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

**Delaney** · 27th February 12, 01:50 PM

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** · 27th February 12, 01:53 PM

Good threads here for DIY training gear:

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

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

**mrdad8802** · 27th February 12, 06:22 PM

Thanks Delaney!!

**o1d_dude** · 27th February 12, 09:36 PM

You're never too old to have a happy childhood.

The story Alan related about talking to the older couple at the games? Well, a number of years ago, Frank Lux and I are throwing in a comp and we start talking to this guy on the other side of the crowd fencing who wants to get involved in the Games.

We sent him over to talk to one of the South Bay throwers, Jim Walker, to take in some practices. One thing led to another and that, boys and girls, is how Alan got HIS start.

**BruceBC** · 27th February 12, 11:56 PM

50 years old here.. just did a 30km crosscountry ski race. Next year hope to do the 90km Vasa Loppet in Sweden.

**xman** · 28th February 12, 12:03 AM

This group of seniors (Dave Samis is a paddling mate of mine) just scaled Kilimanjaro!

**cck** · 28th February 12, 06:45 AM

I did my first triathlon at age 46. Competed on the US Team at the World Championships at age 58-70 and did the Ironman World Championships at 71. Age is not an excuse, it makes the accomplishment even more rewarding.

**GoodGirlGonePlaid** · 29th February 12, 11:45 AM

I started at 37 with zero field or weight training experience.
Granted, I drift from sport to sport, so I was coming for a somewhat athletic background (running, boxing, yoga, walking, hiking, biking, etc.). But, admittedly, this definitely does not come naturally. I'm super sucky but it's so much fun!

I'll admit, it is a bit daunting to see these 20-somethings throw so easily, but that's just the nature of competition I suppose.

**eclarkhb** · 5th March 12, 10:27 AM

I'll be 40 in 2 weeks, I was 39 when I did my 1st games. I think its a great age to get started with a new hobby :-)

As far as getting in shape, I had the same question when I was 38 & decided I might like to start lifting weights for the first time in 20 years. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get stronger & make gains. But in less than 2 years, I've taken my bench from 205->315, my squat from 225->405, and my deadlift from 255->475. And I'm about 15 pounds lighter.

So no, you're not too old to start and yes you can still make gains and improve. Just do some research, figure out your goals and make a plan to get there. The only way I was able to stay motivated was by setting up my workouts so that I was breaking PRs on a regular basis & seeing progress. I highly recommend Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 program (get the book) if you're looking to hit the weights as well.

**Alan H** · 5th March 12, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by eclarkhb

I'll be 40 in 2 weeks, I was 39 when I did my 1st games. I think its a great age to get started with a new hobby :-)

As far as getting in shape, I had the same question when I was 38 & decided I might like to start lifting weights for the first time in 20 years. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get stronger & make gains. But in less than 2 years, I've taken my bench from 205->315, my squat from 225->405, and my deadlift from 255->475. And I'm about 15 pounds lighter.

So no, you're not too old to start and yes you can still make gains and improve. Just do some research, figure out your goals and make a plan to get there. The only way I was able to stay motivated was by setting up my workouts so that I was breaking PRs on a regular basis & seeing progress. I highly recommend Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 program (get the book) if you're looking to hit the weights as well.

2 weeks away from 40??? No WAY!!!

I'd have guessed early 30's. Are you gonna go throw in the Masters? You get to chuck a 42 pounder instead of the 56. Then again, it might be fun to put in a season or two in the B's and play with the young bucks and the 56 pound widowmaker before slacking off with the 40-49's...