Racing and age, hints and tips please?

[dodgyknee]

as i approach 49 and still race
is there anyone here who can give sound advice
as how to approach racing as a older rider?
for instance do you train less or more?
i manage to keep my weight the same as my younger years so not much i can do there, any advice gratefully recieved, (no spanish steak recipes or dodgy supplements please ).

andy

 

[rhubroma]

Weight is perhaps the biggest factor and so too is mental outlook.

At your age, Methuselah , to avoid burnout, you should probably concede yourself a rest day when you really don't feel like going out, without feeling guilty about it in the slightest.

I know a guy your age in Italy that takes this approach, he also happens to be a former world champion on the track, though this shouldn't matter, and the days when he is fresh he can still kick riders' a$$es who are 20 years his younger out on the roads.

 

[dodgyknee]

thanks

methusalah

 

[Master50]

Recovery becomes the biggest consideration for training as we age. It can require more directed and careful training and longer rest periods. I often must reduce the number of riding days as I build my fitness.

 

[markrosen]

Recovery becomes the biggest consideration for training as we age. It can require more directed and careful training and longer rest periods. I often must reduce the number of riding days as I build my fitness.

+1 Agree w/ Master50 that you need to have recovery days. As a 55 yr Master rider, I find that 3 days of intensity (racing or training) is my limit regardless how well my base fitness is. Finding a balance in your life (job, family, social & sport activities) helps put your mind at ease. You can not change yesterday, but you can plan ahead.

 

[Tapeworm]

Whilst oft discussed the issue of weight training and cycling has far more relevance to older cyclists. It still won't help you go faster but there are numerous benefits that can be gained. The odd run will be good for you too. Try to consider these activities as an "as well as" and not "instead of" your cycling training.

That's the great thing about cycling, even the oldies can still kick it. Had my *** beat by a 56yr old a while back in a TT, he told me "Cmon, keep up, I'm just an old man!" as he pedaled away from me on a hill. Yes he was a Masters National Champ, but still...

 

[brianf7]

You are still working full time unlike myself who is retired so 4 days a week is enough while racing that includes racing.

I can go home after a ride and go to bed for 1 hour you probably have to go to work but even then 8 hours a week total is enough after 50yo.
any more is counter productive.
forget the spanish steak try the australian ice cream listed is another CN forum

 

[Alex Simmons/RST]

It really depends on what your goals are. If it's just racing for fun and fitness, then just do what you enjoy.

If however you still have a strong competitive desire and are seeking to maximise your performance, then there is nothing wrong with training as hard as ever and making some sacrifices along the way.

Plenty of 50+ riders who train a LOT*, and have developed very powerful engines by doing so.

What path you take depends a lot on your outlook on the sport and rest of your life.


* e.g. 4.5-5.0W/kg riders with chronic training loads > 120 TSS/day

 

[dodgyknee]

thanks guys,

I am around 10 stone 8Ibs(less two pounds mid summer) and 5'9" in height
i think my weight is ok, and in the summer 4 days including racing is my max, still trying to be competetive against younger riders and just looking for good advice,
and some good stuff being written here,
dont know if i could squeeze in the weight training but could maybe do some at home? if anyone can point me to some stuff i could do!.

andy

 

[Tapeworm]

I like to keep weight training simple. Squat (low back and deep), deadlift, bench, shoulder press, heaves. Look up Rippetoe and Starting Strength.

 

[Boeing]

get a testosterone patch from your doc. tell them to include a testosterone test in your next blood work. If it is law at all tell them you are having trouble in bed. that way it is at least somewhat symptomatic and the probability you with get one increases.