Our Stories

Inspiring, information-packed stories of men and women age 50 and over who compete in triathlon and other multisport endurance events.

Triathlon Across the USA

If you are interested in following us on our journey across the USA while doing a triathlon in each state, click here.

Ten Years Later – Pat Johnson’s Triathlon Sequel
Pat Johnson completed her 28th triathlon at age 80. What has caused her to continue in the sport? What has she learned about triathlon over the past decade? A Sequel Story Ten years ago, Pat Johnson completed her first triathlon as part of a promise to her niece, Barb. The Senior Triathletes post titled “At …
I Found ‘Athlete’ In The Words ‘Heart Health’ – David Conover’s Story
Editor’s Note: You may think that any issue with a person’s heart health will end their hopes for triathlon, especially for older athletes. David Conover’s story proves otherwise. I have been blessed to be able to compete in triathlon for over 30 years. More important, for almost 20 of those years I have been able …
Individual Competition, Team Effort – Gene Peters’ Story
Triathlon is a competition involving three activities, usually swimming, biking, and running. The three activities, or legs, are most often performed by an individual. However, reaching the finish line of a triathlon requires training and the support of others, including family and friends. This is Gene Peters’ triathlon story. Gene Peters’ Path to Triathlon Gene’s …
My First Race Of Any Kind – Joe Simonetta’s Story
“The National Senior Games triathlon was the first race of any kind in which I competed in all my life,” wrote Joe Simonetta. How This Post Came About Earlier this year, I received an email from Joe Simonetta, from Sarasota, Florida. He was responding to the ‘welcome email’ sent to new subscribers of the Senior …
America’s Marathon Man Leads Change For Senior Triathletes
A few weeks ago, I received an email from Jerry Dunn. In the message, he described his latest project, one benefiting senior triathletes. What surprised me was seeing the place from which he had sent the message, Rapid City, South Dakota. Why? Because Joy and I had just returned from a short trip to Rapid …
Feeling Young In My 70s – Gary Vicari’s Story
Most people in their 70s, 80s, and beyond who continue to compete in triathlon feel younger physically and mentally compared to their peers. Gary Vicari’s goal is to keep pushing himself to higher levels, balancing his needs as an older athlete with the belief that “you’re only as old as you feel”, Who is Gary …
Exploring the USA Through Triathlon
After completing my first triathlon in 2011, my wife, Joy, and I looked at each other and said, “Why not?”. Why not travel across the USA and complete a triathlon in each state? I was hooked. On triathlon, that is. At that moment, we joined our love for road trips with my interest in triathlon. …
Inspired to Swim, Bike, Run – Pat Hawks’ Triathlon Story
What has inspired Pat Hawks to take part in the sport of triathlon? To answer this, she took me back to her childhood. Growing up in southern California, Pat loved to swim and surf in the Pacific Ocean. She also learned valuable life lessons from a mother who refused to give up, despite serious challenges. …
Triathlon Is Life Changing – Johny Dignam’s Story
For Johny Dignam and his wife, Tracey, triathlon has been life-changing. “My wife Tracey says she waited 30 years for this version of me! I have always had this stored energy in me. The only way I could relax [before triathlon] was with the consumption of large volumes of alcohol.” Johny’s passion and love for …
At What Age Do Senior Triathletes Start Triathlon?
