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Retirement and Gratitude |
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TomLawrence
Postaholic Joined: 1/11/13 Location: Blairsville, GA Status: Offline Points: 2696 |
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Posted: 5/12/22 at 9:55am |
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Clan Heavy, I’m turning 50 this year and have decided to retire from throwing. I’ve gone through a lot of mental and physical changes in the last few years that I’m still rebuilding from, and I’m just not holding up well to the punishing nature of throwing anymore. So, I’m doing other athletic things with my family instead, and we’re having fun. I’ll never give up the barbell though. It was always my first love, and I’ve got a great coach to keep me from flying to bits. I can still dead lift more than double my body weight, so I got that going for me. That said, the past 10 years as a Highland Games athlete have been among the most fun in my adult life, largely because of the people. I was never good, but I was solidly mediocre, and I had the best time. Here are some highlights and gratitudes –
I’ll be around. Tom |
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Aim high. Stay hungry.
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Sammy68123
Senior Member Joined: 6/15/08 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 735 |
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I'm so glad that the HG gave you so many great memories! My motto has been "have fun, don't get hurt". Entering my 16th season now, I'm feeling a little weary also, so I can relate to what you're saying.
Keeping up with strength training is the ticket to staying independent as we get older (the exercise physiologist in me talking): the biggest predictor of whether you'll end up in a nursing home is the strength of your legs. I'm happy that you've said you'll keep with the barbell. What other new athletic things will you be doing with the family?
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Teresa Merrick
Bellevue, NE |
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TheJeff696
Postaholic Joined: 8/17/10 Location: Dover, NH Status: Offline Points: 4599 |
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Tom, we may never have met but I always appreciated the kind words on my log. You did a lot of great things in this sport, personally and through the encouragement and banter shared in NASGA (even after it's own "retirement" which I clearly refuse to accept).
I wish you and your family the best in your future endeavors. Never give up the barbell, it's essentially medicine! Take care, sir!
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Jeff Kaste
"I think there's a Squatch in these woods..." |
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Larry Satchwell
Senior Member Joined: 8/30/04 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 326 |
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Congratulations on a wise decision Tom. The heavy events take a toll on the body. I speak from experience, I stopped throw in 2007 at the age of 57 after 30 years. Looking back after two total knee replacements and a total ankle replacement I wish I had given it up sooner.
Training now consists of light weights and mobility stuff to keep those artificial implants from rusting. I love judging and announcing at games but those opportunities are few and far between these days. I still visit this site daily as I’m not on Facebook. Looks like Jeff wins as the last man standing! Enjoy activities with your family and keep moving the bar. Satch
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Mr. Natural
Postaholic Top 10 in the USA - '02-'08 Joined: 7/24/07 Location: NY Status: Offline Points: 1168 |
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Good luck to ya Tom, I’m sure I won’t be far behind you!
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TomLawrence
Postaholic Joined: 1/11/13 Location: Blairsville, GA Status: Offline Points: 2696 |
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Thank you all.
I started lifting when I was seven, then seriously when I was 14. It's the thing I've done the longest, and I can't not do it. For now I've lost over 30 pounds of throwing weight. I'm doing a lot of trail running with #2 son and road running with the whole family. I'm also trying to figure out swimming and backpacking. Tom
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Aim high. Stay hungry.
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Mr. Natural
Postaholic Top 10 in the USA - '02-'08 Joined: 7/24/07 Location: NY Status: Offline Points: 1168 |
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Sheesh, that's a LOT of mileage there Larry. I haven't had to go all cyborg yet (knock on wood) but I'm definitely starting to feel my age. For what it's worth, you've always been an inspiration - I think I started out when I a few years younger than you were, but I don't know if I'll make it to 57! Of course all the mountain biking crashing, bad tennis playing and late night music/drinking sessions probably don't help... Hope you're doing great.
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Sammy68123
Senior Member Joined: 6/15/08 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 735 |
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Please forgive my delay in responding. Sounds like you have a few new activities to pursue. I didn't start with lifting until I was about 24, but, like you, I know I can't do without it in some form. "Have fun, don't get hurt"!
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Teresa Merrick
Bellevue, NE |
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