Joy and I are honored to share that our 12-year adventure to complete a triathlon in every U.S. state has been featured in Triathlete magazine.
The article, “One Couple’s Love of Adventure and a 50-State Triathlon Odyssey,” highlights how a simple idea after my first triathlon in 2011 grew into a journey that took us across the country. Along the way, we discovered new places, built lasting friendships, and deepened our marriage partnership through triathlon and travel.
Themes from Our Adventure Reported in the Article
Some of the storylines you’ll find in the article include:
The surprises we found at each race, such as with flat tires or whitewater river kayaking instead of swimming, which broke my own “no firsts on race day” rule.
Joy’s role not only as travel planner and cheerleader, but also as a volunteer at many of the races.
How the triathlon community became family to us, offering encouragement at every stage of the journey.
If this story resonates with you and you’d like to learn more of the behind-the-scenes details—about the people we met, the places we explored, and the challenges and triumphs along the way—I’ve written about it in my memoir, Triathlon Adventures Across America: Swimming, Biking, Running, and Making Memories Together.
A special thanks to Sarah Gordon for her work in writing the Triathlete Magazine article. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our journey with a wider audience. We also hope it inspires you to keep seeking new adventures—whatever stage of life you’re in.
In 2023, I introduced readers to Joe Simonetta, who, at age 80, competed in his first-ever race of any kind—a triathlon, no less—and won gold in his age group at the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh. You can read that story here: My First Race of Any Kind: Triathlon – Joe Simonetta’s Story.
Two years later, Joe returned to the National Senior Games, this time in West Des Moines, Iowa, for the 2025 edition of the triathlon—and once again, he came out on top in the Men’s 80-84 age group.
“I previously won in 2023 in Pittsburgh—so this was a successful title defense,” Joe wrote in an email following the event. While it’s easy to focus on his back-to-back gold medals, Joe’s story is about much more than podium finishes. It’s about the spirit of healthy aging, embracing new adventures later in life, and finding joy in competition and camaraderie.
Extra Rain Forces Change
The 2025 National Senior Games’ triathlon reminded competitors of the importance of adaptability. Because of the heavy rainfall leading up to the event, the lake used for the swim leg recorded high E. coli levels. This forced race organizers to change the race, replacing the 400-meter swim with a one-mile run on a course separate from the 3.1 mile (5 km) course for the third leg of the triathlon. Fortunately, the organizers adapted quickly, making sure all participants knew the change well in advance so there was no confusion on race morning.
Therefore, the format for this triathlon became:
1-mile (1.6 km) run
12.4-mile (20 km) bike
3.1-mile (5 km) run
Joe Simonetta awaits the start of the 2025 National Senior Games triathlon.
A Dry Start
Joe came to Des Moines determined to defend his 2023 win. “I had more knowledge and experience this time. I improved my swim stroke and planned to use a wetsuit for the first time.” He had also included more interval work in his run training until calf injuries slowed him down.
He also bought a quality road bike for training and racing—unlike in Pittsburgh, where he rented a less competitive bike. Other changes included racing in a tri suit and using a bib holder race belt to reduce his transition times.
The race began at 7:40 am under clear skies and cool temperatures in the high 50s. Joe described the pre-race atmosphere as calm and friendly, with athletes chatting and volunteers offering encouragement. “There was an undercurrent of excitement as we all knew we’d be starting differently than planned,” he said.
Joe admitted his disappointment at not using his swim training in this race. He was also concerned about the additional running. “Heading into the race, I was concerned about the 5k run because I had been dealing with calf injuries in both legs that had severely limited my run training.” While he had recovered from the injuries using rest, massage gun therapy, magnesium glycinate, compression sleeves, and pickle juice, he ran with greater caution.
Still, the modified format made for an interesting challenge. “It was a fast start that got everyone’s heart rate up right away,” he recalled. Joe said that he ran the 1-mile and the 5k at a conservative pace to avoid a recurrence of injury. After the race, he said that he could have run a bit faster without risking injury.
