Advice for 54 year old

[TysonB]

Guys,

It's been a long time since I've competed in anything (Hung up the soccer boots a few years ago). I have been considering doing a tri because I am already regularly working out in the three events.

Are there reasonable length tri's for beginning 50 year olds?

I am regularly swimming 1600 meters in 29:30 in a 25 meter pool. How much time must I add to estimate an open water swim of the same length.

I regularly run 24:00 5ks. Time falls to 52:00 for 10k's.

I'm fairly new to biking. On flat to mildly hilly terrain, I go along at about an 18mph clip for an hour or so.

Given a certain amount of accumulative slowing when all three events are combined at one time, are these times reasonable enough for me to enter a mid-length tri? Or would I just be a road hazard?

TysonB
Cushing, OK

[TriBob]

Sounds like your would be fine doing a sprint or olympic/international distance. And for your AG, you should place fairly well.

Triathlon 101 is a great intro book to get an idea of what it is all about.

[n53A79PE]

Welcome to the family of tri-athletes.
I think olympic distance is a good start for you taking into consideration your level of fitness - congrats.
Olympic triathlon includes:
1500m - swim
40km - bike
10km - run
In order to calculate your open water ability for 1500m add 10-15% to your swimming pool time and you can get a rough approximation of how you are fit in open water. But it really depends. Practice in open water more.

Good luck
_______________________________________________________________________
It is not what lies before you or behind you, but within you that makes the difference.

[jazzy_cyclist]

Tyson - I'm not a triathelete, but my wife (53) is as of this year; it's the reason that I got back into biking. Sounds like you are ready for the big boys, but don't forget that there are mini's that you can start with, too.My wife has always been a runner (cross training was a way for her to lessen some running injuries) and has done pretty well.

She used to fear the bike part, but we have both gotten comfortable with it in a short time. And running is
running. The thing that she had the most issues with is the open water swimming -- it's way different from a pool. To hear her describe it, it's an underwater slugfest! So you might want to adjust your time/exepectations accordingly.

-Jim

[neuronbliss]

I say, jump in and go for it. Your times are not bad at all. Start with some Sprint and Olympic distances. You'll have a great time!

One thing about triathlon, the competetors are great! Everyone wants you to succeed and do your best. It really feels like a huge friendly family.

[TysonB]

Guys,

Thanks for the encouragement. If I can stay fit through the winter, I'll try to find some of these "olympic" distance tris. That distance would suit me I think. The 10K run after the first two legs would probably be about all I would want!

Tyson

[Blue-Distagon]

Tyson,

You're better off trying an Olympic distance event.
For the entry fee costs,the Sprints are over too quickly,and your fitness level is very good for your Age grp.
Just go out there and do it!..there's nothing like the nirvana of crossing the finish line,regardless of your time...its just you against the clock.
The more events you enter,the better your training will get.
I'm 42 and I get total pleasure in knowing that I can still fend off a few of the under 25 ers !
I plan on doing Tri's until I'm into my 70's.
At this past Lake Placid Ironman I met a 75 year old gentleman who was competing in his 17th IM!
He was a total inspiration! And he finished in style.
So saddle up and get it done!
Cheers,
Mike

[hockey]

Tyson
I am 51 and compete in triathlon twice a year. Both events are Olympic distance. Your times would place you in the upper middle of the pack in your age group. Give it a go. Competitors are friendly and supportive, especially in this age group.
Hockey

[TysonB]

Hockey and Blue,

Thanks for hte encouragement. Since my first post here, I have looked at the Tri calender for my area next year. There are several Olympic distance tri's in May and June. Because of the encouragement here, I've decided to point for them. I'll check in from time to time regarding how training is going.

Thanks again.

Tyson
Cushing, Oklahoma

[neuronbliss]

Hey Tyson, don't count out sprint distances. They are fun too. Besides being in fast forward speed, they also give you extra practice at transitions. Multisport is fun at any distance you are able to do.

Besides, I can always use an extra t-shirt for the gym. ;)

[Maxyboy]

Tyson, go ahead and give it a shot! I started out with Sprint distances and worked my way up to 1/2 IM distance in one season. It's great fun, and you will meet a lot of nice folks in your age bracket. Once you get past 50, it seems like the "Geritol Division" is the most enjoyable!

Max