recovery. Sundays 2 x 1.5 mile run left me feeling miserable - achy, etc. Monday was a rest day but I had 45 min in the AM to go to work early or go to the gym. I almost always decide to go to the gym becuz I get no extra $$$ for going into work early. So, I went to the gym and sat in the hot tub for 40 min. I felt kind of flat so I did no core work or anything fitness wise the rest of the day. Today I woke up feeling 100% and my 2 x 15 min bike went great.
The moral to the the story is that when I have available training time there is a little voice telling me to go do something. I finally dicovered a suitable way to do "something" and comply with the EN Rx. So, I think I am figuring out how to rest. So, now I am trying to schedule cool rest activities like hot tub, massage, etc. Am also open to any other ideas on how to rest.
The moral to the the story is that when I have available training time there is a little voice telling me to go do something. I finally dicovered a suitable way to do "something" and comply with the EN Rx. So, I think I am figuring out how to rest.
George, that is damn profound. If I ever could have put it into words, this is it--"I am figuring out how to rest." It is so ingrained in me, that "extra" time = do something workout related. It's hard to explain to others how flippin' hard that mindset is to shake.Today I took an extra day off. Nipped that fried feeling in the bud with two off in a row. I needed it, but I FORCED myself to do. I did not go quietly into this rest day--should I, shouldn't I, should I...it's exhausting. The answer was clear--getting in a twist about it was unnecessary. I'm learning right along with you.
In fact, I took a long walk with my puppy today, and started thinking--"well, at least this is some EZ active recovery." Cripes, can't I even go for a walk just for the sake of an outing on a beautiful winter day ? Seems not.
The moral to the the story is that when I have available training time there is a little voice telling me to go do something. I finally dicovered a suitable way to do "something" and comply with the EN Rx. So, I think I am figuring out how to rest.
George, that is damn profound. If I ever could have put it into words, this is it--"I am figuring out how to rest." It is so ingrained in me, that "extra" time = do something workout related. It's hard to explain to others how flippin' hard that mindset is to shake.Today I took an extra day off. Nipped that fried feeling in the bud with two off in a row. I needed it, but I FORCED myself to do. I did not go quietly into this rest day--should I, shouldn't I, should I...it's exhausting. The answer was clear--getting in a twist about it was unnecessary. I'm learning right along with you.
In fact, I took a long walk with my puppy today, and started thinking--"well, at least this is some EZ active recovery." Cripes, can't I even go for a walk just for the sake of an outing on a beautiful winter day ? Seems not.
Those of us doing tris already know the truths discussed in this recent NYTimes article. Key quote: "It’s time to stop making excuses and make regular physical activity an integral part of your life, like eating, sleeping and brushing your teeth. You don’t decide every day to do these things, you just do them. Likewise with exercise."
I reference this for the irony: unlike 98+ % of the population, we (triathletes, not just OFs) need to make time for rest/recovery in the same way we make time for exercise. It's actually psycholoigcally easier for me to find time to train than it is to brush my teeth twice a day. Imagine how hard it is to insist on rest. By labeling it "recovery" instead of rest, I can pretend that it is another active element of my all consuming triathlon lifestyle, like buying the right foods (and eating them!), bike maintainence, and washing all my workout clothes every Sunday evening. And not just being lazy.
I appreciate Al O's comments referencing G Sheehan, "each of us is an experiemnt of one". Those of us OFs still training at the level required to successfully complete (however one personally defines that) an IM or HIM have learned through long, sometimes painful experience when, and how much to push, and when we should take a breather.
One topic not yet touched on in this thread is the concept of chronological age (years since your Birth Day), and your racing, or athletic age (years since you first started training and competing regularly). I suspect that there is a ramp up stage of 5-10 years, followed by another stage of 5-15 years during which peak performances are possible, and then after that - it's all a slow decline. Wear and tear and the need for rest may be somewhat dependent on that ahtletic age, as well as one's "true" age.
Some ramblings that occurred in my mind when I was reading this thread.
"True Nobility is not being better than anyone else. It is being better than you were yesterday."
