Once upon a time, I was a lean athletic young girl. I played basketball, softball, a little volleyball, and rode my bike often. Marriage and kids, divorce, single parenting, getting kids through college, remarriage and menopause; all conspired to lead me away from my lean athletic life. I coached my girls softball, basketball and soccer teams. That kept me somewhat active for a while, but as they grew up and got their own lives I didn't try to recover my competitive life. Then shortly after my 2nd marriage, menopause took over my body. With that came weight gain and weird food intolerances. That was followed by spiralling health issues. On doctor told me I would be walking with a cane or walker before I was 55 due to the severe inflamation in my joints. That wasn't the life I wanted.
I started trying to do anything to stay mobile. I joined the fitness center at work so that I could use the treadmill on rainy days. I noticed personal trainers working with people who were overweight. I had alway thought they were for "real athletes" I went to the desk and filled out a card. The next day a young man called and set up the apppointment. When I met with him he was thoughtful and encouraging. He wrote up some simple exercises using resistance bands and some of the weight machines. I started to see some progress and food the food tracking app called Lose It! I started watching what I ate. Slow and steady the weight came off. That was almost 2 years ago and 60 pounds are gone.
This past fall, I went to the Cape Fear River Rowing Club and took 2 weekends of learn to row classes. I had been using the rowing machines in the gym and was seeing great improvment in my range of motion. I thought it might be fun to row on the water in the fresh air. After taking the classes, I decided to join the club and started rowing with the recreational rowing group once/week.
In February there was a club meeting. We signed new waivers and paid our dues for the coming year. The team coach asked if I would like to go to some races this summer. I hesitated at first. He assured me that I would be fine. Last weekend I raced my first race in as a novice in the sweep 8. I had a blast. It was only one race after barely 6 weeks of training and my boat finished last. The race was amazing. I have committed to another race in June.
I love that rowing has helped my find a way to keep my competitive spirit and keep my joints in motion. Most people discover this sport in their 20's. I know I am a 53 y/o novice competing against 23 y/o novices. I don't mind at all. Every day that the cane that doctor promised stays at the medical supply store, is a big victory for me.
Go find a rowing or canoe club. You won't be sorry.