Today at pickleball I realized people don't see me as an athlete. They look at T2 and automatically conclude that she is athletic (which she most definitely is) but no one mistakes me for being an athlete. And sometimes I wonder. I am probably one of the youngest on the court and I periodically get my butt beat.
I can't compete with T2 when it comes to cycling, running or playing pickleball. And my guess would be if she took up swimming I wouldn't be able to compete with her there either. She is by far the better athlete, and no matter how hard I try I can't keep up. But I am at one disadvantage when it comes to running and biking, I weigh a bit more then she does. But that doesn't explain pickleball.
But I am thinking...I have never played a ball sport, and I was horrible at ping pong (actually I hated ping pong because I was so bad) that I rarely played. So I don't have a "natural feel" for a racket game, but can it be learned? I don't know, I am having fun trying, but I worry worry worry that people are going to complain about my playing if I don't improve. It makes me nervous. How long can I say I am a novice.
I look soft. I think that is what it is. I don't look like I am strong. I don't have a runners/cyclist body, and it is that body type or the weight lifters type that makes people think one is strong and athletic. There is physical and a mental softness that emanates from me that throws people off. And that is because I am very very gentle. A gentle giant like my Taya with a heart of a warrior who doesn't want to hurt anyone. Now how does that work?
I might not be the fastest or best in these sports, but my heart say I am an athlete and I have the beats to prove it.
I can't compete with T2 when it comes to cycling, running or playing pickleball. And my guess would be if she took up swimming I wouldn't be able to compete with her there either. She is by far the better athlete, and no matter how hard I try I can't keep up. But I am at one disadvantage when it comes to running and biking, I weigh a bit more then she does. But that doesn't explain pickleball.
But I am thinking...I have never played a ball sport, and I was horrible at ping pong (actually I hated ping pong because I was so bad) that I rarely played. So I don't have a "natural feel" for a racket game, but can it be learned? I don't know, I am having fun trying, but I worry worry worry that people are going to complain about my playing if I don't improve. It makes me nervous. How long can I say I am a novice.
I look soft. I think that is what it is. I don't look like I am strong. I don't have a runners/cyclist body, and it is that body type or the weight lifters type that makes people think one is strong and athletic. There is physical and a mental softness that emanates from me that throws people off. And that is because I am very very gentle. A gentle giant like my Taya with a heart of a warrior who doesn't want to hurt anyone. Now how does that work?
I might not be the fastest or best in these sports, but my heart say I am an athlete and I have the beats to prove it.
Hi to my Warrior Princess with a heart of platinum (better than gold). You have swimmers shoulders & do look athletic - maybe you're just too kind to the other folks & let them beat you (although I doubt that's the answer). Swim 3 times/week, personal trainer twice/week, pickleball 2 or 3 times/week & tap dance - WOW!
ReplyDeleteI think you are the only athlete in the family. It's funny how perceptions are so different!
ReplyDelete