Hills, Lakes, and Tree-Lined Trails
According to Joe, the bike leg was “hilly and challenging,” featuring several long, gradual climbs that tested endurance, plus a few short, steeper sections that forced competitors to dig deep. “The downhill sections were fast and exhilarating, but you had to stay alert,” he explained. “The course was well-marked and well-monitored by volunteers and law enforcement, which made it feel safe despite the traffic on some stretches.”
The final 5-km run looped around a picturesque lake inside West Des Moines’ Raccoon River Park. Joe described it as a pleasant mix of shaded, tree-lined paths and open sections that offered sweeping lake views. “It was a beautiful setting,” he said, noting that the scenery helped distract him from fatigue during the last miles.
A Competitive But Friendly Race Atmosphere
Joe was quick to highlight the volunteers and organizers, who made the event run smoothly, even with the late change to the racecourse. “Everything was well-organized, and the staff and volunteers were friendly and responsive—both on site and via email before the event. The overall atmosphere was positive and supportive.”
This atmosphere continued throughout the race. Despite the Senior Games triathletes being serious and competitive, they were also friendly. “While everyone was pushing hard during the bike and run, words of encouragement were common.”
A Familiar Rival and a Warm Finish
At the awards ceremony, Joe was seen shaking hands with second-place finisher Rob Norris from Michigan—a fellow triathlete with whom he’s now shared three race start lines.
Joe recalled that Rob was also his main competitor in Pittsburgh in 2023. “We’ve developed a friendly rivalry,” Joe said. “Seeing familiar faces out here makes it even more enjoyable.”
Joe Simonetta and Rob Norris share congratulations on finishing the 2025 National Senior Games triathlon.
That handshake wasn’t just a sportsmanlike gesture. It celebrated persistence, sportsmanship, and the connections formed through shared challenges.
A Laid-Back, Hassle-Free Venue
Joe also had high praise for West Des Moines, Iowa, as a host city. “From the easy-to-navigate Des Moines airport, to the excellent bike rental shop, to my hotel and the race venue—all close to one another—it was hassle-free.” Joe characterized West Des Moines as wholesome, open, and relaxed, with lots of green in the hillsides, forests, and cornfields.
“The people I met were friendly, and the pace of life felt more laid-back than in many places.”
Still Inspired
Joe’s performance in 2025 is impressive, but what’s more powerful is the example he continues to set. In his words, “The goal is to keep moving, keep challenging yourself, and enjoy the process.”
Whether you’re 58 or 85, getting started is always worth it. Joe’s first race was at 80. His second gold came at 82.
To learn more about the National Senior Games and how you can get involved, visit the official NSGA website.
Were You In Des Moines?
Let us know in the Comments if you attended the 2025 National Senior Games either as a participant, volunteer, or spectator.
Comments: Please note that I review all comments before they are posted. You will be notified by email when your comment is approved. Even if you do not submit a comment, you may subscribe to be notified when a comment is published.
A search on “foam rolling for endurance athletes” and “massage gun therapy for endurance athletes” reveals hundreds of studies and expert reviews. Meta-analyses are especially common because individual studies often report inconsistent results and have small sample sizes. These tools are widely used in sports and rehab settings, but protocols, target muscles, and outcome measures (e.g., flexibility, pain, or performance) vary greatly. Meta-analyses allow researchers to pool results, improve statistical power, and draw more reliable conclusions. They also help identify best practices and clarify how these tools affect performance and recovery—particularly relevant given the growing use of both foam rollers and massage guns.
