Words of Wisdom Older athletes generally have access to two other key resources: time and money.
Training Tips from the Local 40+ Running Community
Tim asserts, “At that age, they have financial stability, with established careers. They usually have life stability too, with a spouse and maybe kids. They can take on cycling and have fun, unlike the 20-year-old, who blocks out everything else in order to focus on their sport.”
Members of the Wednesday Knights running group share their thoughts on training.
An accomplished lifelong road racer himself with a degree in exercise science, Tim observes the diverse paths that athletes travel on the journey to top form. “The people who start later have a foundation already built, and they take on their sport as just another life activity. When you get into it early, at some point you have to stop and go to school, or get a real job.”
Dan Cosgrove, 53: “Find a partner or group to help hold you accountable. I come out here every week because of the Wednesday Knights group. I’m faster because I run with this group.”
The Downside Older athletes may have more time to train than their younger counterparts, but they don’t have enough...well, time. And that can be hard to handle. “People who discover later in life that they have the ability to be national class athletes have to fit that in with everything else. If they had it their way, they’d train all the time,” Tim muses. “So, the same things that provide the freedom to get really fit—a successful career, a stable family life—can also prevent them from dedicating the time necessary to develop to their full potential. That can cause turmoil.” An original member of the West Chester Running Club founded in 2000, Rob “Smarty” Jones has been a competitive runner his entire life. Most recently, he qualified for Team USA in his triathlon age group of 45-49. He cites two big changes that occur in athletes over 40. “There is a decrease in maximum heart rate. Your heart gets weaker with age and pumps less blood to the muscles. Since the blood is carrying oxygen to the muscles, a runner goes into oxygen debt quicker with age.” He also notes a loss in muscular and tendon strength. “Your muscles get weaker with age,” he says, “which means less power. The loss of power results in less distance per stride and slower reflex time contributing to a lower cadence.” Burnout from overtraining and/or racing all the time can even lead to an identity crisis of sorts. “You’ve surrounded yourself with competitive people and that’s all you talk about,” observes Tim. “Some people stop riding altogether when they stop racing, and that’s a shame, because riding a bike is good for you. You just have to renegotiate how you fit in with the group. It’s okay not to race. You can still ride a lot and be super fit.”
Karen Cenname, 41: “Give yourself rest.” (laughs) “I should really practice what I preach!” Walt Stecklair, 53: “Start slow. Be consistent. Be willing to put up with some pain, within reason.” Roger Collins, 60: “My advice is to enjoy it and try not to get hurt. Warm up slow, take it easy, and find your stride. People who push too hard, too fast end up frustrated.”
APRIL 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM
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