Why Can’t I Remember?

In the past two months, I’ve trained consistently and enthusiastically for 2014 Worlds.  Training has included playing a LOT of disc golf, plus other forms of cardio and weight lifting.  As I’m doing all the training, I think about getting stronger and developing more endurance.  It appears to be working.  My problem appears to be my mind!

On Saturday I played two full rounds in DeBary Florida with Danny.  I had good solid rounds.  On several of the holes the baskets had been moved from where they were the first two times we played that course.  They are preparing for a big tournament in a couple of weeks and so it was good for Danny to be able experience the new pin locations.

My level of play is nowhere near where Danny’s is.  Every time we have a chance to play together, I learn something from him.  So much so, that even when I’m playing by myself, his words are in my head.

There were a couple of times this weekend when I was wondering why my disc wasn’t going where I wanted, and expected it to go.  That was when his words hit me, “You have to follow through!”  Every time I get to a hole and my discs aren’t going where I want them to I realize that I’m not following through.

On Sunday I played the original course (T-1) at Bill Frederick Park, and had a fantastic round--that is until the very last hole.  I have only recently learned how to throw across a small ravine from the tee pad.  The far side of the ravine has steps leading back up so that the hole continues at the same elevation that the tee pad is on.

Lately, if I visualize the way to throw the disc, I can get it over the ravine and up past the stairs.  From there it is one approach shot and a putt to the basket.  

On Sunday, I just couldn't get over the gap.  After throwing several discs, I decided to go retrieve all of them and start over.  When I was ready to throw again, it hit me, "You have to follow through!"  Duh!  Why did I forget that?  So, I got up on the tee, did my run up and WOW!  It went all the way over, and landed closer to the basket than I have ever before reached.  

So I ask, “Why can’t I remember this?  Why do I actually have to remind myself to do a good follow through?”  It shouldn’t be that hard.

Maybe it’s my age.  Maybe it’s because as I was learning how to throw I was very cautious and tried to carefully place my disc, and didn't learn the follow through.  Whatever it is, I realize that I have to completely break that habit.

This lesson does not go unnoticed as I’m beginning to lift weights for the first time in my life.  I’m going slowly, as instructed and trying very hard to have proper form on every lift.  Maybe, starting slowly, I’ll be able to remember form and not have to remind myself six months from now when it should all be routine.