What happens when you stop getting better?

What happens when you stop getting better? 

You explode.

I think you meant "What happens when you stop getting faster?"  (I don't know -- it hasn't happened to me yet.)

There are many ways to get better, and many of them are not affected by age.

Ever seen the movie "Old Yeller?"

I agree.....many of my best and most memorable races are not necessarily the fastest or best placing ones. Hell, one of them I got disqualified from! There is a lot more to this sport than just the clock.....new bikes being one of them

Good idea.

And on the age thing, there is this local group of old retired cyclists that SMOKE my team. They ride every day and average some pretty decent speeds.

Point is age shouldn't be a limiting factor, that's the beauty of endurance sports vs. fast twitch, explosive sports

I know full well that my life-time PR's are behind me. No way I'm gonna go sub 16 for a 5K, 54 for a 40K TT, or 2 hours for an Oly. Just ain't gonna happen.

And I'm okay with that.

But I had several years away from the sport, and surgery, long road back... I'm just happy to be doing it at all.

And it kind of resets the PR chart.

Ouch!

Kind of the same here.  Started with this stuff back in the 80s.  I have not PR'd for over a decade.  Some guys I know that were much faster than I ever was left the sport when they lost speed.  I did for a while but came back after starting a family and gaining weight.  Once I realized that I was not going to be as fast as I once was (and it did not take long to figure that out) I lost my motivation to work really hard.  But I still enjoy s/b/r...especially the bike and run.  I just know it's at a different level. 

That's why they make AGE GROUP awards.  It's all relative.

the good thing about getting older- is hopefully, you've got more time and money.

yeah.  go longer.

If you're not first, you're last.

Some conventional wisdom would say if you're not getting better, you're getting worse.  I don't know how much I buy into that, but it's out there.

I'd say this, If you are trying to podium, then this is an issue.  Either work better (not necessarily harder) at achieving your current goals or adjust your goals to something that is more achievable in the short term that maybe is a step toward accomplishing your long term goal.  If you are not trying to podium then maybe completely adjust your goals to something else you want to accomplish that you feel is attainable.

This is exactly the point of my input to the Tips thread yesterday -- find the joy in the activities of s/b/r, and you'll never lack for motivation to train. But likely it isn't "training" as much as sanity time.

Have you met BryanCD? He races in the 40-44 AG and just keeps getting better and better, not to mention the fact he's literally almost twice as fast as 33-year-old me. 

Also, with not starting triathlons until 42 your peak is going to come later than someone who started at 18. In short, if you're still  PR'ing every race, you're nowhere near going past your peak. You're worrying about this WAY too soon.

yes I am trying a full wisco ironman in a few weeks (Its going to get ugly but from what I have seen no matter who it it is a long day).

I found this year that I am really challenged by the HIM distance. I have had somewhat poor results because I lack the ablility to slow down and conserve. (Better figure that out by IM Wisco)

Always like a sprint just lay it all out and go as fast as you can.

Have you ever looked arround your wave start and said "All these people look old I hope I do not look that way"

Don't worry, you aren't Rabid...

are you?

<wiping the foaming spittle from my mouth...> No, of course not!

I was lucky in the sense that I didn't start even running until I was 49.  First race was at 50 so i am still getting better 4 years late.  Didn't do my first tri until a year and a half ago so I am still getting better on that front.

But, I will get slower at some point as will the rest of my age group.  Good thing is in January I go up to the 55 - 59 age group.  I'll be the kid!

enjoy,

Duane

If your motives for participating are strictly based in results then it may be time to move on.

That said, there are many other reasons to do the sport. Our sport is beautiful: Sunrises, water, fit people, the colorful uniforms and exotic equipment, the allure of the crowd at the finish at the big events. Along with surfing, Red Bull Air Race, 12 meter yacht racing and Formula 1 this is one of the most aesthetically beautiful sports on earth. Beautiful venues, people equipment...

Another reason to value the sport is someday- and this is a certainty- your choice to participate will be revoked. By age, by health, by an accident, by cancer, a stroke... We don't know when or how, but the reality of life is our privelege to compete will be revoked. Use it because we will lose it.

Consider how many people don't even have a choice in the matter. They are obese, struggle with health problems. It isn't a matter of choice for them.

You own something rare and precious, revered since ancient times: You are fit, healthy. You can race. Right now you enjoy the luxury of choice. Someday our choice will be revoked.

Use it while you can and collect the memories. During your closing moments in this life you'll have those to take pride and comfort in.