62+: What to Expect?
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62+: What to Expect?
I'm turning 62 soon. I've been on and off the bike all my life, with a fairly active biking phase from 48-54, then a few years off (kayaking and canoeing), and back on again starting 14 months ago.
This last phase has been great, starting from having to really work for a 20-miler up to doing my first century since 1997 just last weekend. I've enjoyed seeing steady improvement in both strength and endurance (with still a LOT of room for improvement), and it's very rewarding, but my question is this:
How long can you expect to improve your fitness?
Seeing steady improvement is very motivating, but logic tells me that at some age you are bound to level off, to reach a point of diminishing returns, leading to that inevitable month or year when you look at your stats and realize that the graph has flattened out.
I have no friends my own age who are active in any serious way, and so have no examples to look to. I would love to hear the experiences of some of the seniors here. How long can you expect to keep getting better, what do you do to prolong it, and how do you deal with it when nature inevitably wins and you start to slow down?
(Apologies in advance to those who may find the whole subject painful to consider)
Pete in Atlanta
This last phase has been great, starting from having to really work for a 20-miler up to doing my first century since 1997 just last weekend. I've enjoyed seeing steady improvement in both strength and endurance (with still a LOT of room for improvement), and it's very rewarding, but my question is this:
How long can you expect to improve your fitness?
Seeing steady improvement is very motivating, but logic tells me that at some age you are bound to level off, to reach a point of diminishing returns, leading to that inevitable month or year when you look at your stats and realize that the graph has flattened out.
I have no friends my own age who are active in any serious way, and so have no examples to look to. I would love to hear the experiences of some of the seniors here. How long can you expect to keep getting better, what do you do to prolong it, and how do you deal with it when nature inevitably wins and you start to slow down?
(Apologies in advance to those who may find the whole subject painful to consider)
Pete in Atlanta
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I'm turning 62 soon. I've been on and off the bike all my life, with a fairly active biking phase from 48-54, then a few years off (kayaking and canoeing), and back on again starting 14 months ago.
This last phase has been great, starting from having to really work for a 20-miler up to doing my first century since 1997 just last weekend. I've enjoyed seeing steady improvement in both strength and endurance (with still a LOT of room for improvement), and it's very rewarding, but my question is this:
How long can you expect to improve your fitness?
Seeing steady improvement is very motivating, but logic tells me that at some age you are bound to level off, to reach a point of diminishing returns, leading to that inevitable month or year when you look at your stats and realize that the graph has flattened out.
I have no friends my own age who are active in any serious way, and so have no examples to look to. I would love to hear the experiences of some of the seniors here. How long can you expect to keep getting better, what do you do to prolong it, and how do you deal with it when nature inevitably wins and you start to slow down?
(Apologies in advance to those who may find the whole subject painful to consider)
Pete in Atlanta
This last phase has been great, starting from having to really work for a 20-miler up to doing my first century since 1997 just last weekend. I've enjoyed seeing steady improvement in both strength and endurance (with still a LOT of room for improvement), and it's very rewarding, but my question is this:
How long can you expect to improve your fitness?
Seeing steady improvement is very motivating, but logic tells me that at some age you are bound to level off, to reach a point of diminishing returns, leading to that inevitable month or year when you look at your stats and realize that the graph has flattened out.
I have no friends my own age who are active in any serious way, and so have no examples to look to. I would love to hear the experiences of some of the seniors here. How long can you expect to keep getting better, what do you do to prolong it, and how do you deal with it when nature inevitably wins and you start to slow down?
(Apologies in advance to those who may find the whole subject painful to consider)
Pete in Atlanta
Sorry, you have had it!
Might as well turn your Union Card in, find the rocker and put your feet up and enjoy the boob tube!
A lot of it depends on from where you start. I am almost 70. Last year I started swimming for the first time in my life. So, yes, I have had TREMENDOUS improvement, and, you are right, it is great seeing that. If I had been a championship swimmer all my life, then I would likely see some decline.
I also lift weights. Just 2 months ago, I started an entirely new regime emphasizing endurance over mass strength. And, I have also seen great improvement.
I also have now found different ways to "improve." I.e., my enjoyment of the activity for other reasons than speed or mass. Doing photos of flowers and other things I see as I ride. Leading group rides for other seniors, etc.
If you keep changing your goals and emphases, you can see improvements in ways you might not imagine today.
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I'm turning 62 soon. How long can you expect to improve your fitness?
Seeing steady improvement is very motivating, but logic tells me that at some age you are bound to level off, to reach a point of diminishing returns, leading to that inevitable month or year when you look at your stats and realize that the graph has flattened out.
I have no friends my own age who are active in any serious way, and so have no examples to look to. I would love to hear the experiences of some of the seniors here. How long can you expect to keep getting better, what do you do to prolong it, and how do you deal with it when nature inevitably wins and you start to slow down?
(Apologies in advance to those who may find the whole subject painful to consider)
Pete in Atlanta
Seeing steady improvement is very motivating, but logic tells me that at some age you are bound to level off, to reach a point of diminishing returns, leading to that inevitable month or year when you look at your stats and realize that the graph has flattened out.
