I get very frustrated at the people that define themselves as “age groupers” who have the ability to train full time like a pro and/or have the ability to train as part of there job. Without naming names the top age grouper in kona this year trains fulltime as part of his job coaching his athletes. When you have a person who trains there a#*e off in the minimal hours outside of their normal work hours usually a max of 4hrs a day trying to compete against someone who has the ability to train fultime or as part of their job.
I think it’s fantastic he can make money and do what he loves at the same time. More hours doesn’t always mean faster for everyone. Myself–I’d bust in half with that kind of volume. An age grouper is simply an athlete, non-licensed pro, who is in a 5 year age category designed to compete with those of like/similar age. It doesn’t mean you can’t be “elite” or fast, or super slow.
The whole point of competing, pro or AG, is dependent upon the athlete. Some want to win, some want the money (what little there is if you’re not winning Kona), some just to test themselves against their own best efforts, some just to participate-bucket list item. It’s a personal journey for everyone. Their speed levels and their jobs should not bother you one bit. Good for the AG winner, happy for them.
I am happy for him. Great guy!! Thanks for bringing it up.
good point.
I get very frustrated at the people that define themselves as “age groupers” who have the ability to train full time like a pro and/or have the ability to train as part of there job. Without naming names the top age grouper in kona this year trains fulltime as part of his job coaching his athletes. When you have a person who trains there a#*e off in the minimal hours outside of their normal work hours usually a max of 4hrs a day trying to compete against someone who has the ability to train fultime or as part of their job.
Just so we’re clear isn’t your gripe really about being jealous that he has been able to figure out a way to make a living, provide for himself and his family while at the same time continue to do his hobby full-time while you’ve got to bust your ass at a regular job?
So because for whatever reason someone can/wants to train more than you and can/wants to work less than you it is not “fair” that they can race you?
I have a bigger issue with the AGers that are sponsored or receive items at a discount not available to the general public.
I believe that this should bump you into the Pro category.
You can get discounts and deals without being fast
.
I would prefer that triathlon had a divisions like cycling instead of age groups, would make it more of a race.
I get very frustrated at the people that define themselves as “age groupers” who have the ability to train full time like a pro and/or have the ability to train as part of there job. Without naming names the top age grouper in kona this year trains fulltime as part of his job coaching his athletes. When you have a person who trains there a#*e off in the minimal hours outside of their normal work hours usually a max of 4hrs a day trying to compete against someone who has the ability to train fultime or as part of their job.
Just so we’re clear isn’t your gripe really about being jealous that he has been able to figure out a way to make a living, provide for himself and his family while at the same time continue to do his hobby full-time while you’ve got to bust your ass at a regular job?
Answer: yes.
This is the correct response:
I am happy for him. Great guy!! Thanks for bringing it up.
I have a bigger issue with the AGers that are sponsored or receive items at a discount not available to the general public.
I believe that this should bump you into the Pro category.
If they get that it’s probably because they bring good exposure to those brands. I understand it. Actually I think it’s ridiculous that once I saw a group of pros talking shit about brand X because said brand “sponsored” AGers and did not “support” pros. Well shit, if those AGers get that it is because they offer a better platform to promote the brand than some shitty pros who don’t know how to market themselves. There’s no charity.
I would prefer that triathlon had a divisions like cycling instead of age groups, would make it more of a race.
Ooh that sounds very interesting
Would be nice to see if this increases participation even more. So say a 2:00/100 yard swimmer with approx 18 MPH bike on flat course and say 9:30/mile run time would still actually be racing
I like the idea. It sure how it would be done but interesting IMO
It’s been done a hundred times or more here. You won’t get anything but grief.
AG is imperfect. Category would be better.
I’m tired of all the offended people in the world these days…
It is only triathlon that have AG and Pro. In all other sports you have athletes.
If you are fast you can make money.
A Pro is a person with a pro card. That is the difference.
Hopefully triathlon can start treating the racers like rest of the sports world.
I get very frustrated at the people that define themselves as “age groupers” who have the ability to train full time like a pro and/or have the ability to train as part of there job. Without naming names the top age grouper in kona this year trains fulltime as part of his job coaching his athletes. When you have a person who trains there a#*e off in the minimal hours outside of their normal work hours usually a max of 4hrs a day trying to compete against someone who has the ability to train fultime or as part of their job.
Age groupers are old, slow and fat. Like me.
Just in case if somebody asks who is not old, slow and fat. Well. “The most interesting athlete on ST†for example!!!
That has nothing to do with getting a pro/elite card from your NF or Ironman. So a 50 year old who helps a brand do PR should race Pro/Elite? no
actually in swimming age grouper means under 18 
.
Let me do the math for you. 4 hrs per day x 7 days a week = 28 hours per week. If you are able to put in 20-28 hours per week of training, week in and week out, and still can’t get as fast as the top AG … lack training hours is probably not the reason why you can’t catch them 
I get very frustrated at the people that define themselves as “age groupers” who have the ability to train full time like a pro and/or have the ability to train as part of there job. Without naming names the top age grouper in kona this year trains fulltime as part of his job coaching his athletes. When you have a person who trains there a#*e off in the minimal hours outside of their normal work hours usually a max of 4hrs a day trying to compete against someone who has the ability to train fultime or as part of their job.
I would prefer that triathlon had a divisions like cycling instead of age groups, would make it more of a race.
Cycling, at least USA Cycling has both.