Got introduced to triathlons just over a year ago. I'll be 56 in 2014. I'm highly competitive and have been involved with all sports all my life. After being diagnosed with RP
(retinitis pigmentosa...I'm going blind.
), I effectively "retired" from tournament tennis and amateur golf...can't see or follow the ball anymore. To stay fit, I simply continued to jog/run on a regular basis.
Participating in triathlons have been a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it opened up a new and wonderful world for me. A curse because my competitiveness often results in injuries. Even with limited vision, you would never hear me complain...there is always someone out there even worse than me. Note: If someone accidentally hit/bump you in the swim, perhaps that triathlete didn't see you. If during the bike leg you find someone following you
(not drafting, and at least 3 bikes back
), that triathlete may simply be looking for a guide. And if someone appears to be running behind you...I apologize.
Back to the question....the quick answer is: the swim. Having had no formal training and not having participated in swim meets, my lessons have been limited to information online. Thank you YouTube.
As I alluded to earlier, my competitiveness and the tendency to push myself resulted in many injuries the past year. I've popped both my Achilles 4 times last year. I'm not going to mention the number of bike crashes...ugh, those clips.
Two weeks ago, I just happened to be at a basketball court and someone asked if I wanted to play basketball. I respectfully declined
(of course they didn't know about my limited vision
). Ultimately, I was talked into playing. Fast forward to now...I'm sitting here nursing a stress fracture on my left ankle. My left foot, from my toes to just below the knee, ballooned triple its size and was extremely painful to the touch. The doctor's suspicion along with an x-ray revealed the fracture.
Now that I'll be closer to 60 than 50, perhaps I should listen more to my body and not push it so much.