"Non-athletic." That's how 61-year-old Catherine Thomas described herself to me. As we began her interview so I could share her story of starting to train for a triathlon after 60, she told me she'd been a smoker for 45 years. 

Three years ago she quit. She had, that pivotal moment when she wasn't "trying to quit," she did. It was then that she began riding her bike. 

Questions we answer in this episode: 

How did she change her habit?

How did she overcome the triggers to smoke? 

What else had to go?

What it was like beginning to train for triathlon as a new-comer after 60?

Catherine's picture appears above, on the right her image today of an after 60 athlete. 

At any age a body composition of 20% is impressive. After 60, it's rare. The important thing to remember is Catherine didn't start to lose weight, wasn't focused on weight loss, she was focused on quitting smoking, then on getting to a starting line. 

She bypassed the scale and yet made much progress. 

If you let yourself believe there is significance to your age there is and if you don't let it dictate what you can do you'll be right either way. There is biology in your beliefs. There is regeneration that is possible in the body. It can heal itself given the opportunity. From smoking, excess weight, emotional eating, sedentary lifestyle ... there's no such thing as "too late" unless you want there to be. 

Before 60 or after 60, you've got the ability to choose. 

Additional Resources: 

Flipping 50 TV episode 27

(answered Catherine's question about nutrition needs during endurance training)

28-Day Kickstart 

(bump your nutrition know-how and find your personal blueprint) 

Losing 75 Pounds after 60

8 Ironmans in 4 Years After 60

Please respond to this podcast. Tell us if you too would like to connect with a virtual coaching community to get you to your first triathlon starting line.