Gert Scholtz

7 years ago · 2 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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A Long Jump in Time

A Long Jump in Time

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Two years ago I barely exercised. I had always kept reasonably fit but I had fallen into a lull with little motivation for any sport. Passing by a running track one day, I thought, why not go back to what I was once good at - athletics?

I began running and sprinting as I had done for many hours at school and university. The going was haphazard as you can expect when combining the muscle memory of a twenty year old and the physique of a fifty year old. Soon the call of the athletics track and my old specialty, the long jump, became stronger. I entered the arena of Masters Athletics.

The first burst of newfound enthusiasm totally overtook my actual fitness level. Sprains and pulled muscles had me out of action at times. In time I learned to go easy and work it up gradually. Warming up longer and taking time to go through the paces. Now I practice every second day, not six days a week as once long ago was the routine.

By the time the summer season started I was in reasonable shape again. I had lost weight, gained strength and could keep sustain effort for two hours – the duration of the typical long jump event from warm-up to finishing six leaps. I won two provincial championships and took second place at the South African Masters Championships. By then the bug had really bitten so I kept training in the off season.

Keeping up regular training is not always easy. Practicing in the evening after work, temperatures in winter are close to freezing point outside. Then, the track is empty. Just me crazy enough train at that time of day. I knew though that you have to keep at it as fitness improvement is slow and incremental.

Some days after work, I really do not feel up to an hour and more of intense training. I trick myself – sort of. I undertake to exercise for only fifteen minutes. If by then I really don’t feel like it anymore, I can pack up and go home. It works every time. Once outdoors and the energizing effects of exercise kick in, it feels too good to stop.

I had to laugh at myself. Many times. Miss-timing a leap at a competition, I somersaulted headlong into the sand in front of a full pavilion. Nothing injured except a badly bruised ego. Competing among a group of junior athletes, a young spectator derisively exclaimed: “Hey, this old fart must be at least forty!” I turned to him and replied: “Well actually, this old fart is already fifty”. We both laughed and for the rest of the competition he was my most vocal supporter.

I experienced anew how invigorating it is to go outdoors for exercise. My typical work day is filled with numbers and abstractions. One needs to get back to basic elements and awareness of open space, the smell of grass and a setting sun to get outside your mind and restore inner equilibrium. Running hard and leaping in the air is a pure existential pleasure. Yes, I still have enormous fun playing in a sandpit!

Again I discovered the thrill and challenge of competition. Focusing intensely on the five seconds it takes to run and leap. Putting all effort into the split second take-off. Driving to outdo yourself. The chase of a prize in friendly camaraderie, the way it should be.

The exercise regimen has paid off. Soon I will be on my way to the World Masters Athletics Championships representing South Africa. The Olympics for the “oldies” as my children say. I am grateful. It is satisfying to return to a forgotten talent, rediscovering it, and shaping it as best I can.

To you, if you have read this far: are there any forgotten passions or talents within you? Any rusty longings and joys long forgotten that can be re-awakened? Before you hide it carefully in your good memory trove, think carefully. 

It’s never too late. 

Take a long jump in time.



(Picture credit: Roger James)



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#Masters Athletics #Time #Masters Championships #Long Jump #Miss
Comments

Randall Burns

6 years ago #35

HaHa! Gert Scholtz great article, perfect title. I just burst out laughing at "Old fart", yup, that's what they call me in the kitchen, (I'm 57 now), BUT that stops quickly when I'm running circles around Cooks half of my age. trust me in that there are some advantages to age and experience, (although I can relate to the sprains, aches, and tired joints). Never lose that joy of playing in the sandbox and you'll never feel old. (I still feel like a 12 year old kid inside).

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #34

#58
Good idea Pam!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #33

#55
My son has a contraption to do that with his bike too . I would love to have a good bike and one of those 'contraptions' to use during the snowy months when you can't go out and ride a bike around here. I'm wimpier now, even if it's too cold, forget it. Oh to be young again!!

🐝 Fatima G. Williams

7 years ago #32

It will be awesome to watch a live buzz Gert Scholtz It's lovely to rekindle an old passion and revive ourselves with it. As short as I am I used to jump at school ( giggles) and I was a sprinter too. I also used to be good at volley ball. This is a great motivating buzz loved reading it. This is so true " One needs to get back to basic elements and the awareness of open space " All the best again its beBee cheering for you 🤗🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🤗

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #31

#52
I know live buzz works for Lance Scoular, I will look for a bike that my bottom end feels comfortable on and start riding if you do too! I used to ride a lot and after breaking my tailbone for the 3rd time, I wasn't able to sit on my bike seat long at all.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #30

Sara Jacobovici I am sure the live buzz feature works in "them here" southern countries SA and Australia. So a live Buzz it will Bee! Sara - glad you stayed on till the ending - that was the intent. Pam - get back on your bike and ride! Thank you!