I have no friends my own age who are active in any serious way, and so have no examples to look to. I would love to hear the experiences of some of the seniors here. How long can you expect to keep getting better, what do you do to prolong it, and how do you deal with it when nature inevitably wins and you start to slow down?
(Apologies in advance to those who may find the whole subject painful to consider)
Pete in Atlanta
Up till this year I have been able to train through the winter and now my problem is motivation. I have lost a bit over the winter and just can't motivate myself to push myself hard enough to get fitter this year. Mainly becasue I am at a lower base than in other years- but better weather- less commitment at home and a New bike will help.
The weathers here- the home commitment is heavy and I can't decide on the new bike----yet.
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#4
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Turning 62 (jun 09) for me was a significant moment in my life. It was then that I looked into the mirror and honestly asked myself if I wased my youth? But also - I seriously asked the question "what will it feel like when I get Old?"
Its all in the mind. But most older friends and my family history indicate decline starts seriously in the 80's
2200 miles to date, next race TT 16km (10 mile)jul11, Road race 77KM (44mile) jul 12
Its all in the mind. But most older friends and my family history indicate decline starts seriously in the 80's
2200 miles to date, next race TT 16km (10 mile)jul11, Road race 77KM (44mile) jul 12
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Everyone is different. I am 64 and my maximum daily distance has decreased since 2 years ago. My total mileage is up this year, but I am having to ride more days to do it. Some of the people here are superhuman, but not me.
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Hi,
At 64, two year ago, I did a 72 day 3650 self contained cross country ride. Last year a 600 mile tour, this year 3 weeks touring, next year 4 months. There are also thousands of miles of training and fun rides in between these trips. I ride every day that I can, except during the ski season. My point is: You are only as old as you let yourself be.
At 64, two year ago, I did a 72 day 3650 self contained cross country ride. Last year a 600 mile tour, this year 3 weeks touring, next year 4 months. There are also thousands of miles of training and fun rides in between these trips. I ride every day that I can, except during the ski season. My point is: You are only as old as you let yourself be.
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I don't think that the average fitness cyclist can reach a "limit". At age 60, I'm more fit than I was at age 45. Why? Because I am riding more. Two years ago I was able to maintain 18mph for 63 miles. Now I can't. Why? Because I was not diligent in my winter training.
If you consider the limits of human endurance(regardless of age), the average fitness cyclist doesn't even come close to their potential. If you want to see where your potential is, hire a personal coach, and devote your life to training, proper nutrition, weights, etc... You will astound yourself and your friends and family.
Most of us just wish to do our occasional century and enjoy the day without bonking out.
I saw an interview with Greg LeMond and he threw in the towel in his racing career when the TdF competitors were approaching 32mph averages on some mountain stages. He reached his limit and the others weren't yet at theirs. Why? EPO.
If you consider the limits of human endurance(regardless of age), the average fitness cyclist doesn't even come close to their potential. If you want to see where your potential is, hire a personal coach, and devote your life to training, proper nutrition, weights, etc... You will astound yourself and your friends and family.
Most of us just wish to do our occasional century and enjoy the day without bonking out.
I saw an interview with Greg LeMond and he threw in the towel in his racing career when the TdF competitors were approaching 32mph averages on some mountain stages. He reached his limit and the others weren't yet at theirs. Why? EPO.
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I'm 58. I'm just happy if I can keep riding. My fitness level goes up and down depending on how often I can ride. I know I'm not as fast as when I was in my 20's, but I think part of it is that I don't try to ride fast anymore. Long ago I tailored my riding style into one that I can maintain all day. If someone passes me it doesn't bother me and I don't try to catch them. I'm in it for the long haul. I just want to keep riding.
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At 59, returning to cycling at 54, I find the main issue is that my improvement curve has leveled off and no matter how hard I train it does not seem to help. So it looks like my TdF dreams are a bust but what the heck.
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62 year old rider
I am 62 and in good health. I hunt with a bow and arrow and walk miles in the woods to do so. Last year I noticed I was getting out of shape. This year I started riding bike again after a 30 year lay off. Mostly because of the gas prices. In one ride I felt better (MTB). Got a road bike now and my milage is going up and I ride both bikes, mountain for strength and road for distance. Even started a small bike shop behind the house for repar/restore work. Biking has opened up a whole new world for me and I will keep at it till I drop. Good luck.
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My neighbor is a marathon runner in his 70's. He notices declines in performance in 6 months terms. But he still runs at a slower pace.
Fitness can be a relative term. We ask ourselves, "fit for what?"
Fitness can be a relative term. We ask ourselves, "fit for what?"
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Age 60, returned to cycling May 2006 after 5 years.
I am going to discuss sprinting. Sprinting is about strength, power and leg speed (neuromuscular capability). There are many theories about aging. Some believe that we lose strength and speed as we age. If that is true, one could not be a competitive sprinter with younger trained sprinters.
I started racing and training at the track (velodrome) September 2008. My first competition was the US Masters National Championships (September 2008) which by happenstance was hosted at our track. So, I entered the 2K pursuit and 500 meters in the 55 to 59 age group. I did okay in the 2K pursuit beating a few guys but I stunk in the 500 meters (sprint). I was pathetic but I did beat one guy. I avoided DFL.
