3 years ago, I was a 43 y/o rookie. And at 5' 8" (on a good day) and 175 lbs. (again, on a good day), I say go for it. There is so much good information here and on the rest of the web...but my advice, go out and do it. There is nothing like just getting in the mix and then working it out from there. Welcome to the madness and the passion!

-Tim