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Original poster

Is it possible to do a triathlon if you are an overweight, unfit 55 year old?

70 replies

Bryonyshcmyony · 27/07/2021 17:23

Not straight away obvs, but ever? Or is it a stupid idea? I can barely run/walk 5k. I can ride a bike and I am currently having adult swim lessons to improve my swim technique. Is it a mad idea? I'd also need to train in secret as dh would absolutely rip the piss.

OP posts:

Bluntness100 · 28/07/2021 09:40

Of course you can but I’d not train in secret. So what if he rips the piss. When he sees you’re serious he will stop.

horseymum · 28/07/2021 09:42

You absolutely can do breaststroke, just watch out you don't kick people. The benefit of doing front crawl is it's less tiring on your legs. But only if
you feel comfortable with it. When you enter an event with a pool swim you put your estimated time so you are put with people of a similar speed. You can only overtake people at the end of lanes so this helps so people don't get stuck behind you.

purplesequins · 28/07/2021 09:45

agree with most people.
a tri is definitely achievable, especially a shorter distance.
wrt swimming though, if you are a good swimmer in the pool, practice swimming in open water as well. battling waves of cold water is very different to a pleasant pool.

for equipment, you can hire the most expensive things (wetsuit, bike) for a season. and then maybe buy once you got the bug and want to continue.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Exercise & fitness Fitness General sports

Original poster

Bryonyshcmyony · 28/07/2021 09:48

I'd definitely do a pool swim for the first one!

OP posts:

Original poster

Bryonyshcmyony · 28/07/2021 09:49

I think dh has the bike he started on and a new road bike. I'll be allowed to borrow the bike he started on. Might take it out for a spin later

OP posts:

How2Help · 28/07/2021 10:44

Are you being serious about your husband mocking - that is genuinely sad if so. Agree with the person above who said a partner should build you up and support you.

I used to be super fit but for ling boring reasons am not now. I denied this for a long time and entered lots of events that I inevitably did not turn up to - DH never mocked. Years later he is supporting my half hearted attempt to run a 5k again.

The good thing about triathlons is it isn’t obvious on the day if you are last as you go in waves so the person last across the line is usually not the last person (well that used to be the case in my time).

Original poster

Bryonyshcmyony · 28/07/2021 10:47

He would be supportive as soon as he saw me training I think.

OP posts:

IceLace100 · 28/07/2021 11:33

@Ohfuckitall

I'd also need to train in secret as dh would absolutely rip the piss

Not the point of the thread, but your H is an utter dick.

Your life partner is meant to build you up not knock you down.
And yours has knocked you into the ground if you need to go so far as to train in secret.

Hope you fitness kick means you get renewed confidence and find a fit and good man from your new hobby.

My thoughts exactly.

Your OH is a bit pathetic if he does this. Best to train openly and ignore any stupid comments. What a bully!

Tickledtrout · 28/07/2021 11:43

@Jackgrealishscurtains

Can I just ask, what is it about triathlon that makes it such a 'mid life' sport? Absolutely everyone I know who has really got into it recently is a middle class professional in their forties, but I don't really understand what it is specifically about triathlon that makes it so appealing?

I don't mean that in a horrible way, I'm genuinely curious. Like, am I missing out on something amazing here?!

Good luck OP!

For me it's because I can't run full and half marathons anymore. I've come back to swimming to help with flexibility, sanity etc and open water swimming is more accessible than pool time these days. Cycling easier on the joints. It's social and female friendly.

altiara · 28/07/2021 13:00

I did a sprint (?) triathlon. I swam breast stroke, had a mountain bike… Came last. But I did it. Cycling 20km was boring as hell but running was also bad as had wobbly legs after cycling.

citycitycity · 28/07/2021 16:10

@altiara

I did a sprint (?) triathlon. I swam breast stroke, had a mountain bike… Came last. But I did it. Cycling 20km was boring as hell but running was also bad as had wobbly legs after cycling.

You’re not making it sound like fun 😂

GorgeousLadyofWrestling · 28/07/2021 21:00

I honestly don’t know how people even do a short distance one. I cycle 20km to work - I know hard I find a 5k run, I really do not think I could cycle and then run. Never mind swim!

How do you do a pool one? Do you leg it out the leisure centre and onto your bike??

Original poster

Bryonyshcmyony · 28/07/2021 21:03

@GorgeousLadyofWrestling

I honestly don’t know how people even do a short distance one. I cycle 20km to work - I know hard I find a 5k run, I really do not think I could cycle and then run. Never mind swim!

How do you do a pool one? Do you leg it out the leisure centre and onto your bike??

Yes The one I've picked is only a 12k cycle and a 2.5k run

OP posts:

Notthissticky · 29/07/2021 19:29

Came across this thread last night and I'm going to try and get myself some adult swimming lessons. I can swim and have always liked it, but I only do breast stroke and very slowly. I like the idea of running, but I'm currently almost 15st and never got past week 2 on c25k at 13st before my knees started hurting. I love love love cycling, but more as a means of getting from a to b than as a sport and I don't have any bike at all ATM. So basically what I'm trying to say is thank you for inspiring me to look into taking up a sport again I'm losing weight successfully though I still have a long way to go. Once I'm closer to my goals I'll definitely try running again. Coming across this thread in an open tab just now has also persuaded me not to walk to the corner shop to buy chocolate/ wine after a long day with a poorly kid. Thank you!!!

LaughingLobster · 29/07/2021 19:37

Anything is possible!

I'm 45 and 3 Stone over weight. Hadn't exercised for years!! However in 2017 I did my first 1/2 Ironman!

I wasn't the fastest, didn't have the most expensive equipment and it was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting. However it still is up there with the proudest moments of my life, along with giving birth!

My best advise is to surround yourself with positive, like minded people and DON'T be intimated with anyone's fitness levels! I find it to be the most supportive community.

Good luck, just do it!

horseymum · 30/07/2021 08:31

@Notthissticky Go for it! For some races the run is just 2.5 k, which is totally doable. I'm two stone overweight and the slowest runner in our club but I still enjoy it. I find sessions where they do laps or reps much better than just going for a run. With reps I just do what I can. If they are doing 5x 400 m I just do 3 and finish at the same time! The coach recognizes this and often says the exercise then changes it for me. Front crawl can be more efficient if you get used to it so give it a go.

ThePoint678 · 30/07/2021 08:40

I’m so impressed with you OP. I’d love to aspire to do that. Good for you!

Can I comment on the ‘coming last’ comment though? Who cares if you come last? Someone has to! My daughter competes in a very intense sporting program and her attitude is that ‘someone has to come last so if it’s me, that’s ok’ and I think that’s a fabulous attitude. No I’ve ever judges that person and getting out there is what counts.

Good luck to you!

Changer25 · 08/10/2022 00:21

Did you do this OP??

PrincessButtercupToo · 08/10/2022 00:24

Bryonyshcmyony · 27/07/2021 17:23

To answer the question, no, probably not.

That’s not the right question though. The right question is whether an overweight, unfit 55 year-old can start training for a triathlon and then go on to complete one, and the answer to this is an unequivocal yes; you can.

Stormchaser1502 · 14/10/2022 07:15

Popping on to see if Op did the tri? Inspirational thread

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