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Have to admit i really miss it.
You make your choices and take the consequences i guess !!!!!!!!.
Its a struggle long hours at work and sport arent the easiest of mixes I ran 4 times a week until an achilles problem (luckily this didnt stop me working) now I cycle as often as I can. But I used to be a triathlete and I'm looking to get back into it once the achilles has been sorted out, so I will be swimming at 6am and either running or cycling after work. Apparently what doesnt kill you makes you stronger so this time next year I will either be dead or fit as a fiddle ;)
It's annoying because the fact is a sport u really like can potentially stop you from working.
I make sure their are at least 2 afternoons a month and 1 full day a month I keep free for "Me" and mountain biking.... admitadly the afternoons all seem to be Saturdays - but it is important to MAKE space in the diart for a bit or R&R - as well all know after this wet year, pulling 6 & 7 day weeks in your own business, however rewarding, can run you down.
I recognise that dilemma as well.. more to do with hobbies and riding/racing motorbikes than sports. Seen too many mates injured on bikes on the road or track, so I have decided I WILL get to old age with no major prangs.
I am not sure my business is as sufficiently self supporting without me as I would like. That is a challenge I intend to address during the winter months and as a new years resolution.
I've gone back too many years and I am currently revisiting what I did in my youth competitively, which is sailing and canoeing as a means of relaxing and letting off business frustration. Nowhere fit enough yet, but enjoying the odd ache.
Steve, get your boots back on!
It's a long time you're retired; still miss playing 20 years after hanging up the boots. One of the committee chaps at our rugby club was an insurance broker, and he used to offer to the self-employed players, sports injury policies. Might be worth getting a few quotes to see if it's affordable?
After years of playing squash, now taken up badminton...a bit gentler on the old ticker! I hope.
Steve Sonic Grounds Maintenance said:
I do mountain biking and have been getting more and more into downhill riding. Yes the risk of injury is high, and yes if I do get injured then work will be an issue, but I am taking care and doing something I love so to me it's worth doing. The alternative would be to feel restricted and not enjoy my life to the fullest.
I do find it hard to do the night time midweek rides, but I am gradually doing less hours and will at least get a good winter of it. Come spring I am going to look at ways of cutting my own personal labour hours without affecting any of my jobs. There are few things more enjoyable than going out for 3 hours on a cold winter's night with a small group flying through the forest singletrack with a light on the bars and one on the helmet, frozen ground underneath the soft layer of conifer needles and leaves.
Good on you Dan. Shame I gave my bike away (on loan) else I would be tempted to go out for the odd hour at weekend.
I use to do a lot of windsurfing and wave riding / jumping and vowed to have at least one day a month off to do this. However I haven't used the kit for over three years now and it pains me to have all that equipment sitting there collecting dust.
May be next year! :-)
However it is important for everyone to get a little "me time" totally away from the business and other pressures. Must admit having a good soak in the hut tub last thing at night helps ease the pains of the working day and clears / cleanses the mind and soul plus it helps ensure a good nights sleep.
I gave up football at 30 because I was begining to collect injuries that were taking longer to heal and the business was begining to pick up. Carried on cricket up to this season, where there is much less likelyhood of injury. Still managing to odd ton up to a couple of seasons ago (I'm in my 60's now). Also managed in youth football for over 20 years.
Anyway, yes you can mix sport, family and business - its all about getting the balance right.