Survived, choices

So I took my 3D printed pickleball paddle out to the courts yesterday with no clue how it would play or if it would last 5 minutes until breaking. After playing two complete games with the heavy paddle it appeared to be completely fine. I would not use the word “fine” to describe what it is like playing with the paddle although I did win one of the two games I played with it. It’s a heavy beast and there is no real “feel” at all. The paddle just plows through the ball. The extra weight definitely affected my hand speed in shots that require it. Still, it was kind of fun to play with a paddle I created and I may bring it along more often just to see how long it will last.

I have decided to not play volleyball this week. My enjoyment to aggravation formula has swung too far towards the wrong direction far as my body is just not responding well to playing. I have to play between 3-4 games before I even think about trying to jump. If I am forced to choose at this point in my life if I am going to continue to play pickleball or sand volleyball it is a very easy selection for me. Pickleball wins instantly.

There are a lot of people I like that I play volleyball with so it will be a bummer to not see them regularly but the physical reality of approaching 58 years old makes one make decisions that they would rather not have to. If I get to a point where my lower body feels solid once again maybe I’ll give it a go again but this last 365 days has been a physical struggle pretty much the entire time.