Peak age of triathlete

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2007-08-10 9:30 PM

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Supersonicus Idioticus
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Subject: Peak age of triathlete
Inspired by the average triathlete age...

At what age are triathletes typically their fastest?


And I know people are going to say something like "if they're 17, their fastest age is 17," so I beat you to it! Now there is no more need for smug remarks.

2007-08-11 12:32 PM
in reply to: #921931

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
Not sure of what age is typical, but for me, I guess I've already passed my peak age. 
2007-08-11 12:49 PM
in reply to: #921931

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
Probably in their late 20s. That's where they say most athletes are in their prime.
2007-08-11 2:55 PM
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Expert
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Longview, TX
Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete

I like this question.

Probably in their late 20s. That's where they say most athletes are in their prime.

I would guess you're right on with the late 20's, but it seems that so many triathletes don't start until they are in there late 20's and early 30's.  I'm thinking it takes at least a couple years, maybe even 4 or 5 years, to really build a great strong endurance base.  So I would be inclined to think that the peak age for a majority of triathletes is early to mid 30's.  My 2 cents anyways.

2007-08-11 3:06 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
My last race, the female winner was in her 40's.  This gives me hope I have not yet peaked.
2007-08-11 3:55 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
jcbolton - 2007-08-11 2:55 PM

I like this question.

Probably in their late 20s. That's where they say most athletes are in their prime.

I would guess you're right on with the late 20's, but it seems that so many triathletes don't start until they are in there late 20's and early 30's.  I'm thinking it takes at least a couple years, maybe even 4 or 5 years, to really build a great strong endurance base.  So I would be inclined to think that the peak age for a majority of triathletes is early to mid 30's.  My 2 cents anyways.



That's a very good point, I agree

2007-08-11 7:34 PM
in reply to: #921931

Elite
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete

 

Peak Age is N+1, where N is your current age.

There will always be a need for smug remarks, especially in COJ.

 

 

2007-08-11 7:45 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
Doesn't distance have something to do with it? I mean, aren't the short distance winners typically in their early 20's, and people in their 30's tend to be competitive in the longer distances?
2007-08-12 8:00 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
I would say late 20 to early 30's.

Look at a lot of the best endurance athletes. Tour winners, Ironman triathletes, Nordic skiers. Seems that they are peaking in their late 20's and carry it/maybe improve a bit in their early 30's. Of course, Contador is only 24 but that is an exception.

Just my 2 cents.
2007-08-13 11:39 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete

I might suggest that there are different aspects of fitness that contribute to the answer to this question.

Science tells us that we are at our "Physical Peak" when we are in our 20's and we slowly get slower as we age.

The reality is that race results do not support this. (Especially for longer distance races)

MarathonGuide.com puts together a very nice annual report every year and guess what, the 40-44 age group is commonly the fastest age group.

Clearly, there is some other aspect of what makes up performance at play here that does not degrade as quickly as our "Peak Fitness".

2007-08-13 3:10 PM
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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
Based upon the results of the White Lake Half this year (and somewhat in past years) it would appear somewhere around 40-45 is the peak in terms of that distance. Believe that the winner was 40 (non elite) and the third place winner was 42 (non elite) There was another early 40 yo (non elite)in the top ten.  I have resigned myself to the fact that no matter what age group I fall into, that age group will have the fastest racers (excluding me of course) 

2007-08-13 4:13 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Peak age of triathlete
Perhaps there is a wisdom/experience component as well. I am certainly more careful as I get older (I'm only 32). Take hydration for example. I am SOOOOO much better at it now than when I started. I realize I can't WILL myself through certain things where I could have when I was younger.

I guess my point is that the physical nature of this sport isn't the whole shebang, and might account for less than we might think.
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