not too old. just need to learn to have command of your bike.

Did you watch IMH this year? Still amazes me that Robert McKeague (80 years old) finished in 16:31. Awesome.

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Searching for the bliss of ultimate exertion.

Looks like I am the new kid (I m 49) on the block here. I arrived here via an invitation from a fellow marathoner that thought I needed a change and therefore suggested Tri-trianing. Thta's all it took amd now I am hooked.

I am surprised a the cost of good equipment but I am looking forward to the diversity in trainining. With that said, to the subject at hand.....You are never to old to do what you love.

In my tri club we have to guys who are VERY active - they ride with the club and race often - one is 72 and the other just turned 70.

neither seems too old to me and BOTH have no intention of stopping in the sport

tell you wife and doc to go back to their rocking chairs and worry about more important things like what soft foods they will be eating for dinner - you have some training to get to

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http://www.clevetriclub.com

rob reddy

"You're 50 and in denial about your age and abilities...."

If you're in denial, I am right there with you(51).

Do what you love, love what you do.

I'm 50 and I'm probably riding as well as I've ever ridden in my life. I'm looking forward to the start of the new racing season this weekend and it's my goal to win the state TT championship in my age group this year (I got second last year ... just shortly after my first-ever ride on a TT bike).

My wife accepts it and wouldn't think of denying me what she knows I enjoy so much. I've had a very comprehensive physical in the last two months and my doctor said, "I think the years have proven that your body can handle it." I was checked out by a cardiologist who said, "you have the heart of a healthy 20-something year old. Don't stop doing what you're doing."

I was hit by a car and very seriously injured a few years ago. The doc in the ER said, "were it not for the incredible shape you're in from all your cycling, you'd be dead." Today I may actually be riding better than at any other time in my life. Cycling helped me defy all the odds and timetables in my recovery program.

I pray for God's protection every time I get on the bike and head down the road. I know the activity has its dangers. But the benefits are just too incredible. Life has its dangers. I don't want to die crossing the street to get a Krispy Kreme.

Just my opinion, but I think your wife and MD are giving you bad counsel. Of course, some people are as bad at cycling as they are at driving. If you're one of those, maybe it's good counsel. ;-)

Bob C.

You are not too old by a long shot but it is natural to question things after a bad spill. My wife had a bad fall a few months back and has never been the same mentally. She is a very nervous, unconfident rider now. I am encouraging her to keep riding which makes me nervous since it will be my fault if she has another fall. If you love the sport, keep riding. Do all the things you already know to avoid risks, and as psycholist says, say a little prayer before you leave.

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_________________________________
I'll be what I am
A solitary man

I'm turning 55 this summer... and I'm still addicted to that edgy, nervous, feeling you get as you get closer to an event. First TT is this Sunday and I'm excited, almost as much as the first time I put my feet in the starting blocks in the 6th grade.

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Jay

"I'm turning 55 this summer... "

Same here. Excited to be moving into a new AG. Didn't think it would be possible to feel good to be getting older.

Aging is something that happens to the best of us. If you're not getting older it means that you're already dead. So it's not such a bad option after all.

You are too old to bomb descents when you are too old to climb the hill. You are too old to ride in traffic when you are too old to drive in traffic. You are too old for pacelines when you can't stay with the group. You are too old to race when it isn't fun anymore.

Agreed... there was a certain amount of glee with that "racing age" entry.

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Jay

Hogwash. The 50-59 age group is the 4th largest age grouping in triathlon. You quit now and move to golf or some other sedintary lifestyle and you will only guarantee more repeat business for your MD.

Just to be a little contrarian on the "anybody can do anything for as long as they want" idea, how many times have you crashed on your bike recently? If you just had the inevitable big one which can happen to anyone, no problem.

