Is 41 to old to get back in shape and start highland games?

[mrdad8802]

Just wondering if anyone thinks that 41 is to old to get back in shape and start competing in highland games? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[flyrod6057]

Man, I hope not... I'm 42 and while I'm not bucking for a slot at the Highland Games, I do intend to raise the bar a few more times before they put me out to pasture...

[Alan H]

I started when I was 49.

This past year I was at the Woodland Games on Saturday to cheer on some C class athletes and Bethany Owen. I got to talking to an "older couple" and finally, late in the afternoon, the gentleman turned to me and asked how he might get involved. So I told him about our practice group. He started driving down, and I don't think he missed more than one or two practices all summer. Sure, he didn't win a mess of medals, but he's DOING IT. He's out on the field throwing. His wife thinks he's a stud. HE IS A STUD.

....and Ted is 64 years old

[xman]

I started competitive Dragon Boating last year at 44. Yer still a pup.

[mrdad8802]

Thank you to those who have replied. The only Highland games that I know of here in Arkansas is at Lyon's College in the spring. Want to get started training ASAP. Anyone have a good routine to advise me to be trying? I'm not worried about winning, I just like to lift heavy things and want to do as good as I can.

[Alan H]

Start slowish, in the gym. Do NOT immediately start out by pushing big weight, if you haven't been doing it.

Aside from that, you have a whole "off season workout" thread here that describes, in detail, the workout regimes of three athletes. That's a great place to start.

Basic principles.

A.) squat ... front squat, back squat, zercher sqat, whatever
B.) push something...flat bench, incline bench, pushups, whatever.
C.) pull something ... bench rows, rowing machine, whatever
D.) press weight overhead
E.) do rotational core stuff...landmines, russian twists, core crushers, slosh pipe
F.) deadlift ... but don't go nuts with this, or your back will suffer.

There is little point in developing a gigantic 500+ pound deadlift or 400+ pound squat if you aren't well on the way towards that, anyway. Instead, start slow and pick achievable goals.

And move some weight fast! This is important.

snatch...clean... high pulls. Do 'em.

----> AND THROW. The most important thing, is to throw. So buy/make/borrow/cobble together some gear and start throwing it.

Games?

http://tennesseevalleyscottishsociet...h-Festival.htm

http://www.celticalabama.net/ACAevents.html

I don't know if this outfit in Louisiana has athletics at their event...

http://www.celticnationsworld.org/

[mrdad8802]

Thanks Alan H. Can you send me some places where I can go tp find Games implements or to make them?

[Delaney]

I am 43 and training to compete in the Highland Games for the first time this year. The training is an awesome lifestyle choice for one, I love the tradition itself, and there's nothing for me like having a goal that drives me every day. The veteranos on this forum and the athletes I am connecting with here in Minnesota are a very, very supportive and motivated bunch. All of this is to say (to quote Henry Rollins) ... "Don't think about it, DO IT!"

[Delaney]

Good threads here for DIY training gear:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...6/#post1069415

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...7/#post1069693

[mrdad8802]

Thanks Delaney!!