In his fifth decade as a competitor, Gerry Forman isn’t slowing down.

Most of us look forward to spending our retirement taking it easy, with nothing more strenuous than the occasional round of golf. Then again, most of us aren’t Gerry Forman.

At the age of 80 and in his fifth decade of competitive racing, Gerry is returning to his hometown to compete in the sprint event at the first annual Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles on June 2.

Gerry began competing in marathons and 10Ks during his long career with IBM, but it wasn’t until after he retired that he competed in his first triathlon – at the age of 70.

“I decided on New Year’s Day of that year that I was going to compete in the Mission Bay Triathlon,” Gerry recalls. “It actually wasn’t as hard as I expected. I had prepared well enough that I wasn’t scared at all heading into the water. The last mile was exhilarating.”

Gerry finished third in his age group at that event, and there was no looking back. He soon befriended Herbalife Nutrition sponsored triathlete Heather Jackson while volunteering together at an event, which in turn led to him meeting Sean “Wattie” Watkins. When Team Wattie Ink launched their triathlon team, Gerry was one of the first to apply for membership.

Gerry enjoys the team dynamic immensely. The younger members encourage Gerry and, in turn, he inspires them on a daily basis. His advice is straightforward and practical: Be consistent. Get plenty of sleep, get proper nutrition, and build up your functional strength. “Concentrate on swimming first,” he advises. “You can’t win a triathlon in the swimming leg, but you can certainly lose there.”

Gerry also credits Herbalife24® products as having changed the game. “They keep me going,” he says. “Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength Chocolate is tasty and effective. And I really enjoy the ACHIEVE Protein Bars.” Herbalife24® Restore rounds out his daily nutrition routine. “As I get older, recovery is a big thing.”

Gerry is particularly looking forward to the Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles, as the event will mark the first time he will compete in a triathlon in the city where he grew up. “That’s the most exciting part for me,” he says.

After so many years, what keeps Gerry running, swimming and biking in one of the most demanding races on Earth, against competitors who are 40, 50 and even 60 years younger than him? Gerry doesn’t miss a beat. “I Tri for the exhilaration of competition.”