But, if you are noticing (or loved ones are noticing) an increase in crashes or close calls, it is possible that you may be losing just enough of your skills with age that you could be getting into a zone where it may not be completely safe to ride like you did when you were 30. There is no denying that your skills will decline a little as you age, (although 50 is not really old) so to some dgree, how long you can safely ride in less than ideal conditions depends to on where you start on the skill curve. I know lots of guys who ride hard and well into their 70's. I'm sure they are not quite as nimble as they were 40 years ago but I have no fear following them in a tight pace line. I also know some younger folks whose bike skills are such that even a 5% decline would put them well into the serious danger catagory.

Just do a little self analysis. But even if you decide you can no longer safely duke it out in a sprinting pack or slice through traffic like a bike messenger, there is no reason to quit riding all together.

58 here, can't wait to hit 60! :)

Aloha,

Larry

People over 30 in many sports have doubts, whether the doubts are 'true' or not. I've actually heard people at 35 years old say that they are creaky and old... me, I felt that way at 36 or 37 because of my circumstances at that time....despite the fact that it WASN'T true: I wasn't old, I just felt that way.

I'm in a book called "Fit Over 40: Role Models for Excellence at Any Age". At age 40 (when the book was written, over a year ago), I was one of the youngest people in the book; it surprised me that the authors asked me to be IN the book. I was one of the editors and interviewers of 50 people, so I interviewed some incredible people: one man is an author in Hollywood, who at 65, had a bike accident at 55 and STEPPED UP his training so he'd be stronger in case he ever got into an accident again. Another woman took up bodybuilding at 50 - after being fat. Another women took up bodybuilding to lose weight after a terrible work accident at age 46. These are just a few of the stories of people who didn't use age as a factor. (Note: the book is not about endurance athletes, unfortunately. The main author only liked bodybuilders/hypertrophied people, so that's who we sought)

You already have a good attitude about riding. The best thing to do is assess the details of the accident to see what you could have done differently. If there was an "ability" problem, work on increasing your skills. If it's a [training/racing] course problem, improve your handling.

I don't agree with the person who said that the Doc just wanted more sedentary clients. I believe you need to have a good talk with your wife and the doc and say that you want to continue biking - and you will do it SAFELY with or without their blessings. They can either help you pursue this passion or you will do it alone - but you prefer their support.

That being said, if you think AT ALL that you are having trouble in descents, traffic, races ... consider 'translating' (sliding) to a different biking form or getting a coach to assist you improve.

My 2c
Lauren
age almost 42, not stopping yet

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Lauren Muney
certified physical fitness trainer
certified health coach
wellcoach
http://www.physicalmind.com

There is no escape from your life... solve the problems and get on with it.

"Just tell her you love her and you think she kicks ass" ~AndrewinNH

"I'm moving [Lauren] to guru status" ~Last Tri in 83

Good reply Coach. I was 40 before I ever started exercising or eating right. Sure wish I would have been smarter in my earlier years. Better late then never (I hope).

Aloha,

Larry

Great post, Lauren.



To the original poster, I'd like to add:

I competed in the 50-54 age group at my state TT championships this year. I finished second. I was "only" 49 at the time, but because of the way USCF determines racing age, I had to race 50-54.

The time I recorded would have won if I'd been allowed to race in the 45-49 age group per my real age.

There are many folks who reach the 50s and, because children have left the nest and careers have already been made, find they have more time for training and racing. It's a time when, for many folks, athletic careers really blossom.

Bob C.

"Good reply Coach. I was 40 before I ever started exercising or eating right. Sure wish I would have been smarter in my earlier years. Better late then never (I hope)."

Exactly: better late than never. Imagine the incredible resource you are to help others, even if it's the assistance to help other NOT do what you did before 40.

Learn from your mistakes and move on, use the information for yourself and others. Be a role model to yourself and others.

best to you,
Lauren

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Lauren Muney
certified physical fitness trainer
certified health coach
wellcoach
http://www.physicalmind.com

There is no escape from your life... solve the problems and get on with it.

"Just tell her you love her and you think she kicks ass" ~AndrewinNH

"I'm moving [Lauren] to guru status" ~Last Tri in 83

I turn 58 on Sunday. I am daring someone to tell me I can't do this anymore.

