I'm a small-town Minnesota dietitian and triathlete.
I help endurance athletes reach their performance and body composition goals through a flexible eating style.
As you’ve likely read, my sport of choice is triathlon. Since 2009, I’ve done about 25 races, ranging from sprints all the way up to the full 140.6-mile Ironman. What I really love about the sport is the diverse range of ages in athletes you see out on the course. There are athletes in their 80’s and 90’s doing triathlon! It’s pretty spectacular to be that age and still be so active.
So I’m dedicating this blog post to the aging athlete and their dedication to staying fit and active. The benefits of exercise are endless, not just physically, but mentally, socially and psychologically. I recently spoke with a gentleman on a call who was nearing 60 years old, but he reported that he didn’t feel his age, he felt younger and for the people around him they also comment on how they would have never guessed he was almost 60. Moving your body everyday should always be at the top of the priority list.
From my perspective as a dietitian, there are some nutrition concerns to consider with being an aging athlete and I want to share them with you today. Knowledge is power and taking care of your body through nutrition can help keep you going and feeling great for many years to come.
There are so many amazing aging athletes out there who are truly inspirational and showing that age is just a number (seriously, Google “the Iron Nun”). I very much hope that you continue to be active for as long as you possibly can, and hope that these nutrition tips help you do it successfully!
Athlete Eating Guide
Athlete Grocery Shopping Guide
Race Day: Triathlon Nutrition Planner
Loving your articles and advice! I am a beginner Tri in training with that is over 50 and have had a vsg, so particularly tricky to fuel and hydrate!