At what age did you start to compete in triathlon? What was the reason? I started wondering when I read an article, which is sad in many ways, titled “Fast Cars, Nips & Tucks, Swim, Bike, and Run? Is The “Midlife Crisis Tri” A Thing?“. Furthermore, was it reasonable to consider getting into triathlon later …
Book Review: Triathlon Story of Senior Triathlete Hilary Topper
Senior triathlete Hilary Topper is a cheerleader for everyone who has ever struggled with self doubt about their ability to take on a new challenge, like doing a triathlon. She has dedicated her story to ‘back-of-the-packers’, those who compete for the thrill of setting and completing a challenging goal with no expectation of winning an …
Racing For Fun – Nikki Austin’s Story
Is it fun to do a triathlon or other multi-sport endurance race? It is the way senior triathlete Nikki Austin does it, with family and friends and in various places she has not previously been. Meet Nikki Austin During most of her week, Dr. Nikki Austin serves as an associate professor in the Department of …
It’s The Journey, Not The Destination – Steve Stewart’s Story
At 70 years old and moving into retirement, I pulled out my bucket list to see ‘Ironman triathlon’ at the top. Before I go any farther, I should let you know that I have a mythical Uncle Max whose philosophy for life was “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing”. Following Max’s approach, I thought …
Triathlon For a Healthy Brain – Pat & Joan Hogan’s Story
The physical exercise that accompanies endurance sports like triathlon supports a healthy brain. Just as our muscles adapt to the stress of weight training to become stronger, our brain adapts to new challenges. Most of us are familiar with some benefits of what Dr. Patrick Hogan calls “challenging exercise”. For example, we know that exercise …
101 Triathlons – John Dean’s Story
Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I do a triathlon”? If you have been thinking about doing your first triathlon or going further with the sport, John Dean is a good guy to know. He has seen and experienced a lot through his 101 (and counting) sprint to Ironman triathlons. I should warn you that …
A Healthy Retirement Plan – Mark Bartolomeo’s Story
Imagine being retired or near retirement and at the start of your first triathlon. Or, the triathlon could be the first of a longer distance. Are you feeling prepared? Or are you worried if you have trained enough? According to Mark Bartolomeo, you can not only feel, but be, mentally and physically prepared for the …
An Unlikely Triathlete – Craig Cross’s Story
Is there certain experience you must have as a senior before competing in your first triathlon? According to Craig Cross, his Scottish ancestry makes him much more likely to be weightlifting than running. Furthermore, before his first triathlon, Craig had only biked – a little. That’s it. The one-two punch of genealogy and inexperience made …
Christmas in October – Paul Zellner’s Story
One way to picture Paul Zellner’s triathlon story is of a dad who became a runner, then followed his daughter into becoming a triathlete. This is an impressive story when you consider his accomplishments in endurance sports over the past 30 years. However, his triathlon journey is much more than about the sport. As you …
Too Stubborn to Quit – Marty Hunter’s Story
Have you thought about doing your first triathlon in your 60s? Marty Hunter did and is now on her way to completing an Ironman 140.6 in her 70s. Introducing Marty Hunter Maureen ‘Marty’ Hunter lives in eastern Washington, in a region often referred to as the inland Pacific Northwest. She is “currently experiencing the joys …
A Special Birthday Present – Juha Makitalo’s Story
Have you asked yourself if you should do your first full Ironman triathlon, even though you are age 50 or over? Juha Makitalo did and decided to go for it. This post contains his story, including the main lessons he learned along the way. Introduction During the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, Juha Makitalo and …
Which Triathlon Has Been Your Favorite?
