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Jade Lee | The Joys of Being an Older Athlete
February 5, 2015
As many of you regular readers know, I used to play very competitive
racquetball. In fact, I even went pro for 2 weeks but blew my knees before
finishing the paperwork. Shortest career ever, right? 
Well, I play regularly now and occasionally manage a tournament or two. I've
done a couple lately and have discovered something strange about being an older
athlete. A. We've all got braces and ibuprofen and ice packs. B. The winner is usually the one most recovered from their latest injury. C. The winner is the one who comes out without a NEW injury. D. No one cares who wins. We can't remember the score anyway. E. It's a ton more fun because we're all aging and it's not so important to win
anymore. Answer: All of the above, but mostly E. Yup, it turns out what
used to be life or death to me--who won and who lost--barely merits a
conversation five minutes after the match. We spend more time on our current
ailments and whether it interferes with our swing. Also, it turns out that we joke with each other more. I stick out my tongue at
players who do an especially lucky shot. And it's great fun because a few points
later, I'll get a tongue aimed at me. (Yes, we really do call that giving
someone tongue) 
For a highly competitive person like me, this is quite a revelation. In fact,
when I discovered that it was okay to lose I immediately A. Went to the bar and drank until the feeling went away. B. Had a screaming fight with an imaginary referee just because I needed to keep
my edge. C. Wondered if I'd just laid down and died--metaphorically speaking. D. Wondered if this was a step toward wisdom. Nah, couldn't be. Answer: C and D. A new way of thinking is always a challenge.
The idea that I could play in a competitive game and not care whether I win or
lose seemed weird. Isn't that a contradiction in terms? Is it possible to
compete without caring? Well, the truth is that I do care who wins. I want it to be me, but if it's not,
I'm not furious with myself. Or with anyone else. I play a lot of doubles so my
partner used to get the occasional glare. Not anymore. In short, I've... OMG, I'm afraid to type it. But here goes.... I've mellowed. In my younger days that was the first step to dead. Is it possible to be less
intense and still be alive and vital? I have no idea. Help me out! A. Am I compromising? B. Accepting mediocrity? C. Choosing something else to be today's battle and allowing my recreation to be
more fun, less stress? D. Getting old? E. All of the above? Answer: I don't know! Tell me! And one lucky commenter will receive a copy of my historical anthology, A DOZEN RAKES, RENEGADES, AND ROGUES OH MY! It releases Feb
14, so you'll get a pre-order copy. If you've already got it, I'll get you an
e-copy of any of my other books. Your choice! Celebrate the upcoming release and visit our event
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Comments
46 comments posted.
Re: Jade Lee | The Joys of Being an Older Athlete
I say F! Changed your perspective on the sport and competition and having more fun with it but still keeping it intense!
(Lisa L. 9:28am February 5, 2015)
As we get older, we seem to mellow out, and other things
take importance. We seem to, as the saying goes - go with
the flow!! So you're taking it in stride, and having some
fun with it, and doing it more as exercise, more so than
taking it as an actual game!! That's a great photo of you,
and you look like you're in great shape, considering your
Daughter just got married this year!! I can't believe you
have a Daughter that old!! Congratulations on your latest
collaboration!! It sounds really good, and I can't wait to
put it on my TBR list!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:24am February 5, 2015)
I agree with what Peggy said above! Look at that anthology... liking the sound of the stories. What a wonderful group of authors in that anthology! Always enjoy your posts!
(Colleen Conklin 12:01pm February 5, 2015)
Im still a people watcher, does that class as a sport? Sounds like a great read, Manda xx
(Manda Ward 12:07pm February 5, 2015)
What an amazing life you have. Athletic people inspire me but that time for me is gone, but I still love to hear about others who can do sports and activities This was so interesting to learn. Thank you for the contest too.
Cynthia
(Cynthia Blain 1:43pm February 5, 2015)
A lot of books to read. Great prize.
(Cecilia Rodriguez 2:08pm February 5, 2015)
Love this, can´t wait for my chance to read!
Thanks for the giveaway & Happy THursday!
//Linda
(Linda Larsson 3:41pm February 5, 2015)
I can't wait to buy this boxed set! Jade Lee, Mary Jo Putney,
and Jennifer Ashley are all awesome writers! For Jade Lee's
question, I think the answ
(Heather Rizzuti 7:48am February 6, 2015)
I think the answer for Jade Lee is C.
(Heather Rizzuti 7:49am February 6, 2015)
This is a wonderful giveaway with a lot of great authors. Thank you so much for the chance to won a set like this!
(Bonnie Capuano 9:20am February 6, 2015)
At age 70, I mainly watch others in sporting events. thank you for giving us a chance to stock up on your books.
(Maria Pucko 10:54am February 6, 2015)
I believe the answer is 'none of the above'
I think that you are just becoming more accepting of who you currently are. And that is a good thing. Does blowing up when you lose really accomplish anything- nothing positive as far as I know- just increase your blood pressure.
Be happy with who you are today.
(Joanne Schultz 3:24pm February 6, 2015)
A chance to win that boxed set? Count me in!
As for being an aging athlete, I can't really comment because
I'm neither aging (at least, I won't say I am) nor am I
athletic in any sense of the word.
(Abigail Lo 8:45pm February 6, 2015)
I'd love a chance to win! Please count me in too!
(Jennie Newbrand 12:09pm February 7, 2015)
I used to dance ballet and wish I could be as good as I was. Truth is getting older doesn't make me want something any less it only makes getting it harder.