I just received news that my wife's uncle passed away 45 minutes ago after a struggle with cancer. We were fortunate to spend some time with them when I did IM LOU this year. It kind of put things in perspective when I was reading this thread and got a phone call with the news. With that perspective, all of us EN OF's (yes we need our own forum-the AARP of triathlon) are a pretty special subset of the American population. The vibe in this forum is very youthful. I would guess that at a high school class reunionm the EN crowd would be carded because our chronological age did not match our physical age. Everyone looks so young in their avatars!! I Even within our very special subset population, there are a few even more special athletes that accomplish times that are amazing. I think of our own Steven Chavez(50-54). When he was training for IM LP last year he ran a half marathon in 1:16!! My own PR for a half-marathon is 1:23 when I was in my 30's. I am still in awe (OK I am also jealous!! The real danger would be to try to be better than your competition. Just try to be a better you.
We all have our reasons for competing but I can almost say within our OF group, HEY WE ARE JUST HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE!! We run because we choose to run. "You don't stop running because you get old, you get old because you stop running"
One observation about my problem controlling weight. I came from a large family (7 boys 0 girls) and even though we never went hungry, we all could have eaten more. Occasionally, there were foods that I did not find palatable (LIma beans and beats). When I would whine about not eating, I would hear the univeral reply of every parent of that era "There are starving kids in --China, or Korea or Biafra (an African country that no longer exists but I still can hear those words). So if it was on my plate it was expected to be eaten. So my problems is the guilt I feel if I let food go to waste by throwing it away. I know I must get better with portion control because those extra bites end up in the mid section!!
My condolences for your wife's uncle. It puts things into perspective when we lose a loved one. That's why we should live every day as if it were our last: Doing triathlons!
Yes, I grew up in a family of 3 girls and 3 boys. I heard the same thing you mentioned. Plus, if I had a dime for every time I heard about how little (mostly just potatoes) my parents had to eat during the Great Depression I'd be as rich as Oprah. That, and, "if you don't like it then you're not hungry. Go to bed. You can eat it for breakfast."
@Yano - This "eat your greens" guilt trip has been going on for at least a century. Whenever I refused to eat (which was about every meal), my mother invoked the "starving Armenians"; apparently, her mother used that phrase around 1919 on the farm in Iowa for the same purpose. I'm eating OK now, but I am sending $$$ to the Red Cross for the Haitians, hopefully to prevent any mother from using that example this year.
I just wanted to join the chorus in saying that this is one of the best forums I've encountered yet. I'm new to EN - and to triathlon for that matter - and while I'm still *just* 44 all of the comments so far have really been relevant and thought-provoking. My life thus far hasn't been spent going fast on a bike, in the pool, or on the road: instead I've always played team sports (mostly hockey) with the occasional foray into marathons, etc. However after many, many injuries, including some rather serious ones, I started to question the wisdom of still going head to head with guys literally half my age (or less). What I'm enjoying so much about triathlon is that the same effort, determination, and dedication is required ... but with fewer stitches :-) The challenge is going to be keeping my competitive instincts in perspective and in check. I'm still learning to compete against myself: to focus on improvement in my own abilities vs. "watching the scoreboard". For me personally I think that will be key: keeping the competition internally-focused vs. externally-focused.
I have to say that I'm very grateful for stumbling on EN. I really do feel part of a team and appreciate tapping into the enthusiasm and wisdom of you all. And FWIW, I took everyone's advice and took extra rest this past weekend and just had a great three days of workouts! Thanks!
learning to compete against myself: to focus on improvement in my own abilities vs. "watching the scoreboard".
@Paul--so glad you chimed in. Sometime in the mid-40s--if one is lucky enough to be self-aware--what you are saying starts to take root for real. No way is it a cop out, or even the easy way out. You will see that you keep on truckin' as hard as you ever have, but with a much broader vision and perspective. I also find that it works to make one learn more deeply who we really are, and be at peace with where we are at this moment in time--but it doesn't mean we stand still. For me, it has helped me define what I think of as true success in many areas of my life--including triathlon. It's really no different in the 30s or the 70s, it's just that internalizing these things and truly understanding the power of it sometimes takes a while to learn. If you're lucky.
Yes, the difference between competing against others vs. competing with others. Most of us work harder, go faster with a group than alone. How many times have I engaged in handshakes with the person behind or in front of me at the finish, each of us thankful for the pull and push provided? That’s how I view competition - it’s not some dog-eat-dog jungle; rather, it’s a vicious but in the end friendly cooperation. We need each other to bring out the best in ourselves.
Paul's comment has me thinking-(I know that's dangerous!!)