Foam Rolling: What the Meta-Analyses Show
A 2020 meta-analysis by Skinner et al. reviewed 32 studies and concluded that foam rolling can increase range of motion (ROM), aid recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, and does not negatively impact athletic performance. However, except for improvements in ROM, evidence of direct performance benefits was limited. [1]
Another meta-analysis by Wiewelhove et al. (2019) compared pre- and post-exercise foam rolling. The authors found that while effects on performance and recovery were minor and often negligible, foam rolling may still increase sprint performance, flexibility, and reduce muscle pain. They suggested it is best used as a warm-up rather than recovery tool. [2]
Wilke et al. (2020) analyzed 26 trials and confirmed that foam rolling significantly improves acute joint ROM, reinforcing its usefulness as a flexibility-enhancing intervention. [3]
Massage Guns: Insights from Systematic Reviews
Martin (2021) emphasized that percussion massage guns are best used during a warm-up to increase ROM and reduce perceived fatigue without impairing muscle function. He also noted their utility between sets during resistance training. [4]
A 2023 systematic review by Ferreira et al. found that massage guns can improve short-term flexibility, ROM, and perceived recovery but are not effective for improving strength, agility, or explosive movements. [5]
Similarly, Cheatham et al. (2023) confirmed benefits for ROM and stiffness reduction, while Sams et al. (2023) highlighted improvements in musculoskeletal performance and pain reduction. [6][7]
In a 2024 randomized controlled trial, Ahmed et al. compared massage therapy, foam rolling, and stretching. They found that while all three improved ROM, massage therapy led to the greatest improvements, primarily by reducing muscle stiffness and pain perception. [8]
Nevin et al. (2025) also showed percussion therapy was as effective as manual stretching in improving hamstring length. [9]
Summary of Scientific Findings
Across multiple high-quality reviews and trials, both foam rolling and massage gun therapy improve range of motion and help reduce muscle stiffness. The one caveat is that most studies involved younger adults and not specifically on triathletes age 50+.
Foam rolling appears particularly useful when integrated into a warm-up, especially for improving flexibility without harming performance. Massage guns offer rapid, targeted relief, especially for reducing fatigue and enhancing mobility before strength training or competition. While neither tool consistently enhances strength or explosive performance, their roles in recovery and warm-up protocols are well-supported. For older triathletes, both can be valuable—used correctly, they reduce soreness, improve flexibility, and support consistency in training.
References
Skinner, B., et al. “A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of foam rolling on range of motion, recovery and markers of athletic performance.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 24, no. 3 (2020): 105-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.02.003
Wiewelhove, T., et al. “A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Foam Rolling on Performance and Recovery.” Frontiers in Physiology 10 (2019): 376. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00376
Wilke, J., et al. “Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Multilevel Meta-analysis.” Sports Medicine 50, no. 2 (2020): 387-402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01205-7
Martin, J. “A critical evaluation of percussion massage gun devices as a rehabilitation tool focusing on lower limb mobility: A literature review.” OSF Preprints (2021). https://doi.org/10.31236/osf.io/j9ya8
Ferreira, R. M., et al. “The Effects of Massage Guns on Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 8, no. 3 (2023): 138. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030138
Cheatham, S. W., et al. “The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release Using a Percussive Massage Device.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 32 (2023): 123-129.
Sams, L., et al. “The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 18, no. 2 (2023): 309-327. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.73795
Ahmed, S., et al. “The comparison of the effects of percussive massage therapy, foam rolling and hamstring stretching on flexibility, knee range of motion, and jumping performance in junior athletes: a randomized controlled trial.” Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy 29, no. 44 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-024-00211-9
Nevin, N., et al. “The Comparison of Mechanical Percussion Therapy and Manual Stretching on Hamstring Length.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 20, no. 4 (2025): 553-561. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.130907
Editor’s note: The return of senior triathlete Mike Battersby to Ironman triathlon racing highlights commitment, a willingness to learn, and mental toughness.
From Yorkshire to Singapore—and Into the World of Triathlon
I’m Mike Battersby, a senior triathlete age 68, based in Singapore though originally from Yorkshire, UK. I’ve been married to Lee for 46 years. We have two daughters and three beautiful grandchildren. Before retirement, I worked for a U.S. software company covering the Asia-Pacific region. These days, I keep busy cycling, running, staying fit, and diving into photography.
My guiding principle is simple: fit body, fit mind. I’ve always believed in the power of one’s mind and positive thinking—and triathlon has brought that to life in ways I never imagined.
A Comeback Story Rooted in Challenge
My journey into triathlon wasn’t driven by competition, but by necessity. In my late 40s, I was obese, suffering from chronic hip bursitis, and at one point, nearly immobile—relying on crutches and even a wheelchair. Cycling became my recovery tool. From there, I worked my way up to a sprint triathlon in Singapore in 2007.
