A Long Jump in Time
Two years ago I barely exercised. I had always kept reasonably fit but I had fallen into a lull with little motivation for any sport. Passing by a running track one day, I thought, why not go back to what I was once good at - athletics?
I began running and sprinting as I had done for many hours at school and university. The going was haphazard as you can expect when combining the muscle memory of a twenty year old and the physique of a fifty year old. Soon the call of the athletics track and my old specialty, the long jump, became stronger. I entered the arena of Masters Athletics.
The first burst of newfound enthusiasm totally overtook my actual fitness level. Sprains and pulled muscles had me out of action at times. In time I learned to go easy and work it up gradually. Warming up longer and taking time to go through the paces. Now I practice every second day, not six days a week as once long ago was the routine.
By the time the summer season started I was in reasonable shape again. I had lost weight, gained strength and could keep sustain effort for two hours – the duration of the typical long jump event from warm-up to finishing six leaps. I won two provincial championships and took second place at the South African Masters Championships. By then the bug had really bitten so I kept training in the off season.
Keeping up regular training is not always easy. Practicing in the evening after work, temperatures in winter are close to freezing point outside. Then, the track is empty. Just me crazy enough train at that time of day. I knew though that you have to keep at it as fitness improvement is slow and incremental.
Some days after work, I really do not feel up to an hour and more of intense training. I trick myself – sort of. I undertake to exercise for only fifteen minutes. If by then I really don’t feel like it anymore, I can pack up and go home. It works every time. Once outdoors and the energizing effects of exercise kick in, it feels too good to stop.
I had to laugh at myself. Many times. Miss-timing a leap at a competition, I somersaulted headlong into the sand in front of a full pavilion. Nothing injured except a badly bruised ego. Competing among a group of junior athletes, a young spectator derisively exclaimed: “Hey, this old fart must be at least forty!” I turned to him and replied: “Well actually, this old fart is already fifty”. We both laughed and for the rest of the competition he was my most vocal supporter.
I experienced anew how invigorating it is to go outdoors for exercise. My typical work day is filled with numbers and abstractions. One needs to get back to basic elements and awareness of open space, the smell of grass and a setting sun to get outside your mind and restore inner equilibrium. Running hard and leaping in the air is a pure existential pleasure. Yes, I still have enormous fun playing in a sandpit!
Again I discovered the thrill and challenge of competition. Focusing intensely on the five seconds it takes to run and leap. Putting all effort into the split second take-off. Driving to outdo yourself. The chase of a prize in friendly camaraderie, the way it should be.
The exercise regimen has paid off. Soon I will be on my way to the World Masters Athletics Championships representing South Africa. The Olympics for the “oldies” as my children say. I am grateful. It is satisfying to return to a forgotten talent, rediscovering it, and shaping it as best I can.
To you, if you have read this far: are there any forgotten passions or talents within you? Any rusty longings and joys long forgotten that can be re-awakened? Before you hide it carefully in your good memory trove, think carefully.
It’s never too late.
Take a long jump in time.
(Picture credit: Roger James)
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Comments
Randall Burns
6 years ago #35
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #34
Good idea Pam!
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #33
My son has a contraption to do that with his bike too . I would love to have a good bike and one of those 'contraptions' to use during the snowy months when you can't go out and ride a bike around here. I'm wimpier now, even if it's too cold, forget it. Oh to be young again!!
🐝 Fatima G. Williams
7 years ago #32
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #31
I know live buzz works for Lance Scoular, I will look for a bike that my bottom end feels comfortable on and start riding if you do too! I used to ride a lot and after breaking my tailbone for the 3rd time, I wasn't able to sit on my bike seat long at all.
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #30
Sara Jacobovici
7 years ago #29
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #28
Dean Owen
7 years ago #27
I am so shocked to see Dire Straits a beBee favourite, and being played all over the world. My favourite band for 3 decades, and Making Movies best album ever.
Dean Owen
7 years ago #26
Wow Praveen, he is really good! Next time get some close up video! That could well go viral!
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #25
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #24
Mamen 🐝 Delgado
7 years ago #23
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #22
Neil Smith
7 years ago #21
Pascal Derrien
7 years ago #20
Dean Owen
7 years ago #19
You can always squash wallaby maltesers!
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #18
I used to love playing squash, Dean, but since the pest control man came to visit, I've run out of cockroaches. 😢
Dean Owen
7 years ago #17
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #16
October you say, Gert. Only a couple of weeks to get from flab to fast, or perhaps from sedentary to coronary? 😆
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #15
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #14
Jared Wiese Sounds great - thanks for the invite Jared.
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #13
Irene Hackett It is interesting how movement and walking in particular unlocks creativity. Thanks for your always kind and encouraging words Irene.
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #12
debasish majumder "Old is gold", Yes it is. Thank you for your kind words Debasish. I appreciate your reading and commenting.
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #11
David Grinberg Personally, I much prefer being out in an open more natural environment. Thank you for reading and commenting David.
David B. Grinberg
7 years ago #10
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #9
Jared Wiese Thank you Jared - I appreciate your time and feedback. Tennis is my other "old passion". If you are ever in SA - let's have a game. You have four years on me!
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #8
Ken Boddie As long as the wind is from bagpipes! Thanks for reading and sharing with "The Boys from the Gap".
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #7
Paul Walters Eight meters? Then I would need to hold myself back :) Thanks for stopping by Paul.
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #6
Vincent Andrew As Johnny Walker says: " Just keep on walking".Yes, it's always good to laugh at yourself. Thanks for reading and sharing Vincent.
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #5
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #4
Ian Weinberg Sometimes the brain just needs a good dollop of fun! Thanks for reading and commenting Ian.
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #3
Aurorasa Sima Indeed it is. Thanks for reading and sharing Aurorasa.
Paul Walters
7 years ago #2
Ian Weinberg
7 years ago #1