My National Senior Games Association (NSGA) Story
Becoming a triathlete in my 50s!
How it all started
In the summer of 2019 while attending a photo club meeting at Fort Snelling State Park, I was talking to Patsy, a member of the club. She mentioned she had just returned from competing in a triathlon at the National Senior Games (NSG) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was inspired. She being in her mid-70s and me being in my mid-50s, I thought to myself – if she can do it, so can I! This is where my journey or maybe my quest began.
Honestly, I really did not have a clue to what this would all entail. I swam competitively in high school, ran in both high school and college and I owned a bike. I thought, this is doable! Then reality crept in. I have not really swum for forty years or even seriously worked out since I retired from the Army 10 years prior. Where do I start?
To start with, I researched the National Senior Games (NSG). I found out that they are held every 2 years. The next one would be held in November 2021 at Fort Lauderdale, FL. Being a resident of Minnesota that sounded very appealing to me. Next, I investigated the race details. It was considered a Sprint Triathlon consisting of a 400-meter swim, 20 Kilometer bike ride and a 5 Kilometer run. So, how do I qualify?
Qualifying Procedures and Rules of Competition Governing the 2021 National Senior Games
I learned from the NSGA’s rules 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.
Being well over 50 years of age, I was good on that requirement, but what about qualifying at a NSGA sanctioned senior games? How would I do that? I learned later that Minnesota holds their own state games in the odd number years for NSG qualification. The next one would be at St Cloud, MN in August 2019. Ok! Wait, they do not have a qualifying triathlon event. Now what?
“Limited Events.”
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 could participate under the “limited” event criteria regardless if a state offers the event or not.
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 far as the triathlon event at the NSGs (400M Swim, 20K Cycling and a 5K Road Race).
Next step
In conclusion, 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! Where should I begin?
