While talking to the wife of a club member, she mentioned she had just returned from competing in a triathlon at the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was inspired. She being in her mid-70s and me being in my mid-50s at the time, I thought to myself – if she can do it, so can I! Honestly, I really did not have a clue to what this would all entail. However, considering that I swam competitively in high school, ran in both high school and college and that I owned a bike. I thought, this is doable!

I researched the National Senior Games (NSGs). I found out that they are held every 2 years. The next one would be held in November 2021 at Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The Triathlon was considered a Sprint Triathlon consisting of a 400-meter swim, 20 Kilometer bike ride and a 5 Kilometer run. 

From the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) Qualifying Procedures and Rules of Competition Governing the 2021 NSGs, I learned that an athlete MUST qualify for the National Senior Games in even numbered years at an NSGA sanctioned senior games. They must be at least 50 years of age by December 31, 2020, to qualify for the 2021 National Senior Games.  

After further review of the NSGA rules, I discovered the triathlon was considered a “limited event”. The NSGA defines a “limited” event as one in which an athlete can qualify in ways other than by participating in a NSGA qualifying game. The rules for qualifying for the triathlon state that all triathletes can participate under the “limited” event criteria regardless if a state offers the event. Furthermore, Triathlon competitions used for qualifying purposes must adhere to expected standards for the conduct of that sport. All three triathlon elements must be held consecutively on the same day with no scheduled rest periods. Each element must be at least as long as the triathlon event at the NSGs (400M Swim, 20K Cycling and a 5K Road Race). An athlete must submit verification of having completed one triathlon between January 1 and December 31, 2020. I can do this! It was now late Fall of 2019 and time to get a plan! 

I found a qualifying Race! The Fairmont, MN Sprint Triathlon on 20 June 2020 seemed to be the perfect fit for me. The race distances were the same as the NSG Triathlon. They said it was a beginner friendly event and it was outside the Greater Twin City Area which meant fewer participants and less pressure. I registered, received confirmation. 

I found a training plan! The Original 13 Week Sprint Training Plan. The program is not based on speed but on endurance. Its goal is to just get you to finish. It was originally designed for a coach’s mother who was racing her first sprint triathlon. She was 59 years old and started from scratch. Ha – I was only 56. So, if she can do it, so can I!

My sole goal at this point was just to complete my first Sprint Triathlon and qualify for the National Senior Games. After that it would be game on!