As long as you enjoy it and take care of yourself why not do the things you enjoy?
Heck my wife is giving me a new bicycle for my 60th Birthday!!
Best to you

fal7 in Houston

The guys in my AG (50-54) are the toughest, meanest, nastiest, SOBs God ever invented. I am honored to just be able to line up with them and start on the same cannon blast. What happens over the course of that next 11 hours is, in may views, defining. I feel like I'm 20 something on the bike, and over 80 on the run. Little Ring Man: It is a good day to train.

Lauren,

Thanks for the compliments. Here is my wife Diane and I in 1971:

http://i5.photobucket.com/...ianeLarry1971too.jpg

Here we are today:

http://i5.photobucket.com/...Christmas2005002.jpg

Aloha,

Larry

Bullshit!!

The last time I did the Boulder Peak Tri, there was a dude there, about 80 years old, who also did it. The bike course has Old Stage Hill, which gains 600' in 2/3 of a mile, followed by a 50 mph descent down Left Hand Canyon (I think I have all of those right). The cheer for this guy when he finished was greater than when the pros finished.

Keep on ridin', wherever you want to....

Spot

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___________________________________________________
Taco cat spelled backwards is....taco cat.

"Here we are today:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Larrym96815/Christmas2005002.jpg"

WOW! Can you ADOPT me?? You two look beeeeaauuuutiful!! Wow! What verve! What spirit, evidenced in your healthful vigor - even behind those sunglasses!

So, please answer for everyone, what is YOUR 'secret' (*coff*coff*) for energy, beauty, vivacity?

Lauren
She who asks many questions...

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-------------------------

Lauren Muney
certified physical fitness trainer
certified health coach
wellcoach
http://www.physicalmind.com

There is no escape from your life... solve the problems and get on with it.

"Just tell her you love her and you think she kicks ass" ~AndrewinNH

"I'm moving [Lauren] to guru status" ~Last Tri in 83

[reply] "You're 50 and in denial about your age and abilities,".[/reply]

Don't listen to that crap. Once you stop you will start getting old.[u]

Well, you gotta do what you love or you are no good to anyone, yourself included.

That said, if folks depend on you and you have the great fortune to be loved, don't frivolously endanger you life for a quick thrill. I don't squeeze every ounce of speed out of every downhill curve like I used to because the risk outweighs the reward. I don't challenge every car at every intersection when I riding home after work each day because I can't afford not to get home.

Play hard but be smart. Take risks on race day but you have to get to the startline in one piece. And don't be a prick to those that love you and want you in their lives for as long as possible.

There's a balance point there; you just have to find it.

(add your own platitude here: )

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Mr. Uncaptured External Costs

Fossil carbon is planetary poison.

I am just recently turned 51 and 10 months out from a bike accident in which I broke my neck. While I would readily admit to being more cautious (and I was pretty cautious before) I have vowed not to let the accident stop me. My wife and doctor were very supportive, even though my doctor did ask that I try not to break my neck again!

Since being cleared to partake in althletic events again, I have completed 2 5Ks, 1 10K, a distance (1-mile) swim and a swim meet. I am currently signed up for two triathlons, a 5K, a 10K, a 40K time trial, and a biathlon (run/swim) between now and the end of June.

Keep on keepin' on.

Brian

Oh my GOD no! I'm firmly convinced that age is very much a number. Go with how you feel, and NEVER let people tell you that you're too old to do anything like that.
I am 42 and I have people call me for advice about what to buy here at my business (bodyboarding internet store) and I have guys that are like 35 call me and say, "I'm not young any more, and I can't bodyboard like I used to....blah, blah, blah", and I want to say, "just get in shape and you'll be fine!".

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My business-eBodyboarding.com

Male ego. :) I love the attention :) When I was 30 everyone thought I was 40 now at 58 everyone thinks I am 48. I have to admint the Hawaii weather is a major factor. I moved out here 25 years ago from MI (lived on a dirt road) where I was a couch potato.

Thanks again Lauren for your kind comments. My family in MI thinks we are just too skinny. We must be unhealthy. Bring it on!

Aloha,

Larry

Hey Littleringman

As every one has said NO WAY your to old!

