Is 41 to old to get back in shape and start highland games?

[Standard]

If 41 is too old, then I'm certainly out of luck here at 46 getting back in shape to take a group of 17-18 year old Scouts backpacking for two weeks.

You can do anything you put your mind to and decide that you want bad enough. Good luck with your training.

[Alan H]

In high school, I was on the basketball, tennis, rugby, and swim teams. I haven't exercised since college. But I'm throwing now, and loving it!

Speaking from my experience only, the group that I throw with, and the competitors that I have met in California and Arizona highland games, there are all types of people doing this. Men and women, younger college guys, older folks, skinny, fat, tall, short, body builders and weight lifters, cross fit and strongman competitors, different occupations and economic backgrounds. Some throw for the competition, some for the camaraderie, some for the exercise some for the social atmosphere.

The coolest thing that I have experienced about highland athletics is the family atmosphere and the lack of ego. The other competitors, even the judges, will give you pointers on how to do better. They cheer you on. The sportsmanship that I have witnessed is second to none.

Couild it be another "behold the power of the kilt" moment? Maybe!

Spot on. EVERYBODY helps everybody. I remember having a telephone conversation with a certain well-known younger female athlete (not GGGP) about her role in the changing face of womens Highland athletics. She broke down and cried. She told me how hard, how very hard she worked in college to be just sort of "OK" at track and field as a shot putter and hammer thrower. People on your own team helped you but when you went to a meet, you didn't socialize with the other girls, and God Forbid any of them helped you.

It's TOTALLY not that way in Highland Games. Everybody wants you to do better. Everybody wants to see big throws. If you hit a PR, everybody is happy for you including the guy you just beat. It's one gigantic family, because nearly everybody GETS IT...it's about being YOUR best, not beating the other guy. There are no $100,000 Nike sponsorships at stake, here. So just shut up and throw, and we all go out for a barbeque and beer afterwards.

[Delaney]

...it's about being YOUR best, not beating the other guy.

That's what makes it a personal spiritual quest for me. Just what IS my best? Can I go beyond? What will happen? What am I capable of, truly?

[Father Bill]

Aye. As a teacher, I was never interested in who had the highest marks, but rather in how much any given student might improve in any field of endeavour. Those are the folks to watch as they will make the great contributions.

[Alan H]

All right mrdad8802... in early February you asked us if 41 was too late to get in shape and try the Games. You've heard a resounding NO!!!

It's now March 23rd. What have you done to start the process towards getting stronger, and throwing?