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2010-07-12 4:47 PM


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Subject: Getting Old
Hello

I used to do triathlons (plural bit of an exaggeration) but I managed to do a half Ironman back in 2004 - since then I have discovered World of Warcraft, COD4 and a baby daughter (2 out of 3 I have now given up and left the virtual world).  I have an expanded waist and muscles so tight they almost snap at the mention of exercise.

I have endeavoured to start trainng again but as I start within 2-3 weeks my health suffers (chest and colds).

Has any one got any ground breaking ideas of:

1) How I can stay healthly long enoygh to get a healthy immune system
2) How best to get my muscles supple again (get major pins in needles in my feet when I exercise).

All feedback welcomed.

Cheers

David


2010-07-12 4:51 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: Getting Old
Biggest thing is going to be start slowly.  When you say within 2-3 weeks, what do you do in those 2 to 3 weeks? 
2010-07-12 6:01 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Subject: RE: Getting Old
bredowd - 2010-07-12 2:47 PM Hello

I used to do triathlons (plural bit of an exaggeration) but I managed to do a half Ironman back in 2004 - since then I have discovered World of Warcraft, COD4 and a baby daughter (2 out of 3 I have now given up and left the virtual world).  I have an expanded waist and muscles so tight they almost snap at the mention of exercise.

I have endeavoured to start trainng again but as I start within 2-3 weeks my health suffers (chest and colds).

Has any one got any ground breaking ideas of:

1) How I can stay healthly long enoygh to get a healthy immune system
2) How best to get my muscles supple again (get major pins in needles in my feet when I exercise).

All feedback welcomed.

Cheers

David


1. Start small. If all you can do is walk around the block, so what? Walk around the block. It's better than sitting on the couch. Next week walk around 3 blocks. And so on.
2. What's your diet look like? When I start getting the blahs, etc. I look at my diet first.
3. What kind of shoes do you wear to exercise? Have you had a gait analysis and/or someone recommend proper shoes?

As long as you take it reasonable, don't try to run a marathon the first day, things will sort themselves out. You'll find yourself sleeping better, feeling better in general, a whole host of goodness. Yeah, you'll have bad days, and some days will be just plain miserable, but those will come fewer and farther between.

Congrats on your first steps!

John
2010-07-12 6:22 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Master
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Subject: RE: Getting Old
I started in April with one of these:
http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms.asp
 
The "run" portion is a lot of walking in the beginning based on time not distance. Since I started, I recently ran 4+ miles...I've NEVER gone 4 miles before, even in college.

Just find a program or plan that you like and try it out. I think you'll be amazed. But go slow in the beginning for sure. 
2010-07-12 6:42 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Getting Old

I agree with the advice to start slowly, but I'd also urge you to see you doctor and get a physical before undertaking anything too strenuous.

Mark

2010-07-12 7:38 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Subject: RE: Getting Old
Start small, get plenty of rest, eat healthy.

A simple cold usually knocks me out of 3-4 weeks because of my crappy lungs (asthma/bronchitis). Nothing breaks down my immune system more than overly aggressive training, inadequate sleep/recovery, and crappy diet or too few calories (trying to drop weight too quickly).  Also, don't under estimate the toll work, life and emotional stress can play on your body.  Listen to your body and treat it well. 

On a positive note, I get sick a lot less than I used to (no colds this winter season) since I started working out regularly.


2010-07-12 9:14 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Subject: RE: Getting Old
Old is a state of mind.  Mind over body.  I'm 52.  If you want to do something, you can find the way.  Start small, and work from there.  Nutrition and adequate sleep are key.  Don't worry about what you use to be able to do.   Do what you can today, and build from there.  The only thing that has changed from what I could do at 20 and what I now can do in my 50's is that it now take a bit longer to recovery from a  particular workout.   It might take a little more time to get to where you want, but that doesn't matter. We all have busy lives, outside of triathlons, so learn to manage your time well.  Prioritize what is important to you.   We all do this, and all have the same 24/7 in which to do the things we want to do.

2010-07-12 9:39 PM
in reply to: #2976468

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Subject: RE: Getting Old
Chatagirl - 2010-07-12 9:38 PM Start small, get plenty of rest, eat healthy.



  How the heck would you know the answer to this thread? You like a gerontologist or something?

But she's so right- listen to your body, fuel it and rest it properly, and train intelligently. The older I get the smarter I get, and the fewer colds and injuries I get. I think it's all related.  
2010-07-12 10:57 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting Old
blairrob - 2010-07-12 7:39 PM
Chatagirl - 2010-07-12 9:38 PM Start small, get plenty of rest, eat healthy.



