Racquetball Tourney!

Sizzling Ace Serve!

You don't have to read too far in my blog to know that racquetball is a passion of mine. Much of what I do fitness-wise is designed to support and promote myself to better condition to make my game on the court better. I train to be strong, less prone to injury, with good flexibility and speed.

I've said it before, but my goal is to still be playing racquetball competitively into my 90s. Seriously. With that in mind, I think it's important to participate in state and regional tournaments like the one I was just at in Des Moines over the weekend. Besides, it is just a ton of fun!

2017 Iowa Open Racquetball Tourney

Last year, my doubles partner and I won in our bracket, and I made it to the semi-finals in singles, only to get beat for the championship slot by my doubles partner. This year I wasn't nearly as competitive, mainly because I only have enough local competitors to play once a week. It used to be I could play three or four times a week, but many of the guys my age are losing the ability to continue due to aches and injuries. Plus, racquetball is diminishing in popularity so the pool of players is shrinking.

Many guys my age are not staying competitive, or healthy, but it doesn't have to be that way. With just a little work in the gym and good nutrition they could have stronger joints, more energy, and less extra "baggage" to lug around the court.

Thankfully, older and wiser can be true. For it takes a little extra discipline to stay in top shape in your 40s and 50s. When young, we can get away with some bad nutrition habits because our higher metabolism makes up for it.

That's where the "wiser" part comes in. By 50, we should have the patience and discipline to realize the benefits of changing over to better habits. I'm glad I have a little of that wisdom. The process of getting and staying in better shape wouldn't have been nearly as easy without it.