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #29

Sorry I missed this the first time it appeared Gert Scholtz. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and love your ending. Go Gert Go! Have a great time and enjoy the experience. Looking forward to hearing about it and your success!

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #28

Dean Owen Many thanks - I shall make Jump by Van Halen my "war cry" for the coming competition!

Dean Owen

7 years ago #27

#43
I am so shocked to see Dire Straits a beBee favourite, and being played all over the world. My favourite band for 3 decades, and Making Movies best album ever.

Dean Owen

7 years ago #26

#33
Wow Praveen, he is really good! Next time get some close up video! That could well go viral!

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #25

Donna-Luisa Eversley Many thanks Donna-Luisa. One day when I am grown up I want to be as good as those Jamaicans next to where you live!

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #24

Lisa Gallagher Many thanks I sincerely appreciate your wishes! Today I am jumping for joy at your messages!

Mamen 🐝 Delgado

7 years ago #23

Good luck dear Gert Scholtz and enjoy a lot!!!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #22

Extremely inspiring Gert Scholtz, and how proud you must be! Good luck and cant wait to hear more after you compete!

Neil Smith

7 years ago #21

Thanks for the heads up Gert. As I hit fifty next October this is uncomfortably topical and enjoyable to read.

Pascal Derrien

7 years ago #20

I am not quite fifty but I am heading there, I fully relate even though I am more into mid to long distance running (and cycling) I think it does set a great example to the kids and the benefits outweigh by far the constraints of training even with a family and a demanding job, keep er lit Gert :-)

Dean Owen

7 years ago #19

#28
You can always squash wallaby maltesers!

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #18

#27
I used to love playing squash, Dean, but since the pest control man came to visit, I've run out of cockroaches. 😢

Dean Owen

7 years ago #17

Oh sheesh....I'm coming up to fifty soonish. Now you have ladled me with guilt! What to do? Hit the courts I guess as my regular outdoor pool will be closing soon for the winter. Anyone for a game of squash?

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #16

#25
October you say, Gert. Only a couple of weeks to get from flab to fast, or perhaps from sedentary to coronary? 😆

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #15

Ken Boddie By the way Ken, Australia is hosting the WMAC in October and November of this year.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #14

#13
Jared Wiese Sounds great - thanks for the invite Jared.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #13

#17
Irene Hackett It is interesting how movement and walking in particular unlocks creativity. Thanks for your always kind and encouraging words Irene.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #12

#16
debasish majumder "Old is gold", Yes it is. Thank you for your kind words Debasish. I appreciate your reading and commenting.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #11

#15
David Grinberg Personally, I much prefer being out in an open more natural environment. Thank you for reading and commenting David.

David B. Grinberg

7 years ago #10

Thank you for this motivational and inspirational buzz, Gert. This is very helpful to folks like me who were more athletic in their younger years and need to get back at it. My wife hits the gym religiously, like 5 days a week, whereas I'm not a gym rat. Nonetheless, I need to join her, especially since we have a gym in our building. Your article has helped motivate me. Thank you, Gert!

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #9

#6
Jared Wiese Thank you Jared - I appreciate your time and feedback. Tennis is my other "old passion". If you are ever in SA - let's have a game. You have four years on me!

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #8

#8
Ken Boddie As long as the wind is from bagpipes! Thanks for reading and sharing with "The Boys from the Gap".

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #7

#4
Paul Walters Eight meters? Then I would need to hold myself back :) Thanks for stopping by Paul.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #6

#3
Vincent Andrew As Johnny Walker says: " Just keep on walking".Yes, it's always good to laugh at yourself. Thanks for reading and sharing Vincent.

Ken Boddie

7 years ago #5

If you are an old fart, Gert, then I must be an ancient fart. Must get all the 'Boys from the Gap' to meet up some day to break wind together. Dean Owen

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #4

#2
Ian Weinberg Sometimes the brain just needs a good dollop of fun! Thanks for reading and commenting Ian.

Gert Scholtz

7 years ago #3

#1
Aurorasa Sima Indeed it is. Thanks for reading and sharing Aurorasa.

Paul Walters

7 years ago #2

Gert Scholtz Now all you have to do is break 8 mts ....you can do it!!!

Ian Weinberg

7 years ago #1

Good stuff Gert! At this stage of life inspiration experienced from the achievement of other 'old farts' goes a long way!

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