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Captain of a Sinking Ship
Athletic Life Over 27? What’s the Point?
Coaches say that as a sportsman, you’re all done
“We all labour against our own cure, for death is the cure of all diseases” — Sir Thomas Browne (1605–1682)
I’ve been athletic all my life. I’m also not old per se, middle-aged if that’s any definition. I.e., a few years past when I stopped being able to quickly reply my age if asked. As for getting older, I’m busy enough that I don’t give it much thought and don’t usually mind anyway.
Well, usually.
Recently, my rowing team circulated a guide to Masters rowing written by an internationally acclaimed Olympic coach. Since then, I wonder why I even get out of bed.
His guide spends so much time pointing out my inexorable physiological decay, I’m not sure it’s worth it. Lying prone is at least useful training for my coffin.
Surprising, because I’m guessing his guide was intended to educate and bring inspiration to all older athletes.
Speaking of which, let me take a moment to define “older.”.
In the sport of rowing, what would you guess is the threshold over which you are considered a…
