Anyone athletic? Have you changed your sport as you've aged?

[beaujolais]

Anyone athletic? Have you changed your sport as you've aged?

I'm having some trouble sorting it out, though. I used to be a very avid horseman for most of my life, had my own horse, competed, worked as a race horse groom, etc. It defined me and thrilled me.

Now, I'm middle aged and my sport has changed to tennis. Why - demands of children are more time consuming now (horses take tons of time and money). I've got a few physical problems from my work (neck & shoulder problems). Yes, I know tennis is not the best for that but there is no other sport I'm much interested in besides tennis. Also, I have a big concern that if I get pitched off a horse now, being older and not as flexible, I might really mess up my neck.

It's sort of hard letting my horse-ing go, even in that I had developed an expertise (which gives you confidence) and it was/is identity for so long. How to process this, move forward, not feel confused/lost?

Thanks so much.

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Anyone athletic? Have you changed your sport as you've a

HI:

Athletic for sure! I ruined my shoulder golfing and it should be repaired but I am going to leave it. Elective surgery is fraught with problems, and I don't want to invite any. So I no longer golf like I used to.

But I ski, run, cycle, swim, deep water exercise--and in the winter and bordem stikes I go to the gym. I like spinning class as well. I've never been a great runner, so will mix it up--walk, run, cycle. In the warm months I have a path by the river I love, and depending on my strength and endurance that day, I run/walk 5k then cycle up to 15K. If I am not workong, I can do that 3 times a week and go to the pool as well.

I fell skiing coming off an icy black diamond run two years ago and hurt my right knee a bit so that gives me grief when I run--or wear heels for that matter--so I don't push it. Fast walking or cycling doesn't hurt a bit, so that is what I will defer to. And I continue to wear high heels!

My husbands knees are wrecked from playing floor hockey for 2 decades, but he plays ice hockey regularily and cycles. No more skiing for him tho.

cheers--Sharon

 

[beaujolais]

Re: Anyone athletic? Have you changed your sport as you've a

Ah, Canuck - how often, have I too said:

"I ruined my shoulder . . . and it should be repaired but I am going to leave it. Elective surgery is fraught with problems, and I don't want to invite any."

Do you have rotator cuff and labrum problems - most shoulders are that. (That is what I have.) I figure I'll get the surgery when I have no choice but to. For now (and the past many years), I live on pain killers & pain patches 24/7.

I do envy you being up there in the Great White North, though. I used to go on trips to Canada to buy race horses (with the trainer I was with) due to the favorable exchange rate at the time. Wonderful memories.

I wish you and your husb. better health and less pain, for sure.

Ok, so you coped by doing other sports.

Maybe I'm stuck because horses are so different than every other sport (imo).

Thanks so much.

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Anyone athletic? Have you changed your sport as you've a

HI:

Yup, labrial tear. I have a clunky shoulder, but live with it. No pain meds for me; other than Advil is my new best friend. I have given up curling entirely--"throwing" those >40 lb rocks would put me out of commission permanently. And the thought of never being able to raise a wine glass is really too much to bear!

I LOL you saying you envy the great white north--not me! I worship the sun (as evidenced by my skin) and do not like to shovel snow (again shoulder), but it is what it is. I can't let aches and pains and age and snow prevent my getting out and about. I think I would shrivel up if I couldn't exercise and be active.

I am sorry you have to give up horsing around BUt tennis has it advantages--principally nice looking men in nice shorts.

cheers--Sharon