This Isn’t World Peace

 Week two of post-daylight saving time training is nearly done.  I am now fully oriented to all the weight machines in the gym, plus Danny has me on a pretty rigorous schedule of cardio training.  I also have a trainer at the Y who is assisting me do some other simple and age-appropriate stretches, balance drills, and core training.

Is my whole life focused on this?  It seems that it is.  But for now, that is OK.  I know that these next weeks and months are going to fly by and if I want to do well at Worlds I have to make use of every moment to prepare and train.

We aren’t talking world peace here it terms of importance.  But for the first time in my life, I have the time to do this, and not a lot of outside commitments that can conflict with reaching my goals.  It is sort of liberating.

Lifting weights is a whole new training element for me.  I’ve done a lot of walking over the years, and certainly played a lot of disc golf in the past few years.  But I’ve never had a regimented weight lifting program before.  I’m finding that I really enjoy it.

Part of the reason I like it is that I can log in to my fitness center and see my workouts that I’ve done each day.  It is fun and oddly satisfying to see the amount of weight increase each workout.  My account also shows me how WELL I’ve lifted at each weight machine.  That gives me direct feedback as to how I’m doing.

I’m not going for buff here….but I would like to end up stronger and certainly with more muscle tone.  Only time will tell!

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.

Let the weights begin!

I had my first session with a trainer at the Y on Tuesday.  She only showed me half of the weight training machines.  Her first questions to me were about why I was wanting to do this, what my goals were, what (if any) physical impediments I had, etc…  After hearing my answer she decided to start slowly with me.  She started me out with stretching and then set me up on the first five machines.   

Considering my age and all, I wasn’t surprised. 

I have not been able to figure out what sort of routine I need to be in.  Danny has given me a training plan which helps considerably, but I’m not sure if I should go in the morning before work, or later in the day after work.

The other day I walked on one of the treadmills.  Years ago I did that while Danny was on a year round swim team.  The aquatic center where he trained had a fitness center, and I used the treadmill while he swam.  I used to watch him swim back and forth, back and forth.  It seemed so peaceful.

Running is something I’ve never been good at.  Walking suits me fine, but it can be so boring.  And if I’m going to walk, I’d prefer doing it outside, but that has its problems too.  By the time I get home it’s nearly dark.  While I’m not afraid to walk in the dark, there are all sorts of dangers that can get a person in trouble.  

Dogs that come running after you, uneven sidewalk pavement, low hanging tree branches, thick bushes with a myriad of spider webs, and the inevitable lawn sprinklers that make one hope from the sidewalk to the street and back again.

I found that walking right in the street was the best.  Now, I’m not talking about doing that on a main street with a lot of traffic, but on a quiet, safe, neighborhood street.  I used to do that near our home, and always took a small but powerful flashlight with me.  I’d use it not to light my way so much, as to flash at cars as they approached from either direction so that they knew there was someone in the street.

Then, one day, as I was walking about 7 PM, a car slowed down just past me.  Alarm bells went off, but I just kept walking, and in fact picked up my pace.  Then the car backed up.  I began walking even faster.  I started looking for a home that had a porch light on in case I had to make a run for it.  (Yeah, right!  Me run?  I might just as well give up!)

The person in the car told me to stop, and it was then that I looked at the car closer.  It did not have any markings on the outside or lights on top, but inside there were all sorts of lights and dials, and the driver was also sitting at some sort of computer console.  Then I looked at his uniform. It was a county sheriff.  That was a relief.

The relief was short lived.  He told me I wasn’t allowed to walk on the street and that I needed to go home because it was too late to be walking outside.  What?  Are you kidding me?

I explained why I was walking, and why I was in the street.  I think he took it as sass, but really I was not at all nasty.  Then he told me if I didn’t get out of the street he was going to give me a ticket.  I laughed right out loud.  Seriously?  A warning bell went off and I decided not to be a jerk, but just listened to his nonsense and started walking on the side walk.

That experience sort of soured my attitude about walking outside.  Shortly after that I took up disc golf and haven’t done much seriously aerobic walking since. 

So now I’m back on that treadmill. 

I wonder if I could write my blog while walking?  That would at least occupy my mind…..  Hmmmm….

Confounded Body and Mind

This is the first week since our clocks were turned back an hour upon the return to normal Standard Time.  That means less time in the evening to do activities outdoors.  So, my family decided to join our local YMCA to have access to some additional activities that we can do either before or after work, including making use of the weight training machines.

My first session of weight training was a “get acquainted” session with a trainer.  I learned how to track my progress and set up each machine to get the maximum benefit from lifting weight.  That happened yesterday.  Today is a resting day from the weights, so I intend to go to a local middle school and throw in the field a little after work.  When I get home, I’ll take a walk around the neighborhood even though it will probably be dark by then.

My understanding of this whole process is to try and confound the body by doing something different day to day, working different parts of the body, and still gaining strength and endurance. 

I don’t know if my body is confounded, but my brain sure seems to be!  I just hope that all the hype about weight lifting proves to be true and that it will help me more than just walking at night.  

My First Birdie!

This past weekend I got my first birdie ever at Bill Frederick Park.  In the past two months, I've been practicing pretty regularly, and especially in the last two or three weeks, there have been times when I thought, "I could make this putt, and it would be my first birdie!"

Since Danny has been the one coaching me, I thought it would be great if I'd make my first birdie while he was playing with me.  Several times, I'd be close enough for a birdie to be a possibility.  Try as I would to not let that get in my head, it did.  But, more to the point, I never made one until Saturday.