I grew up in team sports. During and after college,I played softball on some teams that won state championships and went to the World Tournaments. In the Midwest where I grew up, softball was HUGE in the summer. When I got to California, a joined a softball team. Sometimes people wouldn't show up for the games and we would forfeit. What a waste of time. So I started onto the individualist sports path like running. Triathlon is an indiviudual sport where you rely on yourself. It was me against the course and other athletes. I did not have to rely on someone else to show up or else I would forfeit. But there is also the fun and comradarie
Then comes this EN Haus vibe and it feels like a team enviroment. It combines the best of both worlds. You are self reliant but there is an accountability with the EN. Plus what a boost of energy when you see another EN singlet out there on a race course. I feel and have seen others express the emotion that they felt like they let the team down when they have a bad race. Individuality and accountabiltiy all in one place-PRICELESS.
Good to see all the posts on this thread. I've never been fast, only care about finishing, uninjured, or at least no more injured than when i started. Rest is paramount when you get older. One of my good friends who is an excellent triathlete and 50 wears no HR monitor, uses no power tap or other device except a trainer when the weather is not good, and he has solid times in every IM he's done. He works out 4 days per week, and says he just needs the extra recovery time. He writes his own schedules, and this year to give a break from the punishment of the runs, etc. he's doing a 10 mile swim. I've learned a lot from him, especially about recovery. He's been doing tri's for 20some years. So, when my body is niggling, i try to pay attention and remember, I just wanna cross the finish line in the time cutoff. All i'm competing against is myself and progressing age here. Good training everyone!
I've been following this thread for awhile, but haven't taken the time to sit down and add my comments until now. So cool to have all of this age and wisdom in one spot! I think Jim hit the nail on the head when he said "Just be a better you." How true! That says it all! I definately learned during my early years of marathoning (that I started as a late bloomer, in 2000) it is okay to move the schedule around a little bit, or to take a day off it need be. In training for my first marathon, I followed the workout to a T. It damn near killed me, and that was 10 years ago!! Wisdom came from that experience, and has served me well. I just turned 51, and although I hurt in places I never used to when younger, I am probably in the best shape I've been in for the past 10 years!!! Every day we make choices. Some choices we wish we could take back, others have been remarkably beneficial. They all serve to 'be a better you'. We learn from our mistakes. We older folks call that 'WISDOM'. I have become wiser and better, just by finding and joining EN! We are all younger than our chronological age, because we are doing something amazing, that .9 of the population never attempt, let alone think about! The best thing I ever did was quit smoking about 15 years ago and take up marathoning. That led me to trying triathlon, which required me to get over my fear of putting my face in the water! And that was only perhaps 8 years ago! Now I'm training for my first IM!!! Age has made me a stronger, more confident person! Who could ask for more? (Well, to lose a few more lbs. would be nice!) Just sayin'...
I do have to fight the mentality that I feel like I'm slacking, if I skip a workout because I am exhausted or hurting from a prior workout. I'm learning to let it go. And regarding the looking younger than our age thing, people are suprised when I tell them I'm 51. They usually guess my early to mid 40's. I'll take that!
Based upon your experience, does anyone have thoughts about when to transition from OS? Do you think you need more race prep? If given a choice of 10 - 14 weeks or race prep, which end of the spectrum do you recommend?
My personal opinion: the more years one has of consistent endurance training, the less important adding the "far" to the "fast" is. For example, someone who has 10-20 years on consistent running, but has just started biking within the past 2-3 years probably needs mch more IM specific training for biking, and not so much for the running. Another way of saying it, it's not your chronological age that matters, but your training age. And you need to differentiate among the 3 different disciplines we have.
I agree with Al. Having been a competitive runner for decades I am confident that I handle getting myself ready to race. I know the process and how to pay attention to what things my body responds to. I have way less experience on the bike and swim. I am only in my second long course triathlon season so I am learning new things at every step in the bike and swim. I know how to think through conditioning prep for running, but am finding that it is very different on the bike and swim. This is taking more patience. As Al put it so eloquently it is about "training age". I am very young in my bike and swim "training age".
So, my swim training age is closer to my chronologic age - competetive swimmer since a tadpole with a long hiatus during my 30s and 40s. My bike age is infantile - just started seriously biking 3 years ago and my running age is not much older - ran some 5ks and Army Training running 15-20 years ago but never carried a stop watch. Somewhat like Larry, I pretty much know what to do to get ready for a 1.2 or 2.4 mile swim. It's the bike and run that I lack experience. Did my first HIM last November using the Training Bible method and a little help from a not so local coach that structured some 20 min hard, 2 min rest, and 5 min hard speed drills once a week. Those drills help my run times improve. Started triathlon 3 years ago, did 2 x 1/2 marathons last year before the HIM, and have never done a marathon. Now, I'm trying to finish a full IM and would like your advice on the "far" on "fast" transition.