I kept going after that first triathlon. Between 2007 and 2011, I did 11 triathlons of a mix of Sprint, Olympic, and half-Ironman distances. This included the World Championships at Ironman 70.3 Clearwater (Florida) in 2009. I also finished three long course cycling races, two full marathons, and one duathlon. All but the one in Florida were in Singapore, Malaysia, or Indonesia.
Then, in 2012 I did Ironman Texas. Over the next twelve years, I did Ironman 70.3 Bintan in Indonesia three times, and five long course cycling races, including one in Australia.
I figured that Ironman Texas was my “one and done.” Until 2024.
Guinness, Old Friends, and One Bold Commitment
Fast forward from 13 years from the 2012 Ironman Texas. Over a couple of pints with my old friend Rick (with whom I finished Ironman Texas in 2012) during his 2024 visit to Singapore, I learned he was planning to return—this time to support his son Lachlan, who’d taken up Ironman racing himself and doing well in the sport.
Two pints in, I looked Rick in the eye and said, “I’m in.” That moment lit the spark. It gave me the perfect reason and excuse to chase one more Ironman and support a friend and his son in the process.
Back home, I told Lee, and as always, she was fully supportive. The only request from my family: “Do it right. And do it safely.”
TriDot Coaching and Training After 50
Until October 2024, I was largely self-trained, doing most of my training in Singapore with different riding and running groups. I did swim training by myself. However, for the upcoming Ironman Texas, I knew I needed a smarter approach than before. That’s when I reached out to SeniorTriathletes.com, and Terry VanderWert connected me with Coach Kurt Madden, TriDot’s Director of Coach Development.
I was skeptical of remote coaching at first because my earlier experience with it hadn’t worked. However, the first Zoom call with Kurt changed everything.
Kurt was the real deal—close to my age, still racing Ironmans, and full of grounded wisdom. He wasn’t selling a cookie-cutter training plan. After the call, the three of us – Rick, Lachlan, and I – signed up with Kurt as our coach and began using the TriDot AI training platform.
With TriDot, our training was:
Data-driven (using my Garmin and Wahoo devices)
Personalized to my performance and recovery levels
Adaptive, based on my needs as a senior triathlete
Coach Kurt held weekly Zoom calls with us to tweak training, to address physical limitations, aches, and challenges, and to keep us on track. The structure, feedback, and accountability tailored to our individual needs was a massive improvement over my earlier self-coached years and previous generic remote coaching. Looking back, committing to Kurt and TriDot was one of the smartest decisions I made on this comeback journey.
A Week in My Ironman Training Plan
Every day began with my wife asking, “What’s your schedule today?” I stuck to the plan with military discipline, missing only one session over several months.
I followed Kurt’s advice closely: believe in and follow the plan, even when you feel you could push harder—stay with the plan. The time I didn’t and did an extra run, I pulled a hamstring.
Here’s what my weeks looked like:
Endurance & interval workouts across swim, bike, and run
Strength and mobility training at home or the gym
Early morning long rides, starting at 4 a.m. to beat the tropical Singapore heat. Navigating hundreds of traffic lights during longer outdoor rides around the island added an extra layer of challenge and focus.
Trail runs, stadium track intervals (to build leg strength), treadmill sessions, and bricks, sometimes in temps over 40°C (104°F)
Indoor cycling with a Wahoo Kickr
All training was solo, demanding high self-motivation
Training peaked at just over 15 hours per week, with no rest days toward the end.
Map showing the 112-mile bike course used for Ironman training.
Ironman Texas 2025: Race Day Reality
The swim was my biggest anxiety. I’m a slow swimmer by nature, but the extra training Kurt had put in the schedule paid off. I hit my predicted swim time almost exactly and came out of the water with a great mental boost.
The bike course, a flat two-lap stretch along the Hardy Toll Highway, tested my mental strength. A brutal headwind on the outbound leg and the loss of my Special Needs bag for hydration and nutrition meant I had to rely on scavenged nutrition from volunteers.
The run started strong, but around mile 10, my lower back went into spasm. Each step became more painful, and I alternated between running and walking. My focus became survival—I aimed to reach mile 18 before the cutoff and made it with time to spare.
