Since it is my birthday this week, it made me think of age groups.
I've always competed in the 35-39 age group for triathlons, since I got a late start on this stuff.
This will be my last year in this group.
I'll be a "master" next year, moving into the 40-45 group.
Master of what?
Nothing. It's a nice way of saying we are old.
Since doing triathlons, I have a general thought process for each IRONMAN age group:
18-24- Wow, this seems like a big gap. Think about how much your body changed between 18 and 24!! Also, could you even imagine doing an IRONMAN when you were 18 years old? I could barely do my laundry.
25-29- This is the group that has all the speed, but hasn't mastered the endurance yet. They have the most DQ's because of this reason. I typically pass these folks on the run portion.
30-34- This group seems to be a mix of rookies and folks who have done it for a few years. They are competitive, and will seek out those in their age group to pass. Also, a big body-changing gap between 30 and 34, so lots of different shapes and sizes in this group.
35-39- My people! We are really starting to get the hang of this endurance thing! Maybe still a bit competitive, but realistic.
40-44- What I consider to be the fasties. These people have done it for years, have several big races completions under their belt, win their age groups, and can go out and kick ass. More often than not, I get passed by this age group. They are competitive, but still very helpful and friendly on the course.
45-49- Same as above, but more experience. Maybe starting to fall off the Triathlon Wagon due to injury or lack of interest. Also the group that could get even better because the older you get, the more flexible work schedule and flexible financing you have.
50-54- The Old Pros. Can spend all their time on training and it becomes their biggest hobby. Have all the money to buy all the fancy gadgets to make them faster, or at least still race like they are 43 years old. Will offer any and all tips they can to those around them.
55-59- The Age Group Kona Qualifiers, solely due to lack of numbers in their age group. (Same goes for anyone above 55).
60-64- You wonder when they started doing triathlons and how they keep going. I started 5 years ago, and already feel broken.
65-69- Do they spend their social security checks on IRONMAN entry fees?
70-74- Wow.
75-79- Impressive.
80+- We love to see them out there, but are seriously concerned for their safety! It's like watching a skeleton ride a bicycle.
Pros- Amazing, but at the same time, unimpressive. If everyone had access to what they have, we would all do much better! I'm much more a fan of the average folks :)
Hope everyone is having a great week! Last week was my 'off week" due to a large work event. I'm currently on a recovery week with 4 SUPER HARD weeks to follow.
T-minus 66 days!