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You’ve been 40’ed
Did you know there’s a term in the world of triathlon for getting beaten by someone age 40 or older?
True. It’s called “getting 40’ed,” and no one, apparently, wants that to happen on the race course. It’s humiliating.
Imagine someone with a few wrinkles outstroking you on the swim, an octogenarian coasting past you on the bike or, heaven forbid, a granny shuffling around you on the run.
In related news, it’s apparently just as insulting for a guy to get passed by a woman during a triathlon. It’s called “getting chick-ed.”
Geesh.
I’m 46. I’m a woman.
I’m not a super athlete by any means, but I know plenty of out-of-shape 35-year-olds whose butts I could kick. I also know lots of people older than me who could blow by me on the race course.
It’s what keeps me inspired and motivated.
Shouldn’t we celebrate the fact that some folks hang on to their fitness as they grow older? That the young pups won’t have to foot the cost of our healthcare?
And you, young ‘un. Just wait until you turn 40!
In the meantime, who knows where I can get a T-shirt that says “You’ve been 40’ed” on the back?
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment Categories: Triathlon
Comments
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By Simon Salt
December 1, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
Pam If you find that shirt let me know, I’ll buy one too! Simon
By Sarah
December 1, 2010 11:39 AM | Link to this
Ha! That’s awesome. You go, Chick! :) Maybe I can get Oiselle.com to make a “You Got Chick’d” Tee. I would rock it for sure.
By Mark Cathcart
December 1, 2010 12:09 PM | Link to this
Getting chicked in triathlons is poor form because the guys typically start first in Sprint, Olympic and even many half iron distance races, thus if you are a 20-40 age guy, getting passed by any woman just shows how slow you are… older than 40 males get used to it, the 20+ women often start less than 10-mins behind them.
Getting 40’d though mostly only applied to mass start races where all the age groups start together, like the turkey trot where Kelly said this… if you get 40’d in an age group start triathlon, for a pro woman then its bad news because the 40+ men start 15-mins or so after them. For a man to get 40’d by a man is no big deal, heck there are a lot of semi- or retireed 45-55 guys who are almost full time training; getting chicked though by a 40+ is really bad form even for a 50+ male since the 40+ women start way back…
Either way, don’t tell Nina Kraft, Pro Triathlete, she regularly goes sub 9:30 for IM Distance races and would both chick and 40 most men in any race… ;-)
By Christian McDonald
December 1, 2010 12:24 PM | Link to this
Can I 40 myself? I’m in better shape now and my times are better at 44 than when I was at 30.
By Stanford Douglas
December 2, 2010 10:05 AM | Link to this
How about getting 70’d? I still usually finish in the top 40%.
By Susan
December 6, 2010 1:35 PM | Link to this
If you’re seriously looking for a t-shirt, you can design what you want at customizedgirl.com.
By Rob Jones
December 6, 2010 4:00 PM | Link to this
That’s the beauty of having your age written on your calf.
By Andrea Fisher
December 11, 2010 8:24 AM | Link to this
Sorry to say, but it’s gonna happen A LOT come a year from now! MOOHAHAHAHA! :-) Watch out ladies.
By Bob Brace
December 11, 2010 10:01 AM | Link to this
At 56 and being a cancer survivor passing with my age on my calf is cool. I feel a need for speed.
By Bob Brace
December 11, 2010 10:04 AM | Link to this
AT 56 and being a cancer survivor with my age on my calf, i think its cool when i pass. I feel a need for speed .
By Bob Brace
December 11, 2010 10:05 AM | Link to this
AT 56 and being a cancer survivor with my age on my calf, i think its cool when i pass. I feel a need for speed .