Given that I’m now racing in the 65-69 age group, I figured I was able to speak with some authority on the “older athlete”. I’m finding, with some regret, that the body doesn’t work the way it once did. The mind remains very willingly, but the body can sometimes protest against what the mind wants to do. There is a bitter reality that despite my best efforts my maximum heart rate has dropped and my muscular strength has reduced. On the good side, I’m in there with a show of a podium finish at most events. |
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For those slightly older athletes, here are some key points that I have learnt:
- It appears to be a fact that for endurance athlete’s VO2 max declines gradually. Certainly that has been the case for me, and my experience is backed up by plenty of research. I didn’t notice this too much in my 40s, but there was a drop in my 50s, and now a more noticeable drop in my 60s. The good news is that this drop in VO2 max doesn’t seem to affect my ability to operate at a high percentage of my maximum potential. In other words it’s possible to operate at high percentage levels of VO2 max. Hence, one of my goals is to push my lactate threshold to a higher percentage. For example, rather than having a threshold power at 75% of VO2 max power output when I was 30 years old, I’m aiming to get it to 80% of VO2 max. Of course this takes hard work, and very careful management of the training and racing plan. A more scientific and carefully managed approach is needed.
- I often reflect on some of the young athletes I see who seem to go hard every day. I worry about the sense of balance in their lives and how they are looking after themselves. Older athletes tend to have the means and patience to eat fresher and more nutrient-rich foods, and certainly consume less alcohol. We older athletes are more willing to go to bed early, but perhaps that’s just perhaps because we can’t party like we used to. At this stage of my life I’m very comfortable with my work and family life, which creates a very positive sense. And older athletes tend to know themselves better, have more confidence, and are often better at listening to the signals their bodies are sending them. In other words, age gives some people the wisdom to be better at being athletes.
- One thing I don’t do is to complain about getting older. I see myself as being very lucky to have lived this long and still be very active in soul, body and mind. The fact that I’m able to compete in triathlon at a reasonable level (and still beat many athletes much younger than me) is a privilege denied to many. As yet there is no “magic pill”, so I work hard to keep as fit as I can. And I push myself in training and competition because I enjoy it. I think this is vital – you have to be enjoying the training and the racing. For me, I delight in the sensation of feeling fit and competing in events. This is something that my age cannot take from me. Instead I focus on what I can control, and that is the physical potential I have.
- Despite some of the articles and TV programs you might have seen, there remains plenty of evidence to show that exercising – including strenuous exercise – is beneficial for health and longevity. A few years back a guy who worked for me made that classic comment when I was heading out for a lunch time run: “Hey Rod, you’ve only got a certain number of heart beats you know”. Immediately, I sat beside him and challenged him to estimate our respective number of heart beats per day. He took his resting heart rate for 60 secs and multiplied it up to 24 hours. I took my resting heart rate and multiplied it up to 22 hours and then added a further 2 hours at a heart rate of 130/min. You guessed it – his daily number of heart beats was massive compared to mine. This was such a shock to him that he immediately starting walking regularly and living a healthier lifestyle. That’s not to say that you should ignore some very important signs. If you have any signs or symptoms of arrhythmia (a racing heart, fluttering heartbeat or skipped beats) you should immediately see your doctor.
- One thing I do know for sure, is that life is unpredictable. I’ve already been rushed to the emergency ward once and survived a very close call. So the message is clear: don’t put off the important things in your life! And above all, cherish the love and friendships that surround all of us.