Intro:
Aging athletes talk about it all the time—“We’re getting old.”“Can’t do what I used to.”“Guess my racing days are behind me.”
But most of the time, they’re not actually talking about it.They’re joking. Shrugging it off. Quietly stepping away from the sport they once loved.
But here’s the thing—this phase of the journey deserves just as much intentionality and effort as the ones that came before it.
My Story: From Out of Shape to World Championships
I didn’t grow up a high-level athlete.In fact, I was pretty out of shape.
But I decided to make a change—and over time, I transformed myself into a competitive endurance athlete, chasing world championships and pushing physical limits I didn’t even know I had.
That journey taught me something simple but powerful:You’re never too far gone to become something new.
What Aging Athletes Don’t Always See Coming
Now, as a coach who’s worked with everyone from beginners to Olympians, I know this for sure:Having been on both ends of the spectrum makes me a better guide.
Because I know what it feels like to be discouraged.And I know what it feels like to be hungry for more, even when your body isn’t quite where it used to be.
Here’s what I’ve learned:You can still enjoy endurance sports. You can still race.But as we age, there are things we used to get away with—like skipping strength work, ignoring mobility, or training through fatigue—that now catch up with us.
And they matter.
Why Muscle Is the New PR
Muscle is the organ of longevity.It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting your bones, stabilizing your joints, improving metabolic health, and preserving independence as you age.
The challenge?Putting on strength and gaining muscle might feel like slowing down.You might see your run times drift, or your weight shift upward.But that doesn’t mean you're losing. It means you’re evolving.
Speed is just one variable in the race of life.But so is durability. Energy. Joy. Mobility. Connection. Confidence.
So What Now? Define What Success Looks Like Today
One of the most important shifts aging athletes can make is to redefine success.Not based on what you could do 10 or 15 years ago—but based on what you want your life to feel like 10 or 15 years from now.
Do you want to still be training? Still racing? Still moving with purpose?
Then it’s time to build a training strategy that honors where you are now—not where you used to be.
That’s not giving up. That’s playing the long game.
Final Thoughts
Aging doesn’t mean the end of your athletic identity.But it might mean writing a new chapter—one that includes strength, sustainability, and the kind of wisdom you can only earn through experience.
If you’re navigating that transition and want guidance, I’m here. Not just as a coach, but as someone walking that path too.
You can evolve. You can still chase goals. And you can love the process again.