Infotainment for Americans 50+

Plano/Richardson daily on Time Warner Cable Channel A-14 at
Mon, 2:30pm — Tues, 8:00pm — Wed, 6:00pm — Thur, 8:30pm — Fri, 6:30pm

PREPARE TO TRI-UMPH

IT STARTS WITH ATTITUDE

By

Dee Taylor

"SIZZLIN´ SENIORS"

Television Programming

I can hear you asking, "Just what is the Tri-umph Classic Triathlon anyway?" The AARP Tri-umph Classic is a 50+ swim, bike, run event. You can get in shape, stay in shape and have some fun, all at once. With the appropriate preparation and attitude, it is one you and your friends and family can do together, or you may just want to be there to cheer them on.

AARP feels this activity can encourage people 50+ who may have minimal skills and aerobic conditioning, to complete in a sprint triathlon consisting of a 400 meter swim, which is about a quarter of a mile, transitions to a 12.4 mile bike ride and finishes with a 5K or 3.1 mile run.

Can we folks over 50 do this? Well, the over 50 crowd is no different then the under 50 crowd. Some exercise and some don´t. The benefits of exercise are well documented. It is a subject that is talked about in almost every publication you pick up today. It is all about a better quality of life with a promise of good health.

So AARP, because of the research it has done, is now promoting this active lifestyle for all who want to take part. This is appealing to the active Baby Boomers now turning 50+, but there is no reason with training, the over 60 set can´t do it too.

The proof is in the pudding. Just come on out to the Tri-umph Classic at North Lake College in Irving, Texas on October 5th and see for yourself.

The focus is on fun and finishing with an activity that some of us may have always wished we could do, but don´t know how to even get started. Now I know you´re asking yourself, how can you participate if you aren´t conditioned to swim, bike ride or run, but would love to get started?" Sign up for the event and tell them you are a first time participant. If you would prefer to do just one activity the first go around, come on out and AARP race coordinators will put you on a three person team with someone who can swim, and then someone who can bike ride and you could do the run or walk. Of course the experienced triathlon player will be there too, but competing for a difference category then the three person team. Corporations could even take part in this event just to improve your fitness level.

If you have some experience or no experience, there will be something for you to compete in. AARP has made arrangements to give everyone who wants it some training and competing tips. The training classes will run July 27th through October 6th. (You can take what classes suit your needs.)

You may contact the coach, Elizabeth Proud, to get in on these personalized training sessions. At age 50, she personally placed 2nd overall female in the "2001 Tri-ump Classic" and is the "2002 National Duathlon Champion" (Run, Bike, Run format) for the 50-54 age range and holds many more titles. She is a gal who knows how to help you compete or just get out there and have fun. Elizabeth said, "It´s never too late to get started. We have men and women who are just discovering the benefits of regular exercise for the first time in their 50s, 60s, and 70s and later. The USA Triathlon National membership actually includes competitors who are in their 80s."

Elizabeth continued, "It is quite impressive, and proves that you can positively influence the aging process with a regular, sensible aerobic exercise."

You won´t want to miss this big event. It is all about attitude and it could even change your life. Whether you come to cheer the 50+ folks on, or if you chose to participate in the event, these healthy, active, aging Americans will inspire you to strive for an aerobic routine because, it is a fact we will all be living longer then our grand parents did… if we take care of our earthly suits.

AARP will be looking for volunteers to help for this event. To sign up for the AARP Triumph Classic, it will cost $30.00 to participate. Forms are available at the AARP website: AARP/triumph, or Elizabeth Proud can be reached at 214-265-9265.

You can see Dee Taylor discussing this and other senior issues on Time Warner Channel 14 at 12noon and 7PM daily, DCTV Channel 15B and Garland, Time Warner Channel 74.

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