Jerry Powell
Geeze girls, lighten up.
For Beth and Lisa, the change the race promoter in the district TTT
Championships made in dropping the lower limit for masters women may
have been in part due to my questioning why, if he was starting
masters men at 30, he was starting women masters at 35. It seemed
inconsistent to me. For the record, I suggested that ten year age
groups, for BOTH genders, would be appropriate in a district
championship event. (Even if only 2 teams are entered) At the end of
the day, it's a time trial, and we're all riding against the same
standard. I'd propose a question though: might it might be a whole
lot easier for masters women to fill a masters womens team from each
club if they can recruit 30 year olds?
Incidentally, I'm not sure why comparing 30 to 35 is any more apples
to oranges than is comparing 35 to 40 or comparing any five year gap
in age. I assure you there are thirty five year old athletes, both
genders, competing well in international open events. Heck, there
are 45 year olds riding world class times these days. It's not a
physiology thing, it's a life choices thing. And, at the risk of
sounding self serving (I'm a coach); it's a lack of good coaching.
Jerry Powell (age 59)
USAC Elite Coach
PS... I have no idea who "dab@open" might be, but the post was about
TIME TRIALS. I'm not sure WHAT you, (whoever you are) were talking
about...
I have been silent long enough and I apologize If I am beating an old horse
to death. When I was 30 years old I was a single parent with 2 small
children. I ran races and I cycled and trained all the time. My energy was
pretty high about getting up at 5:00 AM to run and cylcing at night. I
worked 2 jobs full time 40 hours a week and held a part time job of catering
weddings, birthdays, rotary clubs etc in my spare time. It was survival!!!
Now I am 35 and I have earned some very courageous badges of growing older.
Such as cellulite, tiny spider veins and a few extra pounds. Not proud of
these badges just have accepted them.
Today I have 2 teenage daughters and am still happily single. I no longer
run because of too many injuries and it is too hard on my body today. I
still cycle and commute and race when I can between being a Mother. I own
my home now and have a fairly decent job so I don't have to work 2 jobs.
My point.....The difference in age and character between 30 and 35 is like
night and day. What is fair?????
Is it fair to advertise a Women's Masters Class of 35+ and 5 days before the
race change it to 30+? Team Time Trial!!! Let me hear your point of view.
I am NOT whining....I only want to hear your opinions or points of view.
And for the 30 year olds....let me ask you this same question in 5 years.
Beth Whittaker
Age 38
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