Last night at the office hours CoachP helped my understand the macro strategy. With a calendar in front of me the "big picture" discussion was reassuring.
Great page to all, I'm 47 and have done tri's for 22 yrs and still love tri's but realized awhile ago that I'll get there, it is just going to take alittle longer with more recovery. I cut out the gray area and finally got through my head that I'm not going to be able do the miles or workouts I did when I was 22. I thank God i've b een this heathy and able to do the workouts otherwise I would need to on some serious meds.
I just joined but was pleasantly happy to find you. I will be 57 this summer (female). I have had to do indoor bike training due to other medical issues but find that I can do better with the intervals when I am following a DVD which I really like (not trying to advertise anything other than EN) but if you do want to know, please respond. I feel extremely satisfied with my results but again, only been doing this for 3-4 weeks. I have 17 weeks to go for my key race 1/2 IM Kona, HI, June 5th.
Your language is still foreign to me but I will get there. I am considering doing the Califonia Ride but Rich and Patrick are unsure as my key race is two weeks later. Are you signed up for it??? Really want to meet people and learn A LOT. Just got a brand new indoor Cycleops Power trainer, it has all the bells and whistles so I will know some serious power and watss soon, Up until now I have been using heart rate. The DVD has a 3 hour really intense ride (that equivilates to a 4 hour ride outdoors). Nope I am not boring you just wanted to say a little. They also have some AWESOME 45 min interval rides , I find it satisfiying, challenging and they have the same work ethic as EN, get it done, do it hard, get it done!! Hope to hear from you, Shrink (AKA Linda)
I have my profile set up and would love some new friends, please say hi when you have time.
PS My first and only IM was 18 years ago, Penticton CA, strong enough finish!!
Hi Linda, I am new too! This is my 1st week and I share your desire to learn a lot but I guess desire or no desire I HAVE TO learn a lot being new to triathlon. I have a single racing experience, my next one is IMKY Do you mean the DVD which comes with the Cycleops, or is this something different? like you I trained with HR prior to this, so I am also new to training with power and it does not seem quite obvious to me yet. Good luck with the 1/2 IM in HI, this is a race I would like to do some day. Myrna
Comments
Like many of you the two primary training issues I've found at 53 is that one, I have to warm up for at least 15-20 minutes before I get in the groove and two, I don't recover as fast as I did as a youngster. Since joining the Team I'm also experiencing a personal conflict with balancing my "social" runs with my friends at lunch with my serious training. There are a half dozen of us ranging in age from mid 30s to me being the oldest at 53 who run 5-7 miles at lunch daily during the week. It's nothing serious. It's a social hour not training and so far I've been able to keep up 2-3 runs a week. Not the 5 I was doing before. However, I can feel the effects sometimes. Like today was an "off" day, but I ran 5.5 miles with the group along the beach.
I've gotta get back to doing my total body workouts at least 3x a week. I've only been doing push ups and sit ups lately and I just don't feel as good when running or biking. Anyway, it's good to see we're all in the same boat. Misery loves company. But, as we say here in the Haus WORK WORKS.
Thanks for sharing your personal stories. A very good read.
And, remember we're like fine wine. We get better with age.
I'm a Diesel wishing someday to become a Ferrari.
I'm going to quote Vince H here from another thread--Work Works IF you Recover.
Good one, isn't it?
I keep seeing the results of the EN approach and I figure it is worth throwing my self in. I was ready for a change anyhow. The biggest thing to to stay in the present vs. comparing to the many years ago results with the many years ago training regimine with the many years ago body. I want to be doing Ironmans for many years to come!
I wanted to share a small breakthrough/realization for me on Recovery. Sundays 2 x 1.5 mile run left me feeling miserable - achy, etc. Monday was a rest day but I had 45 min in the AM to go to work early or go to the gym. I almost always decide to go to the gym becuz I get no extra $$$ for going into work early. So, I went to the gym and sat in the hot tub for 40 min. I felt kind of flat so I did no core work or anything fitness wise the rest of the day. Today I woke up feeling 100% and my 2 x 15 min bike went great.