By mile 22, unable to straighten up without triggering more pain, I continued by adopting a “Quasimodo” shuffle to keep moving forward. At this point, I had some ugly thoughts going through my mind. First, I was angry with myself for not doing more back and core strength training. I also began to doubt myself. I started thinking of what I’d say if I didn’t make the 17-hour cutoff. Fortunately, I realized what was happening, and quickly thought of something different. I had to Finish.
Coming up to mile 23, I saw Rick, his wife Deanne, and my wife Lee waiting on a bench. Bent over and in visible agony, I avoided eye contact with Lee, fearing she might stop me if she saw how bad I looked. I waved, stayed focused forward, and pushed on.
Then, somewhere near the final water station, a volunteer shouted, “Here he comes—he’s still going!” That made me laugh. “You bet your bottom dollar I am,” I thought.
I crossed the finish line 11 minutes before the cutoff, bent over, in pain—but elated. One of the volunteers who helped me across was the race winner, still there 10 hours later, supporting other finishers. That’s the spirit of Ironman.
Mike Battersby on the bike course at Ironman Texas 2025
Lessons Learned as a Senior Triathlete
My experience over the past year taught me important lessons.
Invest in a Coach
Kurt Madden taught me so many things I hadn’t considered, he taught me to train safely, train effectively and how to unlearn bad habits Together we developed a dynamic training plan that was specifically tailored in order to reach my goal of finishing the Ironman safely.
Trust your Training Plan
Follow your training plan. And, don’t over train. Remember that when one is feeling good, we are most vulnerable to injury. Don’t neglect Strength and Mobility Training.
Nutrition and Hydration
Fueling properly before, during, and after training sessions is non-negotiable—this was one of the biggest eye-openers for me. Kurt also introduced me to Vespa Nutrition, a unique supplement derived from wasp extract that helps optimise fat metabolism for endurance performance. After speaking with Peter Defty, the president of Vespa, I decided to give it a try and found it to be a game changer in both my training and on race day. It made a significant difference to my recovery.
During training, ensuring your diet is optimised so you have the energy to recover is just as important. My doctor, Dr Chong, introduced me to two Swiss supplements: Celergen and NGF, both of which I took to aid my recovery and, I believe, had a positive impact on my overall performance and ability to bounce back between sessions.
Quality Sleep, Rest & Recovery
These are vital, especially as an older athlete.
Equipment
Invest in the right equipment in order to fully measure your metrics, If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.
Racing
Run your own race, follow your plan, stay calm, and adapt to your body’s signals
The Greatest Benefit of Triathlon: Reclaiming “I Do”
Thanks to triathlon, I no longer say, “I used to…” I’m actively doing.
I’m stronger, more mobile, and more confident than I’ve been in decades. I’ve reconnected with old friends and rediscovered the joy of being part of the triathlon community. And yes—there might even be more Ironman 70.3 races in my future.
Thanks to triathlon, I no longer say, “I used to…” I’m actively doing.
Mike Battersby
Advice for Triathletes Over 50
If you think you can—you can. Belief is the first and most important step.
Don’t quit at the first hurdle. When someone says “no,” don’t treat it as final. And, ignore the naysayers. Don’t let others steal your dream.
If you’re dealing with an injury, don’t use it as an excuse. Seek several professional opinions. Look for others who’ve recovered from similar injuries—especially with alternative approaches like compensatory muscle training.
Find and invest in a coach of similar age who truly walks the talk and who uses a smart, AI-driven platform like TriDot for tailored training. Be coachable; listen, apply, and stay consistent. Also, be ready to let go of what you think you know and embrace new tools and methods.
Listen to your body. Don’t adopt a no pain, no gain attitude. As you get older, it hurts!
Stay curious, keep learning, and never give in. As Churchill said, “Never, never, never give in…” And, as I always say …., “Onwards & Upwards, ALWAYS!”
Have Questions for Mike Battersby? Leave Them in the Comments Below
Comments: Please note that I review all comments before they are posted. You will be notified by email when your comment is approved. Even if you do not submit a comment, you may subscribe to be notified when a comment is published.
