Root Question: What is a semi-challenging endurance event an older (55) person can put on the calendar to increase motivation for training (currently considering Badwater 267 VR)?
Meandering Background:
Currently looking at the Badwater 267 VR, which is basically completing 267 miles over 30 days, different points for different sports, I would plan on averaging ~ 7 miles running and 1 mile swimming per day and logging miles via Garmin/Strava, etc. I completely get this is a mild/standard training month for many on this site.
Any other ideas that may be a bit more challenging but factor in the following criteria?
Meandering Background:
- 55 years old, male, 5’10, 226 pounds (was 255 early January)
- Former D1 swimmer, decent runner, horrendous cyclist
- Long history of getting into competitive shape ~ every 10 years, staying in shape ~4 years, and basically no exercise the other 6ish years (no need to focus on this, completely aware how idiotic it is). Every time I work to get back in shape I schedule a key race for motivation (Ironman, Marathon, etc). The concern this time is age, 2 of my best friends (both were in incredible shape, world class pole vaulter and 2:55 marathoner at age 53) have recently had major strokes. My resting heart rate is naturally low (35 in shape, 45 at the moment) and I am paranoid to not push it to hard (I remember reading on a different thread a gentleman stating that he “cruised” through an IM). Historically competed at ~ 165 lbs depending on the event.
- Swim: 1 mile per day (5 x week), very slow (basically floating), 50%/50% freestyle/breastroke, will mix in backstroke soon and fly mid term. Considering joining Masters group but swimming is the one sport where I can get my heart rate high (140+) and almost impossible to not “compete” in practice.
- Run: Walk, crawl, shuffle, periodic jogging type motion 8-10 miles per week.
- Cycling: horrendous, abhor indoors and too many close calls outdoors. Sold my old P3 and vintage Cannondale road bikes.
- Strength Training: Lift light weights 30 minutes (primarily Nautilus 5 x week) mainly to avoid injuries, it takes ~ 3 months to get my shoulders and lower back into decent swim shape.
- Body weight:[/url] Losing 5-6 lbs per week, easy when this overweight, actually trying to decrease weight loss slightly. In any event this will slow down when I get around 200 lbs.
Currently looking at the Badwater 267 VR, which is basically completing 267 miles over 30 days, different points for different sports, I would plan on averaging ~ 7 miles running and 1 mile swimming per day and logging miles via Garmin/Strava, etc. I completely get this is a mild/standard training month for many on this site.
Any other ideas that may be a bit more challenging but factor in the following criteria?
- Endurance related
- Maintain relatively low heart rate
- United States / Domestic
- Cycling not preferred
- Not a fan of cold weather sports
- Not interested at all in Masters swim meets, my heartrate would be through the roof