H,
Thanks for being on our forums. I’m glad you asked, as the jump from the Level 0 to the Level 1 Sprint is a bit larger than the jump to other levels. Specifically, there is an average of 2 hours a week more from the Level 0 plan (5.25 hours average) to the Level 1 (7.25 hours average). See https://www.8020endurance.com/triathlon-level-comparison/ 2 hours is not that much, and we have other plans that jump by more than 2 hours per level, but the percentage increase from 5.25 to 7.25 is much bigger than going from 15 to 18 hours a week, for example.
But, I’m comfortable with your proposal or two reasons: First, the Level 1 plan (like all our plans) increases slowly. You’re not jumping up two hours a week, you’re jumping up 30 minutes a week. Second, the first 7 weeks of the Level 0 plan perfectly set you up for starting Week 1 of the Level 1 plan (which is 16 weeks long). Week 7 of the Level 0 is 6.5 hours, week 1 of the Level 1 is 6 hours.
Regarding men “your age” the Level 1 plan is the most popular level for masters athletes. I have no concerns about you on the Level 1 plan based on your age.
David