This weekend we had the last of the 2018 Highland Games, at least for me (and most of us in this part of the country). Surprising as it may sound, I still managed to get a PR in Light (16 lbs) Hammer: 61' 2", an increase of 1' 2".
It was a somewhat strange for throwing, this year. To be frank, my heart was not necessarily in it so my throwing was pretty inconsistent. I was on and off about attending games and practicing was virtually non-extant.
Still, to put it into context, my score in 2012 was about 1500. My score this year (not completely finished yet) stands at around 3800 with two games left to be entered.
But every time I go, I am reminded of why I go: the people. In a world of social media "friends" and relationships that do not last the next new job or next move, these are your family, the family you never knew you had until you met them. These are the ones that care - actually care, not just kind of. These are the sorts of folks the best stories are made with: the road trips, the overnight drives, the throwing in the rain and snow and lightning and heat - and then reliving everything in the story.
As The Viking and I drove home after the game, we were analyzing how we did. "You have enough power" he said, "we just need to work your technique."
At this point in my life, the fact that there is still the hope of any improvement - let alone great improvement - is a heady thing.
There comes a point when competition becomes meaningless, and all the rivalry and butt hurt and negativity falls away. That is where the fun is.
ReplyDeleteThis is true social interaction- people with a common interest coming together and enjoying that common interest. Social "networking" has become social marketing anyway, and I find it pretty boring.
ReplyDeleteTrue enough Glen. We do keep score and there is some level of competition, but at our age (anyone over 40 is a Master) it is as much about the joy of being alive to compete as it is the score. There are a few that are very competitive, even in this bracket. Competitions at this age really does not show well.
ReplyDeleteWords well put together Leigh. Most social networking is social marketing - after all, if you are no paying for it, you are the product.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it is amazing how different people with different backgrounds and different views can manage to come together to do something the love. Would that we did more of this.