Older Athletes Say Ironman Training Is Good For Their Health – Just Look At Those Old Guys Who Don’t Exercise!

Roger, at age 74 undertakes numerous Ironman races per year and qualifies for Kona all the time. It is good to see a familiar face, even though he’ll drop me again. Photo by FitOldDog.

Hi folks, welcome.

I’m here again, at the Eagleman Half Ironman, about 6 months after having my abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft repaired at the Cleveland clinic.

Joseph Garcia, great athlete at the age of 70. I bet I beat him in the swim, but he’ll sail by on the bike. No problem! We’re both here, which is all that really matters. Photo by FitOldDog.

At these races I see a few familiar faces, guys in my age group, and a small group it is. There are more at this race than any, as it is one of the few half ironman races that award slots for the big race, the Hawaii Ironman.

As I was walking towards the transition area today I saw Garcia, who was looking very perplexed. I said, “I know you!” He replied, maybe you do, but do you have good eyesight, “I’ve lost my glasses.” He was having real trouble seeing, so, with his permission, I went through his gear and his glasses were buried in one of his gear bags.

This is where it all started, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Roger was in this group.

Then he seems to recognize me too. Garcia is now 70, and in my age-group, 70-74, and I’ve no chance of beating him – he said he was second in his age-group at the Boston Marathon this year. That said, in endurance sports you just never know what will happen.

So, why am I here with little chance of winning my age group or even placing? I’ll tell you why, because it’s good for my health; both Roger and Garcia agree with that; and I just love the sport. That’s why they call it sport.

Wish me luck, and no stent damage this time, please!

Cheers,

Kevin aka FitOldDog