The Gift
I received an unexpected gift last week. Not from anyone. Nor was it anything I can hold in my hand. I'm still on a high because of it.
Last Wednesday I played field hockey. For background I haven't played in 10+ years, having mostly only played as a junior. I haven't been able to run pain free for 5 years. Basically stopped running all together, sports or otherwise. My left knee aches to go up stairs everyday. My right has recently joined it. I ignore it for hiking, but it has negatively influenced how much I get out. Despite that, with an impulse email to the club I used to play for, Wednesday's scrimmage was set up.
Dug up an old stick. Purchased a new pair of cross-trainers for the turf field. I dragged Sam along and showed up on time. He and I played pass beforehand and I could move. Side to side movement and run. Well this is weird. Even sprinted a couple of times to test my legs out. Interesting.
The game started. I touched the ball and passed it. And I moved. And ran. There was no pain or restriction. I dashed up to be with the forwards. I sprinted back to help the defenders. I used and supported the wingers. I couldn't believe it. A kid in the candy store wouldn't be more excited. Anticipating the opposition's ball movement I was now able to sometimes dart in front and create a turnover. Turn upfield and start our own attack. My grin might of scared them!
The fullback asked my name and suggested I play centre-half. I thought he didn't appreciate my running around willy nilly. Turns out however that centre-half gets to play with forwards, help out on defence and support the wingers. Perfect! (note - I'd always played forward in every sport)
Not once did my knee twinge, pop and hurt. I don't understand it. I didn't dwell on it. I just reacted and played. The gift was a time capsule of my life 20 years ago. Pure joy.
Of course, I'm not 20 years younger. Similar to downing 3 quick helpings at Thanksgiving Dinner and suddenly realizing you've way past full, my hamstrings said, 'hold on crazy man, we haven't done this in a long long time'. Halftime came. I thanked them for the opportunity and left the game. It's been so long and I didn't want to come off with an injury.
They encouraged me to come back again next week and soon join a team. Perhaps I will. Certainly I am curious to try once more. To see if the gift returns.
This photo is taken from the western end of Panorama Ridge. Looking down over Garibaldi Lake. I'm heading there later today. All of these flowers will be covered in snow.
The Gift
I received an unexpected gift last week. Not from anyone. Nor was it anything I can hold in my hand. I'm still on a high because of it.
Last Wednesday I played field hockey. For background I haven't played in 10+ years, having mostly only played as a junior. I haven't been able to run pain free for 5 years. Basically stopped running all together, sports or otherwise. My left knee aches to go up stairs everyday. My right has recently joined it. I ignore it for hiking, but it has negatively influenced how much I get out. Despite that, with an impulse email to the club I used to play for, Wednesday's scrimmage was set up.
Dug up an old stick. Purchased a new pair of cross-trainers for the turf field. I dragged Sam along and showed up on time. He and I played pass beforehand and I could move. Side to side movement and run. Well this is weird. Even sprinted a couple of times to test my legs out. Interesting.
The game started. I touched the ball and passed it. And I moved. And ran. There was no pain or restriction. I dashed up to be with the forwards. I sprinted back to help the defenders. I used and supported the wingers. I couldn't believe it. A kid in the candy store wouldn't be more excited. Anticipating the opposition's ball movement I was now able to sometimes dart in front and create a turnover. Turn upfield and start our own attack. My grin might of scared them!
The fullback asked my name and suggested I play centre-half. I thought he didn't appreciate my running around willy nilly. Turns out however that centre-half gets to play with forwards, help out on defence and support the wingers. Perfect! (note - I'd always played forward in every sport)
Not once did my knee twinge, pop and hurt. I don't understand it. I didn't dwell on it. I just reacted and played. The gift was a time capsule of my life 20 years ago. Pure joy.
Of course, I'm not 20 years younger. Similar to downing 3 quick helpings at Thanksgiving Dinner and suddenly realizing you've way past full, my hamstrings said, 'hold on crazy man, we haven't done this in a long long time'. Halftime came. I thanked them for the opportunity and left the game. It's been so long and I didn't want to come off with an injury.
They encouraged me to come back again next week and soon join a team. Perhaps I will. Certainly I am curious to try once more. To see if the gift returns.
This photo is taken from the western end of Panorama Ridge. Looking down over Garibaldi Lake. I'm heading there later today. All of these flowers will be covered in snow.