The moral to the the story is that when I have available training time there is a little voice telling me to go do something. I finally dicovered a suitable way to do "something" and comply with the EN Rx. So, I think I am figuring out how to rest. So, now I am trying to schedule cool rest activities like hot tub, massage, etc. Am also open to any other ideas on how to rest.
Thanks for your support.
George, that is damn profound. If I ever could have put it into words, this is it--"I am figuring out how to rest." It is so ingrained in me, that "extra" time = do something workout related. It's hard to explain to others how flippin' hard that mindset is to shake.Today I took an extra day off. Nipped that fried feeling in the bud with two off in a row. I needed it, but I FORCED myself to do. I did not go quietly into this rest day--should I, shouldn't I, should I...it's exhausting. The answer was clear--getting in a twist about it was unnecessary. I'm learning right along with you.
In fact, I took a long walk with my puppy today, and started thinking--"well, at least this is some EZ active recovery." Cripes, can't I even go for a walk just for the sake of an outing on a beautiful winter day ? Seems not.
Aren't we our own worst enemies???
Those of us doing tris already know the truths discussed in this recent NYTimes article. Key quote: "It’s time to stop making excuses and make regular physical activity an integral part of your life, like eating, sleeping and brushing your teeth. You don’t decide every day to do these things, you just do them. Likewise with exercise."
I reference this for the irony: unlike 98+ % of the population, we (triathletes, not just OFs) need to make time for rest/recovery in the same way we make time for exercise. It's actually psycholoigcally easier for me to find time to train than it is to brush my teeth twice a day. Imagine how hard it is to insist on rest. By labeling it "recovery" instead of rest, I can pretend that it is another active element of my all consuming triathlon lifestyle, like buying the right foods (and eating them!), bike maintainence, and washing all my workout clothes every Sunday evening. And not just being lazy.
I appreciate Al O's comments referencing G Sheehan, "each of us is an experiemnt of one". Those of us OFs still training at the level required to successfully complete (however one personally defines that) an IM or HIM have learned through long, sometimes painful experience when, and how much to push, and when we should take a breather.
One topic not yet touched on in this thread is the concept of chronological age (years since your Birth Day), and your racing, or athletic age (years since you first started training and competing regularly). I suspect that there is a ramp up stage of 5-10 years, followed by another stage of 5-15 years during which peak performances are possible, and then after that - it's all a slow decline. Wear and tear and the need for rest may be somewhat dependent on that ahtletic age, as well as one's "true" age.
Al,
My running friends tell me that "late bloomers" can expect to see about 10 years of improvement. Then....
Sorry that I am late to this party
Some ramblings that occurred in my mind when I was reading this thread.
"True Nobility is not being better than anyone else. It is being better than you were yesterday."
I just received news that my wife's uncle passed away 45 minutes ago after a struggle with cancer. We were fortunate to spend some time with them when I did IM LOU this year. It kind of put things in perspective when I was reading this thread and got a phone call with the news. With that perspective, all of us EN OF's (yes we need our own forum-the AARP of triathlon
) are a pretty special subset of the American population. The vibe in this forum is very youthful. I would guess that at a high school class reunionm the EN crowd would be carded because our chronological age did not match our physical age. Everyone looks so young in their avatars!! I Even within our very special subset population, there are a few even more special athletes that accomplish times that are amazing. I think of our own Steven Chavez(50-54). When he was training for IM LP last year he ran a half marathon in 1:16!! My own PR for a half-marathon is 1:23 when I was in my 30's. I am still in awe (OK I am also jealous!!
The real danger would be to try to be better than your competition. Just try to be a better you.
We all have our reasons for competing but I can almost say within our OF group, HEY WE ARE JUST HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE!! We run because we choose to run. "You don't stop running because you get old, you get old because you stop running"
One observation about my problem controlling weight. I came from a large family (7 boys 0 girls) and even though we never went hungry, we all could have eaten more. Occasionally, there were foods that I did not find palatable (LIma beans and beats). When I would whine about not eating, I would hear the univeral reply of every parent of that era "There are starving kids in --China, or Korea or Biafra (an African country that no longer exists but I still can hear those words). So if it was on my plate it was expected to be eaten. So my problems is the guilt I feel if I let food go to waste by throwing it away. I know I must get better with portion control because those extra bites end up in the mid section!!
Yano
My condolences for your wife's uncle. It puts things into perspective when we lose a loved one. That's why we should live every day as if it were our last: Doing triathlons!