(Lin Berda 1:03pm February 7, 2015)
Walking is my exercise.
Your book sounds really good
(Joy Isley 6:16pm February 7, 2015)
I'd go with C as the answer. I finally came to that basic
idea somewhere along the way, too!
(Janie McGaugh 6:23pm February 7, 2015)
Getting older does involve more pain and injuries!
(Kim Perry 6:58pm February 7, 2015)
I say C 😊
(Tiffany Dover 7:21pm February 7, 2015)
I've never been an athlete. Anytime I played sports, it was
for the fun of the game. In fact, when I played against
athletes in college it was quite jarring because they were so
cutthroat. Unfortunately, with injuries and arthritis, any
sports now are beyond my ability. I do already have the box
set, of course! ;-)
(Marcia Berbeza 8:52pm February 7, 2015)
I foster homeless books much to my husband's dimay ;) tee
hee..........lol. I'm more of a spectator than a
participant.
(Gwen Hansen 8:54pm February 7, 2015)
I love anthologies! I bet all your experiences help you in
writing your books!
(Diane Sallans 9:06pm February 7, 2015)
I'm looking forward to your next book.
Nancy Scott 9:46 pm
(Nancy Scott 9:47pm February 7, 2015)
Let's see..
A. Am I compromising?***** what does this word mean
again.. Compromise is that when you accept defeet??NO WAY
NOT ME!!!!
B. Accepting mediocrity? You mean a cop-out of my poor
playing... not me I would NEVER do that..yeah right!
C. Choosing something else to be today's battle and
allowing my recreation to be more fun, less stress?
Stress... what is that... FUN most definitely!!
D. Getting old?.. YOU ARE ONLY AS OLD AS YOUR BRAIN
ALLOWS YOUR BODY TO FEEL.. I am proud of my age.. I will
gladly say that being just shy of 53 is good!!
E. All of the above? In their own way I would say this
is the BEST answer.. YOU GO GIRL..
(Tina Ullrich 10:54pm February 7, 2015)
It would be All the Above. It is amazing to see what our priorities were back then and what our priorities are now. Things that used to matter is just trivial now. Our ages give us our perception of what is important in the now.
(Kai Wong 11:19pm February 7, 2015)
In my late 20's/early 30's, my apartment complex had a
racquetball court for residents. My dad and I would meet
a few times a week during lunch to squeeze in a few
games. You're right - more fun in the activity and
company than actual winning.
(Samantha Tennant 11:21pm February 7, 2015)
wiser and smarter
(Denise Holcomb 11:53pm February 7, 2015)
maybe be you need something new and something fun to do ^^
(Pangastuti Gusti 12:27pm February 8, 2015)
If you end up like my grandpa you're only as old as you doctor & spouse
say you have to be. P. S. Know when to let someone else drive you to the
ER.
(Laura Gullickson 12:57pm February 8, 2015)
I think the answer is C.....You're allowing you're recreation to be more fun
(Deborah Close 6:03am February 8, 2015)
I go with C. Life is not always what it should be.
(Debra Guyette 9:39am February 8, 2015)
As we get older, our views and priorities change. Winning is always the
goal but often the road there teaches our best lessons. I've learned to
relax, enjoy the challenge, and not beat myself up for not being able to
compete like I am in my twenties anymore.
(Deborah Poston 9:56am February 8, 2015)
You sound a well rounded person, no wonder you write so well.
(Sally Lincoln 10:04am February 8, 2015)
I would say C. I love your books.
(Denise Austin 1:16pm February 8, 2015)
I doubt you will ever compromise or not do your best, and, frankly, I can't imagine you ever admit to getting old ---- older but never old. That leave C as the best answer from among those listed. Have a good day!
(Anna Speed 1:44pm February 8, 2015)
never attempted racketball. Hate to run, hate to sweat.
love to swim: exercise without sweating. lol
(Marie Scearce 3:31pm February 8, 2015)
E! I think as you get older you just get different priorities.
(Sue Galuska 4:20pm February 8, 2015)
I think I'd rather watch too. Sorry, that's why I read. Sports are too much effort
and reading is calm, sexy, and fun! Sweat may be involved, but not mine thank
you very much!
(Shelly Ash 5:49pm February 8, 2015)
My knees make me be more of an observer instead of a
participant. :)
(Phyllis Crabtree 6:51pm February 8, 2015)
Forgot to answer the question: E. All of the above to some
extentbut especially C. Choosing something else to be
today's battle and allowing my recreation to be more fun,
less stress
(Phyllis Crabtree 6:55pm February 8, 2015)
If I must choose, then I would have to say C. But if you just take each day as it comes, your views may change with the rising of the sun. Just breathe the fresh air, & listen to the sounds around you. Let your mind open to your surroundings. You may be surprised.
(S W 7:04pm February 8, 2015)
I love rogues. Today a lot of snow ,can't wait for spring.
(Deb Pelletier 10:05pm February 8, 2015)
I say E, I know I've done some changing as I've gotten older.
(Diana Thomas 11:24pm February 8, 2015)
Mellowing is being smart not selling out.
(Beth Elder 11:17am February 9, 2015)
Mellow is more like the norm I think :)
(Kelly Braun 2:51am February 16, 2015)
I enter all contests for books with Rakes in the title. I KNOW
it will be a fun historical read.
(Suzanne Dye 2:27pm April 25, 2015)
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