You have probably been asked about your favorite triathlon, especially if you have completed even a few of them. First, a little background. I did my first triathlon on my doctor’s advice to lose weight and become more fit. However, as I have done more triathlons, spending time with family and friends through these and …
5 Ideas for Staying Young – A Conversation with Tony Schiller
“People give up their youth too quickly”. Tony Schiller’s words resonated, to the point of making me feel guilty. That is precisely what I was doing – giving up my youth with only a little resistance. So, how do we avoid becoming old too quickly? By staying active. Day-in, day-out activity reduces, and sometimes reverses, …
Lessons in Ironman Triathlon Racing – Another Senior Triathlete’s Experience
Laurent Labbe recently finished Ironman Nice, a long course triathlon that boasts swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, biking in the Alps, and running along the French Riviera in Nice’s historic waterfront. While the beautiful venue made the race enjoyable, Nice was even more special for Laurent. It confirmed an Ironman triathlon hydration and nutrition plan …
The Road to Ironman Triathlon – Laurent Labbe’s Story
At age 57, senior triathlete Laurent Labbe continues to prove both to himself and others that he is young in heart and body by competing in Ironman triathlons. But there is more to his story than a personal enjoyment of endurance sports. Laurent has found a way to engage his family, using triathlon to build …
How Seniors Can Prepare for their First Triathlon
By Laurie Larson, Contributor Triathletes of any age who are motivated and self-disciplined can safely and effectively train for a triathlon. Remember that a triathlon is not so much a sport for only the elite, but really it is a hobby that people work into their everyday lives, much like work, family, and routine duties. …
Making Fitness a Lifestyle – Jeanne Minder’s Story
From her earliest memories of growing up in South St. Paul, Minnesota, Jeanne Minder has been active. Her love for moving, whether through biking, running, swimming, walking, skiing, or you-name-it, has led to impressive accomplishments in triathlon. Following is Jeanne’s triathlon story and information about triathlon training for seniors that she shared with Joy and …
“At Age 70, I Had 19 Days To My First Triathlon” – Pat Johnson’s Story
The Villages, Florida – Can you prepare for your first sprint triathlon in less than 30 days, even at age 70? According to Pat Johnson, you can. She did it and is now an advocate for seniors to compete in triathlon. Pat’s story was first published on June 24, 2018. Recently, I contacted her for …
Aging Athletically: Becoming a Sexagenarian and a Triathlete
By Jessica Perkins – In 2014 before my 58th birthday, I made the decision to complete a triathlon before my 60th birthday in June 2016. My decision wasn’t really out of the blue because for many prior birthdays, I always completed a physical challenge, which, for me, equated to feeling alive and functioning. Learning …
What If I Want to Do An Ironman Triathlon? – Tom Lipp’s Story
Senior Triathlete Tom Lipp took the plunge and competed in his first full Ironman triathlon. Is an Ironman triathlon on your ‘bucket list’? Its Starts With Inspiration Track anyone’s start in triathlon or ask them about it. I am sure you will find ‘inspiration’ or some form of the word among the reasons they took part …
“Training for My First Triathlon”- Liz Lawson’s Story
By Liz Lawson – It’s been quite the year so far! I turned 54 last December and little did I know what the coming year would hold for me – training for and completing my first triathlon. Even though I have lived in Raleigh, North Carolina for three years, I am still settling in. Working from …
‘Live Like Josh’ – Terry Seidel’s Story
Terri Seidel’s triathlon story is about training for her first triathlon and, in doing so, pushing herself beyond her ‘comfort zone’. Her story is also about honoring a son by doing something he had thoroughly enjoyed. It was during the TriZou Triathlon that I learned about the Josh Seidel Memorial Foundation. Following the triathlon, Terri …
8 Reasons to Tri in the UK
I was introduced to Sue Faulkner through her story in BBC’s Get Inspired. Her story, titled “Grandmother of six completes first triathlon at 63“, reported how she decided to get involved in triathlon through a classic, “I will, if you will” agreement. The article also described Sue’s training for her first triathlon and her race …
‘Gotta Tri’ – Triathlon in The Villages, Florida
The Villages, Florida, located between Orlando and Ocala in central Florida, is a 55+ community like no other in the USA. To say that residents and visitors of every age and ability are required to stay active is no stretch. Thanks to The Villages Triathlon Club, triathlon is one of the sports growing here. The …
My First Triathlon – Is This How George Plimpton Felt?
What began as a way of losing weight and improving my physical health has led Joy and me across the USA as a triathlete and to SeniorTriathletes.com.
Seniors are Increasingly Using Triathlon to Stay Fit . . . and Social
Triathlon is for Seniors Triathlon is changing the lives of many seniors – men and women alike. According to Bob Wendling, president of USA Triathlon, the number of older athletes competing in sprint triathlons has “absolutely exploded in the last six years.” Triathlon is as much for seniors as for younger people.
Senior Triathlete Wins Women’s Division of National Winter Triathlon
Senior triathlete Jan Guenther was the winner of the women’s division in the first USAT-sanctioned National Winter Triathlon Championship held January 31, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. The senior triathlete men also turned in credible performances to well represent the senior triathlete community.