From Square One
How many people have you met that claim to have ‘almost made it’ or ‘had trials for (insert county) once? How many of you tried and didn’t quite ‘make the big time’? I’ve heard many tales of former glory and athletic prowess from people of my age and above that still dream of winning cup finals, crossing tape or sending a back hand down the line for the match. There are also those that wish they could go back in time and lay it up instead of blowing ‘that dunk’ or place the ball into the bottom corner instead of missing ‘that sitter’. Some are yet to simply lace up their first pair of gym shoes.
This blog and it’s contents is for those people out there that have dared to dream about what could’ve been. I am one of the pre-mentioned. A former local league basketball player that came just short of realising my ambition of someday playing senior National League. After a series of career changes and a catalogue of errors in lifestyle choices, I have now found both myself and the right job. As a personal trainer and all-round sports fan I have met many people that have, since their early 20's, either suffered the emotion turmoil of realising that they may only ever be good enough or have the time to compete at a lower level than they’d previously excelled at, or have never had the desire or the confidence to take part in a sport or activity before now. I say it is not the end. Yes, we all have stressful jobs, families and/or other constraints such as finances or diminished athleticism caused by previous injuries or general wear and tear, but are you prepared to let these barriers stop you? I certainly am not. This is why I intend to log my progress here to prove that, against some odds, we can once again excel at a sport/activity that we can/will enjoy. I have recently started indoor climbing at the age of 35 and after just 6 months or so I have developed the same sort of enthusiasm I had when I first hit the black top (or basketball court for the less cool). The aim of my game is to show you guys that with some dedication you can enjoy something new or return to a sport/event/activity that you love without putting the pressure on yourself to be the next Floyd Mayweather, Martina Navratilova or Daley Thompson. There will be strength and conditioning advice, advice on kit, recommended skills drills, ideas and recipes for easy to make and nutritionally dense meals, and shared stories and advice from other older athletes that I have met over the course of my life that may provide you with inspiration. As an overview it is an info spot for anyone that may be looking for a Return To Form. I promise you most of my posts will be shorter than this. Thanks for indulging me.
By the way, if your still unsure whether you’ve still got it? Check out this guy:
