Athletic performance vs age

Without seeing that she had done this, I think most of us would argue a 110-mile swim with ocean currents, jellyfish and other inhospitable creatures would be beyond the limits of human endurance. My point is she did it. At age 58.

Now, I don't pretend that the training, stamina, natural technique for endurance swimming has anything to do with the ability to drive a car quickly.

I do think that an "aged" former pro racing driver from a very competitive series (F1, DTM, Touring Cars etc) that has looked after himself would be faster than many of us even if we were in our primes. Whether or not they could keep going for 2 hours or 24 hours is another question. But I think once quick, always quick even if the reactions degrade.

Of course, when compared to a younger peer (perhaps Schumacher versus Hamilton), I think in most (athletic) sports performance degrades with age.

I hope we can all keep driving cars fast well into our 80s!
Philip

 

I remember some analysis of data from Schumacher vs. Heidfeld when they were teammates. The telemetry showed Heidfeld was a smidge better in slow speed sections, but high speed areas were indistinguishable. I put forward the (unproven) hypothesis that slow speed corners in an F1 car requires more of actual physiologic reactions - feel something and respond - where at high speed, the car is planted such that it is more about smooth placement of the car (effectively prediction based on experience) and less about reacting to things. The younger Heidfeld would have a physiologic advantage. But it still took F1 level investigation to identify the differences.

It does depend on continued work. We lose abilities over time, we feel "rusty" in the spring. The less time gone, the faster it "comes back". But we are definitely "use it or lose it" beings.

 

Yep, a helicopter pilot told me at age 50 he found the flying kept him sharp. I know all about rusty in the spring, which tells me the brain is akin to a muscle it needs excercise.

My waterski coach told me years ago, that as you get older you ca think through your sport better and better, I know my slalom course is better now, even though my physical ability is not what it was at 30.

Last year soloed in tailwheel aircraft out of a grass field, one should always try to learn new skills and enhance existing ones, sometimes maturity and experience do make you better.

If you fade at a certain point/age, then its a fade from a higher level.

Love the idea of the book, what can we do to encourage you to complete it.

 

I think you just did

 

Put me down for a first copy.

Please dont take to long, have to beat the fade.

 

Thanks a lot Peter! I just ordered a copy of their book.

BTW - got some coaching from your friend Argetsinger in Sebring earlier this month. He was extremely helpful with his advice and observations. Seems like a great guy...he was also running lead follows with some other racers.

 

And Heat

 

Nyad:
110 miles (I assume this is land miles equivalient, rather than nautical miles).
Duration 52 hours, 54 mins.
Stroke rate 50 per min = 158,700 strokes.
Calorie burn estimated by her team at 600/hr = 31,200 calories.
5 ft waves.
Average speed just over 2 mph.

Florida Loop current 0.8m/s = 1.81 mph

So, yes, I am sure the current was a big help but still (for me anyway) ranks as one of the all time greatest physical feats.

And, I had her age wrong. She was 64 at the time.

 

Awesome! I hope to be driving at that age...

More pic of the Brabham please!

LSJ