Yes, I grew up in a family of 3 girls and 3 boys. I heard the same thing you mentioned. Plus, if I had a dime for every time I heard about how little (mostly just potatoes) my parents had to eat during the Great Depression I'd be as rich as Oprah. That, and, "if you don't like it then you're not hungry. Go to bed. You can eat it for breakfast."
Jay
@Yano - This "eat your greens" guilt trip has been going on for at least a century. Whenever I refused to eat (which was about every meal), my mother invoked the "starving Armenians"; apparently, her mother used that phrase around 1919 on the farm in Iowa for the same purpose. I'm eating OK now, but I am sending $$$ to the Red Cross for the Haitians, hopefully to prevent any mother from using that example this year.
I have to say that I'm very grateful for stumbling on EN. I really do feel part of a team and appreciate tapping into the enthusiasm and wisdom of you all. And FWIW, I took everyone's advice and took extra rest this past weekend and just had a great three days of workouts! Thanks!
learning to compete against myself: to focus on improvement in my own abilities vs. "watching the scoreboard".
@Paul--so glad you chimed in. Sometime in the mid-40s--if one is lucky enough to be self-aware--what you are saying starts to take root for real. No way is it a cop out, or even the easy way out. You will see that you keep on truckin' as hard as you ever have, but with a much broader vision and perspective. I also find that it works to make one learn more deeply who we really are, and be at peace with where we are at this moment in time--but it doesn't mean we stand still. For me, it has helped me define what I think of as true success in many areas of my life--including triathlon. It's really no different in the 30s or the 70s, it's just that internalizing these things and truly understanding the power of it sometimes takes a while to learn. If you're lucky.
Yes, the difference between competing against others vs. competing with others. Most of us work harder, go faster with a group than alone. How many times have I engaged in handshakes with the person behind or in front of me at the finish, each of us thankful for the pull and push provided? That’s how I view competition - it’s not some dog-eat-dog jungle; rather, it’s a vicious but in the end friendly cooperation. We need each other to bring out the best in ourselves.
Paul's comment has me thinking-(I know that's dangerous!!)
I grew up in team sports. During and after college,I played softball on some teams that won state championships and went to the World Tournaments. In the Midwest where I grew up, softball was HUGE in the summer. When I got to California, a joined a softball team. Sometimes people wouldn't show up for the games and we would forfeit. What a waste of time. So I started onto the individualist sports path like running. Triathlon is an indiviudual sport where you rely on yourself. It was me against the course and other athletes. I did not have to rely on someone else to show up or else I would forfeit. But there is also the fun and comradarie
Then comes this EN Haus vibe and it feels like a team enviroment. It combines the best of both worlds. You are self reliant but there is an accountability with the EN. Plus what a boost of energy when you see another EN singlet out there on a race course. I feel and have seen others express the emotion that they felt like they let the team down when they have a bad race. Individuality and accountabiltiy all in one place-PRICELESS.
Good training everyone!
I've been following this thread for awhile, but haven't taken the time to sit down and add my comments until now. So cool to have all of this age and wisdom in one spot! I think Jim hit the nail on the head when he said "Just be a better you." How true! That says it all! I definately learned during my early years of marathoning (that I started as a late bloomer, in 2000) it is okay to move the schedule around a little bit, or to take a day off it need be. In training for my first marathon, I followed the workout to a T. It damn near killed me, and that was 10 years ago!! Wisdom came from that experience, and has served me well. I just turned 51, and although I hurt in places I never used to when younger, I am probably in the best shape I've been in for the past 10 years!!! Every day we make choices. Some choices we wish we could take back, others have been remarkably beneficial. They all serve to 'be a better you'. We learn from our mistakes. We older folks call that 'WISDOM'. I have become wiser and better, just by finding and joining EN! We are all younger than our chronological age, because we are doing something amazing, that .9 of the population never attempt, let alone think about! The best thing I ever did was quit smoking about 15 years ago and take up marathoning. That led me to trying triathlon, which required me to get over my fear of putting my face in the water! And that was only perhaps 8 years ago! Now I'm training for my first IM!!! Age has made me a stronger, more confident person! Who could ask for more? (Well, to lose a few more lbs. would be nice!) Just sayin'...
I do have to fight the mentality that I feel like I'm slacking, if I skip a workout because I am exhausted or hurting from a prior workout. I'm learning to let it go.
