General Discussion Introduce Yourself!!! » 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan Rss Feed  
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2006-11-24 10:06 PM

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Subject: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
This is "our" first triathlon....actually its the first athletic event my wife (Lilli, age 48) and I (age 54) have ever done together. Lilli found out about a beginner's triathlon in Las Colinas, TX next April and decided to do it to lose weight and get in shape. I was so happy that she has decided to get in shape that I said I would do it too! What have we/I got ourselves/myself in to?
She loves to swim, and I do not. I use to enjoy running, but have arthritis in my hip. She likes to walk, but is having some foot problems. We both occassionally ride bikes together. But a triathlon??!!!!
We/I really want to stay with this goal! Any encouragement and suggestions would be welcome. We have been training for a week together, and it has been a very good week. We have both enjoyed the exercise and agree that its a good thing.
Tony from Texas.


2006-11-24 11:04 PM
in reply to: #607857

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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan

What have we/I got ourselves/myself in to?

A great sport where you'll meet some of the finest people, both here and out there in the real world.

Welcome Tony - I'd encourage you to use the workout blogs they've set up here, they really are an amazing tool.  That way we can all harass encourage you.

And tell Lilli to get her butt over here too!

As for plans, check out some of the beginner plans.  Also, check around your area for tri clubs.  Most, if not all, cater to ALL levels of triathletes.

Chris

2006-11-25 4:32 PM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Hi Tony -

It's very cool that both you and your wife have set this as a goal and share the enthusiasm. I started triathlon 7 years ago as an old-ish guy; I thought I would do one just to see what it was like. I had a blast. My wife was a spectator and decided she wanted to try one as well. We both got hooked, and we have since had a lot of great times training together and cheering for each other. Good luck in your training, and be sure to give us a race report.

Bill
2006-11-25 9:19 PM
in reply to: #607857

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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Congrats on beginning. I am a veteran now, I started training a few days before you

It is not easy but then again, nothing worth having is easy. I wish you guys well, I will watch your training as I am sure it will motivate me. If you need to talk to another beginner I will be around!
2006-11-26 4:21 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan

Hey Tony,

I am 54 also.   Congratulations on getting started.  I started biking and swimming  because running every day got too hard.  I think the this sort of training is the easier on the body.  Good luck.  I'll be looking for you.

TW

2006-11-26 11:03 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Dear Tony from Texas,

Early spring of this year, I began training for the Danskin tri in Orlando. Very shortly thereafter, my hubby became hooked. The things we have learned while training & racing are too numerous to list. We, too, have struggled through aches, pains, and training setbacks. We have found BT to be an invaluable tool. Welcome!!!


2006-11-29 12:46 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
My suggestion is to ramp up slowly, and don't quit before you complete at least one race !

I suggest an indoor triathlon as a starter if one fits your schedule.
2006-11-29 8:39 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Z-dog - 2006-11-29 12:46 AM

My suggestion is to ramp up slowly, and don't quit before you complete at least one race !

I suggest an indoor triathlon as a starter if one fits your schedule.


There are at least some sprint triathlons not too far from Las Colinas that have pool swims instead of open water swims. And they are reverse triathons, so the swim is at the end when the mass of people has thinned out. There are three of them between now and the Las Colinas.

Open water swims are said to be hard (I'll know in April) so if you want to start slow, this is a way to ease into it.

Watch this web site. They have recently redone it and parts are not up yet.
http://www.runbitri.com/Events/

2006-11-29 10:33 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan

There is no time like the present to start a new lifestyle.  And a new lifestyle is what triathloning is all about.  You are indeed lucky to have your wife join in with you.  I started training for my 1st tri in December 2002 at the age of 52.  I was lucky enough to find this fine tri site and began the "Beginners' Sprint Training Program'.   Start by reading whatever you can on the Beginner's page at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/index.asp?catid=59

Then, choose a training program, probably the "Original Sprint" at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp?h=1

And, of course, keep in contact with BT, ask lots of questions and enjoy!

2006-11-30 8:33 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and support! Lilli and I are on board with the "couch to sprint" with an emphasis on swimming plan. Lilli is a good swimmer and I'm not. She is having a problem with one of her feet, so she is swimming 30 minutes straight and doing some bike riding for now. I'm staying with the basic plan with some light weights. I struggle with swimming, but am sticking with the swim plan, too. I'm keeping up with the workout log, but I don't know whether any of you can see what I've been doing. Please let me know if I'm logging in my workouts correctly.
You know what has evolved out of this? Our 12 year old son, Michael, is the motivation for Lilli to get to the gym! He loves to run and is trying his hand at basketball and swims to cool off. When Lilli says she doesn't feel like working out, Michael says "C'mon Mom, let's go to the Y so I can run" and she gets up and gets ready. What a super kid!
Anyway, we are almost finished with the 2nd week of training. Thanks Again!!
Tony
PS-It's winter in Dallas!
2006-11-30 10:21 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Yes it is Winter in Ft. Worth as well....one minute it's 80 degrees and the next it is sleeting and COLD!! Welcome to BT, my husband and I are in Ft. Worth and have now done three sprint triathalons. It has been so much fun and we are doing some training together and some on our own. My husband is much faster on the bike and running, but not a great swimmer yet. Swimming is my easiest event. We have both lost weight and feel great, plus we hope to be a good influence on our 3 kids. Our oldest daughter is 8 and she just ran in her second ever 5k run and LOVES it! She watches us doing it and wants to be a part. We are planning on signing her up for one of the local kid's triathlons next spring.


2006-11-30 10:52 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan


Watch this web site. They have recently redone it and parts are not up yet.
http://www.runbitri.com/Events/



Thanks for this link! I never knew about this going in the DFW area. I might hit one of those up before the real tri season hits!
2006-11-30 6:10 PM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Congrats on starting out. I have athritis in my hip, too, and started swimming because I couldn't run anymore. From there, I started biking, and then I entered my first sprint with my wife as a relay team. I swam and biked, she did the run. This summer I completed two sprints here in San Diego solo. The running is hard, and my hip hurts a lot during and for days after, so I found that I focus on swimming and biking, and try other aerobic stuff to prepare for the run. The eliptic machine in the gym has worked for me, as has rowing. I "save" myself for the race, and only run when I have to.

Continued good luck!
2006-12-07 10:03 PM
in reply to: #612693

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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
Thanks for the support. With the weather changing, I'm feeling the arthritis a little more. I have started doing about a half mile jog every other day in my two mile walk. I hope to increase gradually.
My biggest problem right now is swimming. I've never enjoyed swimming for exercise. Occassionally I'd swim 25 meters or so, but that was it. Now I'm trying to work at it. Last night I swam a very poor 250 yards with several rest periods and tried swimming in the same lane with another guy. I tend to get shook up when a little water splashes my face and I swallow some while I'm trying to breath. I'm just not relaxed yet.
The biking is okay at this point. I need to get outside on my bicycle and get the feel of the road.
All things considered, any suggestions?
Tony
2006-12-10 10:25 AM
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Subject: RE: 54 yrs old, 1st tri, and deciding on a training plan
well, Welcome.  I started this stuff last summer as a 54 year old, and love it.  I've completed two sprint triathlons, and had a blast.  Two hints, first, honor your rest days, they are very important.  and second, get some swimming lessons.  It's so much easier when you learn to breath.   then it just gets easier with distance.  Good luck and welcome to the sport.
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