My best buddy Henric and I (I’m 47 he’s 51) last fall were just ripping down a trail here in bend, Way up high in the Cascades. and I’m think’n man if he stacks I’m just going to drill him. But he didn’t and I didn’t and it was the best ride I had all season. I think about it some but it never stops me from rip’n down a sweet single-track, witch we have a ton of.

So don’t worry your not to old, but they may be?

Life’s short ride hard!

Dan…

Bah!!

I broke my collarbone in a spill 2 years ago at the ripe old age of 35.

My wife was and is still very concerned when I ride the roads, but wives are like that.

Just point out the health benefits and that you likely don't look like your typical 50-something.

Too old? No #%*#@($* way.

I changed careers [drastically!] in my later 30's - not too old for that - and caught up and passed those in my new career quickly. I will turn 53 in a few months - am recovering from an ankle fractured snowboarding (switched from skiing to boarding in my mid-40's - not too old for that), and am recovering as rapidly as I did from ski accident 25 years ago. Have been marathoning etc for years, and always train with many people much younger than I, and still manage to hold my own.

Aging demands a different approach to training, one that is tailored to age - increased focus on flexibility, enhanced attention to periodization, etc - but nothing is better for minimizing age-related declines than cross-training, e.g. triathlon. Don't give in to those who tell you you're too old to do anything. Those comments are more related to projections of their fears and inertia than of reality.

And there will be a wide assortment of old farts on Sunday.

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Jay

Yes, as one who is 50, I can tell you that you are in denial about your age and abilities.

Some friendly advice: Stay in denial, hopefully until they lower you into the ground.

I'm not too old to ride my bike, but I'm getting too old to crash.

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Significantly undertrained since 1999

My wife gives me the same "when are you going to grow up" stuff. I'm 55 and look at it this way. I'm usually in the top 5% overall in any running, duathlon or triathon race I do, so maybe it's some of the youngsters I am beating who should hang it up. We Boomers still got game!

See you at the races.
I ain't quiting till it ain't fun no more.

Thom (53)

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Slowtwitch bitchist place on planet earth

And just think Brian, if you're anything like Wayne McSheehy, you've got another 20+ good years of competition in you.

I remember hearing he had a crash of his own a while back, and there was something oddly reassuring about seeing his 72 year old self back racing last summer and putting the fear of losing to the Old Guy back into the 30-39 AGers.

I just turned 56 and although I may not break 40 minutes for a stand alone 10 K anymore, my cycling just gets better every year. And this Sunday I'm going to finally take the plunge and go to my first masters swim workout. These new challenges are what keeps me going.

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Sure it's funny till somebody gets hurt...then it's hilarious.

I'm over that. He beats me all the time!

I grew up in a family and social atmosphere that expected sports/exercise to cease after high school. For them, activity is reserved for work and watching football on TV. I followed that plan until the age of 29 when I started running again to lose a beer belly. I was amazed at the world that opened up for me. I've been a competitive AG runner for the past 13 years. My experience in the last three years attempting Tri has been humbling, to say the least, but I get better each year. I can't imagine my life without running, tri, adventure racing, etc.

My wife and kids are incredibly supportive, but my extended family still thinks I'm nuts. Not the good kind of nuts, like, "wow, that's crazy. good for him." They honestly don't get it. Grown men shouldn't act this way. At 44-years old, they want to know when I will stop this foolishness. They've asked every year since I was 29. It is as if they are embarrassed for me. (I won't even mention the shaved legs issue)

What began and continues for my own pleasure has grown into something more important, however. I have two young sons who now take for granted a lifetime filled with health and activity. They don't know anything different. They discuss remaining active into their old age as a simple reality. They just naturally assume they will be running across the Grand Canyon when they are 70.

I still do this for the fun - smoking a 27-year old in a 10K is fun, working on my swim is (a masochistic) fun, feeling that groove in a paceline is beyond fun. But what keeps me going is knowing that in a single generation I've ended a familial mindset of sedentary apathy. Will I still be as active as possible into my 50s, 60s and beyond? You bet your ass.

