What’s your adult sport?

Circa 1990, some here might remember playing in those Friday morning pickup games at Mayfair Park, usually last 2+ hours, before we headed to the Soup Exchange for lunch. Those were great games with colleagues who were like brothers.

 

I joined a Planet Fitness a few months before COVID hit, and was going there 2-3 days a week. Haven't gone since COVID, but if things clear up, I'd like to go again.

Joined an outdoor volleyball league a couple of years ago, playing against 20- and 30-somethings. Did OK in the first game, and tore my meniscus in the second game when I jumped and felt something pop.

Joined a softball league for middle-aged and elderly men this year. I suck, and our team sucks and is near the bottom of the standings. But it's been enjoyable because the guys on my team just want to have fun. Some of the teams in the league are hyper-competitive, but if we score a few runs and lose by less than double-digits, we count that as a personal win. It's medium-pitch (not the lobs, but pitchers can't do huge windups either). I've gotten a few hits, and made a few grabs in the outfield. The manager invited me to join his bowling league team, which, while I'm hesitant about COVID, I'm going to give it a shot even though I warned him that I suck at that sport too.

 

Twice a week? You're living my (retirement) dream.

 

12-ounce weightlifting.

 

I'm 37 - I need to find some of these leagues, but I'm the oldest guy at my workplace, in a new-ish area. I work for a university now, and I'm hoping there will be an Old Man Hoops game I can ask about there once things properly re-open.

 

When I go kayaking and the outfitter launches us into the flat water just below the dam, I can’t stand to hang out with the crowds. That’s my time to go all out until I can at least hear the first rapid coming up. I’ll pick my spots after that but if I hear a pack of people coming it’s time to hit the gas again, even though none of us are actually racing.

For whitewater rafting, it is my personal challenge to stay in the boat no matter how intense the rapid. Went on a trip about three weeks ago where the guide was talking up a Class IV like it was a foregone conclusion we were going for a swim. Screw that. I came to ride the rapid, not have it ride me. Sure enough, we stayed upright, even directly attacking a wave that looked like a two-story building from our vantage point.

 

Cycling
Running
Rucking
Fishing
Hunting
Crossfit (pre-Covid and maybe post)

Im debating pickle ball. I know several people now playing and it seems fun. Not seriously athletic, more social than anything. At least the way they do it.

 

My first thought was, “I’m a mushroom with no nearby friends to play any sports with,” so I didn’t think I’d have anything to add, since my last group competition was playing 3rd base for team Weekly World News (the Bat Boys!) softball squad in the Police Athletic League in Lantana Florida in 1996. But then it dawned on me my Peloton rides are ultra competitive!

 

I found a fabulous mixed doubles partner and we’ve won a couple of pickleball tournaments. I’ll play five mornings a week; Sunday and Tuesday are saved for golf.

 

In time I'll get one and enjoy those virtual competitions.

 

Softball for me. I absolutely love it and never get tired of playing it.

 

I don't go fishing. When I go, they change the name to catching! #chucknorris