Running On A Treadmill

Can I talk about our fabulous new community rec center one more time? From my kids' perspective, the best thing about it is the pool with the slide, lazy river, and play area. They can swim and have fun while I'm working out on the machines or walking the indoor track. I've never stuck with a gym before because, basically, I always have my children with me. And we never had a gym that was kid-friendly. Now I don't have to worry about going without them. They have a safe place to play, and I can focus on getting in shape.

Tonight we decided to try something a little different, so we headed down to the center for their weekly drop-in soccer game. We were hoping to find a few younger kids to play a family-style game, but that was not to be. My son chose to ride the bench the whole night rather than risk life and limb against much older players. My daughter, on the other hand, wasn't intimidated in the least by these intense 20-something athletes running up and down the court at full speed.

At the start, I told her to stay in the corner and only kick the ball if it came toward her. The first time the ball was anywhere near her, it was on the foot of a college player who was putting on a clinic in footwork as he drove toward the goal.

And what did my daughter do? She just went and took it away from him. I don't think he was expecting that. Definitely a confidence booster for her.

For me, a different story. Most of the players on the court were half my age, and all of them were extremely talented at the sport. Even the 7th grade girl who was picked second to last as teams were chosen. I felt bad for that guy who was picked last. Oh wait, that was me. Wow, instant junior high flashback!

Once the game started, I could sense a sort of quiet contempt for the old fat guy bringing down the level of the competition. Athletes of that caliber, especially ones with accents, thrive on being challenged, and dribbling the ball past me was just way too easy for them.

Still, I hung in there. I wanted the experience, but most of all the exercise. Almost three hours of playing defense and not once did I get kicked in the head, gut, or groin. I'm very good at getting out of the way.

Will I play again? Not likely. During the game, I could see through the gym windows into the workout area where all the old fat guys were running on treadmills and riding stationary bikes.

That's probably where I belong, at least until I'm an old thin guy. And then I'm hoping to start an old guy soccer league. Over 40 only, and preferably men and women who have had extensive knee and hip surgeries.