I began working on my sprinting. At the track, the measure of sprint capability is the flying 200 meters which is a one lap wind up going as fast as you can across a starting line and sprinting for 200 meters. My first attempts were 15.5 seconds - very pathetic.
I have been training / practicing sprinting and track workouts consistently since then. On my 60th birthday this May, I entered an open sprint (all ages and I was the oldest) tournament and clocked a 13.25 time flying 200 meter time. That was good enough to take the top spot in the B round of matched sprint competition i.e. 7th out of 18. The As are the Cat 1/2s and the Bs are the Cat 3/4 racers. 13.25 corresponds to an average speed of 34 mph which is about 800 watts (calculated) of average power over the distance for me. Gearing was a 48/14 with an average cadence of 130 rpm. To say it another way, one needs about 1 horse power to move a bicycle 34 mph.
Each .25 second reduction in time correlates to an increase of ~10% power. Besides increasing power, there are a lot of factors to improving sprint times and technique and practice pay a large part. However, it does take a lot of power to reduce the time just a little.
So in 8 months, I improved my time by 2.25 seconds and competed effectively with the elite (19 to 29) and young master (30+) racers. So for me, I am not losing strength / speed as I age.
So what you should expect? I think it is very individual thing. I do think that if one is disciplined and perseveres, that many things are possible as we age including increasing strength and cycling performance.
I am going to discuss sprinting. Sprinting is about strength, power and leg speed (neuromuscular capability). There are many theories about aging. Some believe that we lose strength and speed as we age. If that is true, one could not be a competitive sprinter with younger trained sprinters.
I started racing and training at the track (velodrome) September 2008. My first competition was the US Masters National Championships (September 2008) which by happenstance was hosted at our track. So, I entered the 2K pursuit and 500 meters in the 55 to 59 age group. I did okay in the 2K pursuit beating a few guys but I stunk in the 500 meters (sprint). I was pathetic but I did beat one guy. I avoided DFL.
I began working on my sprinting. At the track, the measure of sprint capability is the flying 200 meters which is a one lap wind up going as fast as you can across a starting line and sprinting for 200 meters. My first attempts were 15.5 seconds - very pathetic.
I have been training / practicing sprinting and track workouts consistently since then. On my 60th birthday this May, I entered an open sprint (all ages and I was the oldest) tournament and clocked a 13.25 time flying 200 meter time. That was good enough to take the top spot in the B round of matched sprint competition i.e. 7th out of 18. The As are the Cat 1/2s and the Bs are the Cat 3/4 racers. 13.25 corresponds to an average speed of 34 mph which is about 800 watts (calculated) of average power over the distance for me. Gearing was a 48/14 with an average cadence of 130 rpm. To say it another way, one needs about 1 horse power to move a bicycle 34 mph.
Each .25 second reduction in time correlates to an increase of ~10% power. Besides increasing power, there are a lot of factors to improving sprint times and technique and practice pay a large part. However, it does take a lot of power to reduce the time just a little.
So in 8 months, I improved my time by 2.25 seconds and competed effectively with the elite (19 to 29) and young master (30+) racers. So for me, I am not losing strength / speed as I age.
So what you should expect? I think it is very individual thing. I do think that if one is disciplined and perseveres, that many things are possible as we age including increasing strength and cycling performance.
Last edited by Hermes; 06-19-09 at 10:40 AM.
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I'm 62, been riding seriously for about 7 years. Have moved in the last 2 years to an "Active Adult Community" with a very active bike club. Everyone I ride with is age 60-70. The most serious and strongest riders seem to be the ones over 65. I don't feel like I've improved much over the years, but then, I don't really train, just ride. But I can ride 100 miles any time.
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I just turned 62 and I'm entering my third season riding serious road rides. I just had my fastest short distance ride ever. I kept up with the A ride in one of the clubs I ride with at a 19+ pace for 10 miles including a 1.5 mile pull. If I hadn't done a second pull, I might have made 15 miles with them or more. Yes I had to drop back to the B line, but that's OK. Ya gotta start somewhere.
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#18
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I was 1 month shy of turning 66 when I started riding and now I'm 1 month shy of 69. I can now stay with a B group now, they usually run about 17 or 18 mph. With all the people dieing around me, that are younger than me, I think exercises may have something to do with it. I read a good book about exercises and old age and it does work. The book title is "Spark by John Ratey". You really don't have to get the book, just get out and start riding, it does work wonders.
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Turning 62 (jun 09) for me was a significant moment in my life. It was then that I looked into the mirror and honestly asked myself if I wased my youth? But also - I seriously asked the question "what will it feel like when I get Old?"
Its all in the mind. But most older friends and my family history indicate decline starts seriously in the 80's
2200 miles to date, next race TT 16km (10 mile)jul11, Road race 77KM (44mile) jul 12
Its all in the mind. But most older friends and my family history indicate decline starts seriously in the 80's
2200 miles to date, next race TT 16km (10 mile)jul11, Road race 77KM (44mile) jul 12