That's easy. Give you MD a bag of salt and a tube of KY

Give your wife a bike...

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gbassett.com

Thanks everyone for the support. I've made up my mind to get back on the bicycle as soon as the clavicle heals and the road rash is gone. I won't be ready for IMAZ but I'll be at the line for IMWisco and I have a date with that same descent after a bit of skills brush-up, practice--oh yeah, and a new helmet because I pulverized the last one.

Well "youngster", riding is probably one thing that keeps you young. In our club, I am one of the youngsters and routinely get dusted by guys over 65.

Just remember, everything in moderation! And if you are going to push the envelope, learn to handle your bike better.

As a 36yr old doling out advice to someone older than me is kind of pointless..especially with age related topics. However..if they think 50 is old maybe they should ask the advice of Joe Bonness. He's about that and didn't he just win 'another' Ironman recently. Yep..50 is too old to be racing...dude is in serious denial..he needs to age gracefully and buy himself a pair of plaid golf pants with an elastic waistband and call it quits in the sport he loves. Even at my young age people tell me I should grow up and give up the sport. I will...when they put me in the ground permanently. Until then I'll keep taking my lumps, climbing back in the saddle again, and doing it all over again next weekend. And I'll be damned if I ever let anyone tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing because of age. Glad to see you didn't listen to them either..be in denial but be glad it's on the saddle and not on the couch.

Please don't tell me over 50 is old. I just turned 55 two weeks ago and am looking forward to the new age group. This is my 20th year of doing tris and I still enjoy the training and racing. I have to say though I enjoyed the racing more in my earlier years but now enjoy the training more. IM Lake Plaicd this summer will be my 17th IM. I'm going to keep tri-ing until I win my age group in Hawaii :-)

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18x Ironman, 3x Hawaii
US Army (Ret.), Vietnam Vet ('71-'72)

The guys in my AG (50-54) are the toughest, meanest, nastiest, SOBs God ever invented.

Why thank you, thank you very much. :-)

I am honored to just be able to line up with them and start on the same cannon blast.

As well you should be. ;-)

While doing well against all you other mean cuss's is nice, I still get a lot of joy of passing up all those 30-somethings. It's like dessert after every meal every time I come up on some guy with a 30-something on his calf. :-)

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Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Your young, I will be 54 in May. Get on your bike and go for it! Just be careful.

Train safe & smart Bob

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Train safe & smart
Bob

You know how those asians age (or don't rather)...did you know BottomFeeder is actually 67 years old?





He claims its all the yoga and pilates that helps him maintain his boyish figure.

Just tell them that a 70+ (sister, nun) is leading the way.

I've noticed that the Slowtwitch "youngsters" don't seem to pounce on our "old folk"' posts iike they do on some of their peers. Is that out of respect, reverence or what? We still like good trash talking so bring it on.

Apparently, we out number them. ;-)

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Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Larry the 2nd photo belongs in the HOTTIE thread or LAVENDER ROOM. Not sure where to put the first photo...my guess is you did not shave your legs back then, "grizzly adams"!

"Here is my wife Diane and I in 1971: "


1971. I remember those times and those styles. Was 20 yrs old then. Drove a 1968 Triumph Spitfire. Also had a beard and my hair was even longer than yours.

Thanks for the memories.

Yes, I cut my hair for the party. :)

I didn't start until I was 52... but ten years later I do make better risk-reward decisions.

.....so I sold the motorcycles and kept the tri, mountain and road bikes.

(But I have a secret stash of my climbing gear)

Rock on buddy...

roubaixman was in his 50's in 2006 when he wrote the OP. He could be in his 70's by now :)

This is a flashback thread. Haven't seen these names in a long time: roubaixman,TriBodyboarder,oldslowdoc,FLA Jill,parkito,Longboarder,KJGrog,support crew,last tri in 83,cerveloguy,STP,Fitnesscoach

I have a friend, 76ish, who still does Ironman.

The real question is not age but risk. Are you willing to risk that riding style based on your ability?