We recently shared Graham Wood's story–about finding triathlon in his thirties, after a hip injury ended his marathon ambitions and a triathlete roommate convinced him to get in the pool. What began as rehabilitation became a new journey, and what seemed like a late start became proof that you're never too old to tri.
Here, Graham talks about what starting later teaches you, respecting the long game, and why being ready matters more than being early.
Mindset and Philosophy
Q: What's one lesson about starting endurance sport later that only experience could have taught you?
A: That consistency beats intensity, every single time. When you're younger, you can get away with pushing hard, skipping recovery, and relying on raw fitness. Starting later taught me that progress comes from focus and piling up good days, not chasing heroic ones. Training is something you build with your life, not something you force on top of it.
Q: When you first started, what were you most worried about—and did those fears materialize?
A: My biggest concern was whether I could tie everything together to complete a 70.3 and whether my body would actually hold up. That worry disappeared pretty quickly through consistency. The more I showed up, the clearer it became that improvement was always there if I stayed committed.
What stood out most was how welcoming both the process and the community were. Progress was encouraged, curiosity was rewarded, and effort mattered far more than background. That's what made the journey both motivating and sustainable.
Q: Why does showing up consistently matter more now than chasing breakthrough days?
A: Because consistency is what keeps me healthy, motivated, and progressing. Breakthrough days are fun, but they're unpredictable. Showing up even when energy is low, the weather is bad, or life is busy builds resilience and confidence. The quiet, steady days are what allow the big moments to happen when it really counts. Triathlon has become a way of life, not just a sport.
Training and Adaptation
Q: What parts of triathlon have been the most stubborn to improve?
A: Speed and top-end power—especially on the bike and in running transitions. Anaerobic training is important, and I learned that the hard way. Starting later forced me to accept that gains come slower and require more patience. It pushed me to train smarter, focus on technique—especially in swimming—and respect the long game. Instead of fighting that reality, I've learned to work within it, and that's made the improvements I have earned feel much more meaningful.
Q: How did starting later change how you approach recovery and fueling?
A: I'd like to say I made both non-negotiable from the start—but the reality is it took time to learn. Ignoring recovery or under-fueling doesn't make you tougher, it just shortens your runway and knocks you down. Starting later forced me to listen more closely to my body, fuel properly, and respect fatigue before it becomes injury. That awareness, especially over the last two years, has helped me stay consistent, train harder when it matters, and actually enjoy the process rather than constantly fighting my body.
Ambition and Looking Ahead
Q: How would you describe your athletic ambition today, and how has it evolved?
A: My ambition today is rooted in longevity and curiosity. I still want to race well and challenge myself, but it's no longer about proving something. I chase results, but ultimately it's about how far I can go while staying healthy, balanced, and genuinely excited to train. That shift has made sport more sustainable and far more rewarding.
At my core, I'm a coach and an encourager. I'm motivated by helping people face their fears and take that first step forward. If I can give back to the community while still showing up as an athlete myself, then I know I'm on the right path.
Q: How has starting endurance sport later reshaped the way you think about aging and what's still ahead?
A: It's completely changed my perspective. Starting later showed me that aging isn't about limitation—it's about clarity. You understand yourself better, you manage your energy more intentionally, and you're far more deliberate about what you commit to. I feel more capable, more connected, and more optimistic about what's still ahead than I ever did when I was younger.
Progress isn't linear, and it's never too late to commit to something meaningful. Choosing something challenging later in life brings a deeper sense of purpose and commitment. It's never about being early—it's about being ready.
You can follow Graham on Instagram and keep up with his training on Strava.
That’s all for this week! If you enjoyed reading Graham's story, head over to the Blonyx Blog for more stories of athletic ambition.
– Train hard!
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