Originally Posted by bbbean

Capsule history: Very healthy and active in my teens and 20s - rock climber, mountain biker, worked as a guide for a few years. Then I spent 25 years as a beer swilling couch potato, and at the ripe old age of 47 weighted over 300 lbs and was on the verge of serious health issues. 2 1/2 yrs ago lost 150 lbs, bought a bike, started riding. This year, at the age of 50, I've started racing.

The question is, when I evaluate how far I've come and try to set realistic goals, what yardstick should I use? Compared to my performance a year ago, I'm flying. Compared to the younger cat 5s and cat 4s, I'm the slow old guy who's doing all he can to hold on for a 30 minute crit.