Captjamie, You've gotten great advice here about lifting and throwing. What I'll add--is old guy to old guy Remember, if you lift, get in shape and pratice, this is a sport you can stay with. The key in my mind is NEVER over lift and never over practice--BUT the only thing you can take into the trig is your preparation. Do an exercise program you can stick with for a while. This isn't just good for throwing and cabers--its good for your health as stated above. Some poo-poo cardio work, but I'm a huge fan of it. It keeps me healthy and my weight in control. That helps with my blood pressure and glucose issues. Also, always remember--you don't COMPETE in Highland Heavy Athletics, you SURVIVE them. Good cardio is your only defense against getting gased by the third event--while looking at the rest of a long day in the hot sun.

The more you use a sensible workout and practice program, the more likely you won't tweek something and you'll just have to deal with the normal aches and pains of guys our ages.

When it comes to throwing and turning cabers--the ONLY way to get better is to practice. Then practice some more, then hopefuly get pointers on your form breaks from people who know what they're doing. If you're really lucky, you might even be able to get with a few local throwers and practice together.

If turning cabers was easy--people wouldn't look at us like we're crazy! It is one of the most unnatural acts you can participate in. In the end--you'll be one of a handful of guys who can do it. Practice picking a caber--over and over. A good pick will deny most of the problems that can happen with a caber. The rest is just timing, which comes with practice.

Good luck, stay healthy and hope to see you on the field sometime.