Old Girls Can't Jump

With Shannon's broken arm and inability to participate in sports, I admit that I've been slacking off on going to taekwondo practice.  

I don't see it as a bad thing either, for the past nearly five years I had been religious about going to class at least four days/week.  The only time I didn't go this often was when I tore a tendon in the bottom of my foot, but through all my other assorted injuries, including a really dorked up lower back, I continued to train. I never missed a testing, ever.  I just kept trucking along.  

When I was in jury duty this past winter, I had to miss a few weeks and it was actually kind of nice.  I had a bit more time for my family.  Who knew?!  Anyhow, I slowly came to the reality that it was okay to slow it down a bit. I'm a second degree black belt, which is something that I would have never dreamed of achieving in the past.  I'd love to test for fourth degree one day, but I'm in no hurry to get there.  In class we talk about balance, physical, mental, and emotional, and I came to see that my life was a bit out of balance. So I cut back.  Given the price of gas, ten 12-mile round trips also starts adding up money-wise, so I vowed to be better about not doing so much driving back and forth.  

So for about three months now, I've been pretty out of it and I've missed it. As you know, I've put back on a few pounds too, and I need that exercise and stretching on a regular basis.  My back has started acting up on me, and I know it's based in a lack of core strength, so I'm working on that too.  

So this week I'm back in class, and last night I really felt like an old woman. I had bags of frozen peas on my ankle and my knee.  I am black and blue all over again, and I had kind of forgotten about that part. We sparred the entire class yesterday and within about ten seconds, I could see how out of shape I have gotten. UGH!  I hate that!  I felt big and still and slow, like a meatball with feet.  I can NOT jump anymore.  Seriously. I have always been vertically challenged when it comes to getting both feet off of the ground at the same time, but this was ridiculous! 

We had a little "mini tournament" in class because there's a regional tournament in Lexington this weekend (no, I won't be competing!), so we were practicing.  I won the class tourney, but man. I need to get it back together! 

My days of going five days a week are over, but I have to be more consistent. I know it'll probably take a good few months to get my groove back and I want to, because I hate feeling like I'm an old lady, even if I am the third oldest student in the school (our oldest student is 75, by the way, and he's awesome!). Being an aging jock is NO fun!  

Comments

[Sonja (welli designs)]

I am happy to read you started doing some exercise again. I still need to find the courage to go back to the gym as well
good luck and next time you'll feel much better already !

[Carjazi]

Wow, a second dergee black belt is an awesome accomplishment. I hope that you can find a good balance for yourself. And you can't be too old or too slow if you won the class tourney after being off for awhile. :)

[Eve]

You've accomplished so much, you should be proud!!!

[Amanda]

It does suck being an aging jock. I don't know about you, but my mind is set on what I could do 10 years ago, but my body says otherwise. It gets frustrating.

[Jan C.]

"like a meatball with feet"! roflmao!!! I'm going to give that one to Ryan. Maybe he can incorporate it into some creative writing . . . You crack me up!

[Tammy]

I know what you mean about not being able to do like you use to. I have worked out at least 3 times a week for almost 30 years now and as I am aging, I can't do as much as I use to and that really bothers me. And, my body is showing it now. Like you, I have put on a little weight. Even though I am still out there walking my legs off and doing some weights. Oh well, I will keep on truckin and I hope you do to.

[Andrea]

Meatball with feet! That cracked me up.

I used to do kick boxing about five years ago and I loved it! But it got to be too expensive and I had to stop but boy, I do miss those days when I was in great shape and could kick my foot up higher than my head.

If I did that today, I'd wind up in traction. I hate feeling like this too. My daughter might take up karate this school year so maybe i'll see what they can do for an "old" lady like me!

[AfriDigiDiva]

Good deal about the exercise. You keep me motivated.

[Heather]

The meatball with feet had me laughing out loud! I hear you. If I miss a couple of workouts, I can't do a single jumping jack to save my life. Good luck, girl!

[lani]

im trying to find the motivation to get back to the gym lately. I really used to love going, but ive lost my fitness and those first few weeks are so hard! So i truly feel your pain. At least you are motivated tho. i am not, tho im getting married in 2 months, so you would think i would be!