Agonotheta

Getting Old

June 21, 2004

I think the hardest part, at least for me, of getting old is accepting the noticeable change in athletic performance. When I was younger, I pushed my body to its very limits on a regular basis, in fact, almost daily. But today, if I try something my body hasn't experienced in a few years, I'm sore within a relatively short period of time. The next day I'm in even more pain.

I bring this up because I have begun to notice this more and more lately. Now I'm in pretty good shape too. Its not that I'm pushing my body beyond what it can take. I run 30-60 minutes 4-6 times a week. I play basketball every Wednesday for two hours. I rock climb. I hike. I do some pilates. I'm very active I think. So I think the hardest part about it is getting used to being sore after excersizing muscles that have been inactive. When I was younger I was hardly ever sore from any sort of physical activity. Now, its a given. Even expected.

For instance, yesterday I played baseball for about 3 hours. The running was easy, as was the throwing. (I can still throw a baseball on a line from the center field fence to the backstop without even a bounce, which is at least 250 feet. Growing up I used to have one of the best arms on my little league and high school baseball teams.) But the hitting, really tired me out. Today, every movement of my left arm is completely strained and pained.

I guess I should be happy with my level of fitness. However, I can't help but feel a little angry about getting old. How about you? Have you noticed these same affects on your athletic prowess? Or lack thereof?