And regarding the looking younger than our age thing, people are suprised when I tell them I'm 51. They usually guess my early to mid 40's. I'll take that! 
Thank gawd there are other women here in the 50+ bracket besides me!
Mary, Barbara, welcome! We're all trying to help each other re-define what's possible.
Based upon your experience, does anyone have thoughts about when to transition from OS? Do you think you need more race prep? If given a choice of 10 - 14 weeks or race prep, which end of the spectrum do you recommend?
Thanks.
My personal opinion: the more years one has of consistent endurance training, the less important adding the "far" to the "fast" is. For example, someone who has 10-20 years on consistent running, but has just started biking within the past 2-3 years probably needs mch more IM specific training for biking, and not so much for the running. Another way of saying it, it's not your chronological age that matters, but your training age. And you need to differentiate among the 3 different disciplines we have.
I agree with Al. Having been a competitive runner for decades I am confident that I handle getting myself ready to race. I know the process and how to pay attention to what things my body responds to. I have way less experience on the bike and swim. I am only in my second long course triathlon season so I am learning new things at every step in the bike and swim. I know how to think through conditioning prep for running, but am finding that it is very different on the bike and swim. This is taking more patience. As Al put it so eloquently it is about "training age". I am very young in my bike and swim "training age".
Al and Larry,
So, my swim training age is closer to my chronologic age - competetive swimmer since a tadpole with a long hiatus during my 30s and 40s. My bike age is infantile - just started seriously biking 3 years ago and my running age is not much older - ran some 5ks and Army Training running 15-20 years ago but never carried a stop watch. Somewhat like Larry, I pretty much know what to do to get ready for a 1.2 or 2.4 mile swim. It's the bike and run that I lack experience. Did my first HIM last November using the Training Bible method and a little help from a not so local coach that structured some 20 min hard, 2 min rest, and 5 min hard speed drills once a week. Those drills help my run times improve. Started triathlon 3 years ago, did 2 x 1/2 marathons last year before the HIM, and have never done a marathon. Now, I'm trying to finish a full IM and would like your advice on the "far" on "fast" transition.
Thanks again.
George -
I suggest taking your question to the coaches in the "I need macro-level advice ..." thread. It's what you're paying them for!
My 2 cents is you should follow the full 12 week EN IM specific training program, with a proper transition out of OS for q week or two before.
BTW, I was also competitive a swimmer since my youth - for over 50 years now! It's a BIG advantage to have ingrained the movements as a pre-teen.
Al,
Last night at the office hours CoachP helped my understand the macro strategy. With a calendar in front of me the "big picture" discussion was reassuring.
I'm 47 and have done tri's for 22 yrs and still love tri's but realized awhile ago that I'll get there, it is just going to take alittle longer with more recovery. I cut out the gray area and finally got through my head that I'm not going to be able do the miles or workouts I did when I was 22. I thank God i've b een this heathy and able to do the workouts otherwise I would need to on some serious meds.
I just joined but was pleasantly happy to find you. I will be 57 this summer (female). I have had to do indoor bike training due to other medical issues but find that I can do better with the intervals when I am following a DVD which I really like (not trying to advertise anything other than EN) but if you do want to know, please respond. I feel extremely satisfied with my results but again, only been doing this for 3-4 weeks. I have 17 weeks to go for my key race 1/2 IM Kona, HI, June 5th.
Your language is still foreign to me but I will get there. I am considering doing the Califonia Ride but Rich and Patrick are unsure as my key race is two weeks later. Are you signed up for it??? Really want to meet people and learn A LOT. Just got a brand new indoor Cycleops Power trainer, it has all the bells and whistles so I will know some serious power and watss soon, Up until now I have been using heart rate. The DVD has a 3 hour really intense ride (that equivilates to a 4 hour ride outdoors). Nope I am not boring you just wanted to say a little. They also have some AWESOME 45 min interval rides , I find it satisfiying, challenging and they have the same work ethic as EN, get it done, do it hard, get it done!! Hope to hear from you, Shrink (AKA Linda)
I have my profile set up and would love some new friends, please say hi when you have time.
PS My first and only IM was 18 years ago, Penticton CA, strong enough finish!!
I am new too! This is my 1st week and I share your desire to learn a lot
Do you mean the DVD which comes with the Cycleops, or is this something different? like you I trained with HR prior to this, so I am also new to training with power and it does not seem quite obvious to me yet. Good luck with the 1/2 IM in HI, this is a race I would like to do some day.
Myrna