I am seriously knackered after far less time on the ice. (Admittedly, I'm 20 years older and with a decidedly difficult leg!) I would love to go off and do one (or more) of the summer skating camps for adults and/or ice dancers but there is simply no way I'd cope with the demands. I'm hoping that I'll develop a lot more fitness/stamina over the next couple of years and then I'll review the situation but right now I'm shattered after an hour and a half and continuing to push after that time results in bruises.
Whilst I'm not doing the difficult compulsory dances that I used to do, and I don't feel I have the speed (although I skate rings around most of the other adults) or agility I'd like, I am finding that there are things I'm doing now, that I used to struggle with or by-pass completely. Maybe there's a lot to be said for age bringing wisdom and patience, because now I'm thinking, "Well, I can't do it right now but if I keep practising, I will..." and, sure enough, I do seem to manage things.
One thing I have definitely noticed, however, is a marked raising of the Fear Factor. I am definitely more fearful of falling. Although I'm more determined to actually do things that I know are likely to be difficult, I'm loath to take risks or fling myself about like I used to. I prefer a more measured and thoughtful approach.
Back when I was training seriously, I used to see a lady who I believe was in her 70s. She was actually the mother of a skater a few years older than me, and every day that lady would take to the ice and skate her heart out. She would jump and spin and fling herself around with little style but some serious moves! The day after I jokingly asked her whether she felt it was possibly time to take up crochet, she came in as usual but with a present for me - a beautifully crocheted net for my hair! Wonderful lady with amazing joie de vivre. (When she wasn't skating, she was playing competitive tennis...)
I was 50 a month ago. I'm not coy about it or in denial. I don't feel old. (Most of the time!) Over the past few years, I've watched other friends - mostly a couple of years or so older than me - take up pole fitness. One of those friends too it up 3 years ago at the age of 50 and is now an advanced pole fitness instructor and has her own studio where she runs classes and teaches privately. She's inspirational and the core strength and flexibility she's developed over the past 3 years that enable her to perform astounding tricks on that pole leave me breathless. (She was also interviewed on Radio 2's breakfast show this morning!) Angie says that she's living proof that you should never think yourself "past anything", including fitness and sport. I think she's right.
And now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for my nap.