Saturday was a rainy dreary day.  As disappointed as I was that we couldn't play disc golf, there was the reality that we hadn't had a good rain in a couple of months.  Our grass, and trees really needed the nourishing rain.  Late in the afternoon, the rain let up and I decided to head over to the park to get in some practice.

Danny suggested that I try working on just a few holes, playing them over and over again, to hone my approach to getting a par.  I decided to play holes 10, 11, and 18 on the original course.  All three of those holes have elevation changes, plus quite a bit of random vegetation that can get in the way of an optimal throw for me.

After my first round of those three holes, I started over, and at that point I was warmed up and focused even more on every aspect of my throw.  Hole ten has this dip in the terrain between the tee and the basket.  If you have a strong arm, it is easy to throw over all of that and have your first throw land right near (or maybe even in!) the basket.

I've never even thrown close to the rise of the second hill.  But Saturday was my day.  My drive landed half way up the rise, giving me a good look at the basket.  Danny's words were in my head, "Throw a nice hyzer just to the right of that pine tree."  (It stand like a guard right in the way of the basket!)  I had four Rocs in my bag, and prepared to send them on their way to the basket.  I picked up my first one, a pink Rock, and threw it.

Almost the moment it left my hand, I could see that it was going to be VERY close to the basket.  When it hit those chains, I wanted to laugh, scream, and jump up and down all at the same time.  I kept looking at the basket and could barely contain myself.

I had to call Danny!  He answered his cell and told me he knew that was why I was calling.  He said he knew I was very close to achieving that goal of my first birdie, and all along he's said it would be on hole 10.

I didn't get any other birdies that day, but the one was enough.  I gave me just enough push to keep training and working hard toward Worlds, 2014!

The Sad So-Long!

This is the last week that I will be able to play disc golf after work.  Bill Frederick Park, my home park, where I play every night will begin closing at 5 PM once Daylight Saving Time ends this coming Sunday. 

I’m already having withdrawal symptoms.

Playing disc golf has provided me with so much enjoyment ever since I had surgery to remove my kidney last spring.  At first, it was something to do to regain my strength and endurance. 

  Then I was practicing to prepare for 2013 World Championships.  After that I was training for the Southeastern Amateur Championships (SAC). 

After the SAC, I ramped up the training efforts and have been working hard to get stronger, and faster and more accurate with my throws.  I really enjoy the time spent on the disc golf course.  After sitting at my desk at work all day, it is great to get outdoors and walk a few miles while throwing plastic.  Since my surgery, I’ve logged 264 miles of walking/playing disc golf.

While I will still be able to play on the weekends, and will thoroughly enjoy it, I’m going to miss being outdoors and walking and having time to “be in my own head” while practicing.

I’m sure I’ll find something else, but it’s really hard to stop doing something that is so good for you!

Ript Disc Golf Card Game

On Sunday, we played "Ript" on the disc golf course.  It is a card game that you play while playing disc golf.  The game consists of a deck of cards with various actions on them.  At the start of a hole you can use a card on your opponent which will most likely be a disadvantage to him/her.

Danny bought a deck of "Ript" cards the other day, and this was our first chance to play the game.  We play a game of skins, meaning that the winner of each hole gets a point, everyone else gets nothing.

Since Danny is SO much better than I am, we devised our own rules for the game.  For instance, he takes all his throws from the long tee, while I use the short tee.  Most importantly, he plays NO cards on me.  I'm the only one playing cards against him.

I have five cards at the start of each hole and am allowed to play two on him per hole.  Some of the cards are meant to be played before any throws, such as "Choose a disc from your opponents bag for the next drive" or "Your opponent must be silent during the playing of the next hole."

On Sunday, we had to quit half way through the game.  One of my cards was, "Make your opponent throw a Roller off the tee."  Making Danny throw a Roller is no advantage to me as he can throw that shot with as good as, if not better, accuracy than a normal throw.  However, I had the perfect hole in mind for this card -- hole 16 on T-2 which is a long water hole.

Danny has a big arm and can drive from the tee to within a few fee of the basket.  I, on the other hand, throw from the short tee and have a very difficult time making less than four on this hole.  Making him throw a roller, meant he would have to go all the way around the water to where the basket was, and that included going through an area that had a lot of roots in the way for the Roller to get caught on.

Since we had to cut our game short on Sunday, we agreed to resume it one night this week.  Last night was the night.  On Sunday we had been working the rules out so that it would make us be more competitive in the game of skins.  Last night when we resumed the game, we started where we had left off with the following additional provision:

• When I get the card that allows me to pick the disc for him to throw, I can pick something from MY bag, including my mini.

The only way I can get points from in this game is to minimize his drive.  I had a card that said, after everyone drives, replace your lie with the lie of your opponent.  So Danny threw his big drive from the long tee.  I on the other hand, stood on the tee pad and threw backwards, and towards some trees.  That meant Danny was taking his second shot from way back in the midst of trees while I was able to take my second shot from where is first one landed!

His second shot was nearly as good as his first, but it was still in a more difficult position than where is first throw had landed.  I was able to just make it close enough to the basket on my second shot that my third shot was for par which I made.  My skin!

By the time we got to hole 16, I could barely contain myself.  I knew I was going to make him throw that roller.  However, one of the cards I drew prior to his throw was, "You must remain silent until you have completed this hole."  That was the card I gave him first.

Then I said, "Here is your second card."  It was the Roller card!  Oh, if looks could kill!  He had bad card and couldn't even say a curse word!

I laughed with glee.  It was truly a dastardly trick.

Thankfully, Danny is a good sport.  He also is SO much better than I am that anything I can do to deter his success he somehow manages to overcome!