  How the heck would you know the answer to this thread? You like a gerontologist or something?

But she's so right- listen to your body, fuel it and rest it properly, and train intelligently. The older I get the smarter I get, and the fewer colds and injuries I get. I think it's all related.  



blairrob  -  Smart training works for everyone.  The young just aren't wise enough to listen (and their bodies can take a bit more).

At 43 hard workouts start to take their toll.  Just took another rest day today after my first 50 miler on Sat.  I could have zombied through a workout but would likely be dragging the rest of the week.  I start with a tri training group on Saturday need to be fresh to keep up with those 20 somethingsTongue out  But thanks for the compliment...I think????
2010-07-12 11:06 PM
in reply to: #2976856

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Subject: RE: Getting Old
Chatagirl - 2010-07-13 12:57 AM
blairrob - 2010-07-12 7:39 PM
Chatagirl - 2010-07-12 9:38 PM Start small, get plenty of rest, eat healthy.



  How the heck would you know the answer to this thread? You like a gerontologist or something?

But she's so right- listen to your body, fuel it and rest it properly, and train intelligently. The older I get the smarter I get, and the fewer colds and injuries I get. I think it's all related.  



blairrob  -  Smart training works for everyone.  The young just aren't wise enough to listen (and their bodies can take a bit more).

At 43 hard workouts start to take their toll.  Just took another rest day today after my first 50 miler on Sat.  I could have zombied through a workout but would likely be dragging the rest of the week.  I start with a tri training group on Saturday need to be fresh to keep up with those 20 somethingsTongue out  But thanks for the compliment...I think????


You do not look 43. You don't look 33. Sheesh. My best assumption therefor was your knowledge was gained from a gerontology residency. Wink

I love working out with a group, though these days I swim and ride with my best friend and we take turns pulling; training with folks you like just doesn't feel like training somehow! 








Edited by blairrob 2010-07-12 11:08 PM
2010-07-12 11:22 PM
in reply to: #2976151

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Subject: RE: Getting Old

I had the same story as you.

Did IM WI in 2002 then had 2 kids and played WoW as a religion.

I started back up this year in January and just finished my 3rd sprint triathlon of the year.  I am signed up for a Half Ironman in April.

The key is to give yourself time and remove all the expectations of your former athletic self.  It took me a month to be able to run 5 min, another month to get to 20 min and by May I was up to half an hour!

Now I can run over an hour, my bike speed is getting better and I am racing again.  I still can't fathom doing a half ironman, but now I have faith that by next year I will be ok.

In previous comeback attempts I always tried to go out and run 3 miles, but this just leads to frustration and injury, so be patient!!!

Cheers,
-j



2010-07-13 6:15 AM
in reply to: #2976151

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Subject: RE: Getting Old
What are you eating? If you're getting sick a lot it might not be the exercise, it might be your nutrition. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, cut down on any processed food. That will do a lot to pump up your immune system.

You might also be going too intensely at first. Start slow and easy, give yourself time to gently get back into it and build up with patience. Welcome back to the world of active people!
2010-07-13 6:20 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting Old
Attended a local tri this past weekend. Over 1400 participants. It was a pleasure seeing one gentleman in his 80s and two in their 70s competing. Never too old!!
2010-07-13 7:39 AM
in reply to: #2976358

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Subject: RE: Getting Old

I agree with the advice to start slowly, but I'd also urge you to see you doctor and get a physical before undertaking anything too strenuous.

Mark




x2



Edited by bushmaster1 2010-07-13 7:40 AM
2010-07-13 8:00 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting Old
I read something in a magazine that the coughing, etc., can come as a result of not doing the proper recovery eating - that is, getting a mix of carbs and protein into your body within the 45 minutes after you finish working out.

I know this is challenging with little ones. I have a 3 and 5 year old. I purchased some of those single-serving protein drinks and chocolate milk boxes for myself for the days when I can't get around to making even a bowl of cereal when I am done with a workout.
2010-07-13 8:09 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting Old
Agree with starting slowly. I still am a WoW addict but I found time to start tris, lose 35 pounds, and complete my first Sprint, Oly, and HIM within the past year (36 years old and still 15-25 pounds over where I think I should be).

The hardest part about starting slowly for me is the mental aspect. You WANT to feel better, you WANT to go harder, but you have to trust that if you don't ease into it your body will rebel and you'll injure yourself.


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