So, I got back on the basketball court yesterday; I cannot remember the last time I played a full court game. Some dads from my son’s school got the school gym. I figured, yeah, let me get back out there; I’m sure it will just be a casual game. Get a quick workout in; take it easy on my back. Well… you know how it goes… once that adrenaline starts flowing… but, best thing about it… I’m still standing this morning. Mission accomplished.
As the guys started showing up, I didn’t recognize anybody. From what I could tell, out of the 13 guys that were there, only me and 2 others had kids in the school. The other 10, who knows where they came from, but… these weren’t “dads”… they were young guys, who looked like they were in basketball shape, some looked like they were straight out of the weight room… a couple even played college ball. What did I get myself into?
Well, it was game time. I ran down the court a few times, and I was spent. Dude tells me to roll on the screen; I told him, yeah, I understand what you’re asking, but I couldn’t move… I was too tired… haha. I actually snagged a few rebounds, and made a bucket in the first run; we lost the game. With 13 guys, there would be 3 of us who would be sitting the next one; I didn’t mind missing that free throw that meant I was on the sideline. However, then there’s the whole problem of getting going again the following game. One of the guys told me he turns into tin man after resting a game…
On the sideline, I’m overhearing a conversation between 2 guys, talking about gym shoes. The new Kobes, Hardens, Lillards… $300 for a pair of shoes… I’m like, I just fricking dusted off this pair of black Nike hi-tops from my closet and put them on; I probably paid $50 for them like 15 years ago… they have like zero traction… haha. Then I ask the guy if he plays, and he said, yeah, couple times a month. He said he used to play more, but he’s old as dirt (shit!). I looked at him… I know you’re not as old as me. He was 39; I’m 45. Asking about the ages of the other guys, they’re like 28, 30, 32, 24… I’m like, WTF… I thought this was going to be like a 40 and over league… haha.
Back on the court for Game 2; I wasn’t that rusty, I was a little less winded. I missed a wide open layup… horrible. I did battle for a rebound and make another basket. My defense was bad. We lost again. One of the times down the court I jumped with this guy trying to block his shot, and when I landed, I felt my back twinge a little… OK, let’s take it down a notch MJ… haha. I made like 3 free throws in a row after the game, but was still beat out for the last spot to run again. I thought, maybe I shouldn’t push it… maybe I’m done right now. And I was.
So, yeah, I’m walking OK today, so pretty happy about that. The more I play, the better I’ll get. Certainly can’t turn back the clock, but with some more exercise, some more practice, I think I can definitely hold my own with this crew. Be back on the court soon… it was nice to miss most of that Bulls game too… WTF?
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