At 63, most people would consider slowing down and enjoying quiet activities, but for me, being physically active is a way of life. My new challenge? Training for my first 140.6 triathlon. As a first-time participant in a full distance triathlon at my age, it represents both a physical and mental challenge that I’m eager to accomplish after being bitten by the triathlon bug and completing three 70.3 races in the last year. People often ask why I decided to take on this feat now. The answer is simple: Why not? Throughout my life, I've always been athletically active, but it wasn’t until I discovered triathlon training that I began to see just how transformative physical endurance can be, not just for the body, but for the mind. A few years ago, I was grappling with a deep depression, the result of menopause and the change in lifestyle during the COVID 19 pandemic. It had been a tough period in my life—filled with personal challenges, and I struggled to find my balance and equilibrium, something that had never been an issue. Then, I stumbled upon triathlon training. At first I saw it as a way to feel the endorphin relief from three forms of exercise, but what I didn’t realize was that it would become my lifeline.
The combination of swimming, biking, and running gave me not just a structured path to follow, but a sense of purpose. Every mile I swam, every pedal evolution on the bike, and every step I ran slowly showed me how to emerge from what I called “the hole.” The rhythm of training allowed me to focus on the present moment, clear my mind, and appreciate my healthy body. The physical effort helped release endorphins, which, over time, made me feel stronger—both inside and out.
The progress I made in my fitness wasn’t just about building muscle; it was about rediscovering my resilience and strength. The journey to any triathlon is no small feat, no matter the challenge, physical or mental. It requires consistency, patience, and, above all, listening to your body. I’ve broken my training into manageable phases to ensure steady progress without overloading myself. Swimming comes easy for me because I love the cocoon of the water: pool, lake or river.
I can swim endlessly so I wish this portion of the race was longer. I always come out of the water at the front of the pack only to lose time on the bike. So cycling has become a key part of my training, and I’ve had to build up from medium rides to more demanding, longer distances. I have hills to challenge me but often need motivation for long hours in the seat. Still, the bike is a nice transition from the water and gives me a break from the impact of running while helping me build leg strength and stamina.
I’ve also made sure to work on nutrition strategies, as properly fueling during long bike rides is critical. I still need to work on maintaining hydration during hot, humid conditions as I experienced nausea during races. Running is the most demanding part of triathlons, particularly as it puts a lot of strain on the joints. Still, I enjoy the rhythm of long runs. I’ve learned to take it slow and focus on form, recovery, and consistency rather than speed. Long, steady runs help me build the endurance necessary to tackle the marathon at the end of a triathlon.
Then there is recovery, perhaps the most important aspect of training at my age. Recovery time is longer, and injuries can take more time to heal. I try to prioritize rest days, stretching, foam rolling, and proper nutrition to keep my body in the best possible shape. Endurance training and racing is as much a mental test as a physical one. As an older athlete, I find that a strong mental game is important.
I embrace the fact that my body might feel more fatigued than it did in my 30s and 40s, but I also know that I have the experience and perspective to push through when I feel challenged. Staying positive and focussing on the finish line has been key in keeping my motivation high. Taking on endurance training and triathlons at my age has been transformative, not just physically, but emotionally. Every day is a chance to see what I’m capable of and what my body can do.
There are days when I feel like I’ve hit a wall, but there’s always another day to try again. The community and friendship of other athletes and the knowledge that I'm doing something many my age would never even consider all fuel my determination. When race day arrives, I’ll be ready, not just for the physical demands of the 140.6 distance, but for the sense of accomplishment that comes from taking on the challenge.
And I hope my journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to set a big goal—no matter your age. The human body is capable of more than we think, and it’s only when we push ourselves that we truly realize our full potential.
