{{twitter_follow[worksopladies]}} {{twitter_share}}
One of our players, Joanne Pilson (pictured above), hadn’t played sport before she tried hockey, but since that first day it’s changed her life in a big way. We asked her to tell us all about it.
In the beginning
At the age of 45 I’d not played any sport since school. Even then I wasn’t that interested. I was too busy listening to Human League and Blondie and hanging around having fun. Then, one day, a friend of mine suggested I come along and play hockey. My first response was, “Me, play hockey? Not likely!” However, little did I know that moment was to change my life in a very positive way.
As well as being someone who rarely broke into a trot, let alone a sprint, I was also a smoker, and had been for a long time. My first hockey session almost killed me. My chest was burning, my legs were throbbing and it was the first time I can remember running at full pace since I was a child.
Revelation
When I woke up the next day, I couldn’t move. Every bit of me ached; but I had a revelation. Not only had taking part in this training made me realise just how unfit I was, but I also realised what a great kick I got out of playing and I was determined to carry on, even though my body was telling me otherwise.
Each week became easier and each week I’d get that glow of enjoyment from participating in a great team sport. Looking back at that 45 year-old, I think I’d given up on myself; resigned myself to the fact that the ageing process was just going to take its course and heading for middle-aged mediocrity.
Life-changing
I think one of the greatest things sport gave me, was the desire to quit smoking. I’d always flirted with the idea but never had the incentive to do so. Yet, when I started to play sport, amongst fit, non-smoking people, I did start to feel a little out of sync. I also had the desire to get fitter and better at my sport and knew that smoking wouldn’t help that. Then one day I just woke up and thought, “That’s it” and haven’t smoked since. I’m not even interested. I love my new found fitness too much.
More sports?
I must admit, I’ve become a bit of a sports nut now. After a couple of seasons of hockey I was introduced to cricket, and a totally new group of muscles started to feel the strain. I’d never been interested in cricket, and I never get the urge to watch it, but playing it is a whole different ball game (excuse the pun).
Then, a year ago, one of the cricket girls suggested I join her playing football for a local side. Once again I responded with, “Me, play football? I can’t even kick a ball”. The thought of getting involved in another sport at my age didn’t seem feasible, but she encouraged me by pointing out that their pre-season training would have me in tip-top condition for the beginning of the hockey season; so off I went to football training.
I loved the circuit training and just knew it was going to give my fitness that extra boost, and at the end of the session they set two teams for a game of football. Well, I wasn’t very good at it, but I loved it. It’s so addictive. Right throughout the pre-season I got fitter, and even a bit better, and ended up joining the club for the upcoming season. So now, I was playing hockey matches on a Saturday and football matches on a Sunday as well as training for them during the week.
Another level
Well, you’d think that would be enough, wouldn’t you, but oh no, not this girl. My sport addiction found yet another outlet when one of the football girls asked me to join their 5-a-side team. It’s such a demanding game, because unlike 11-a-side you don’t get a breather, there’s no throw-ins or corners, the ball just comes straight back off the boards, so it’s 50 minutes of intense play. But once again, it’s brought my fitness to a whole new level.
Now, when I look back to how I was in my mid-forties I barely recognise myself. If you’d have told me back then what I’d be doing a little over 5 years later I’d have said, “Me, play hockey, football and cricket? You’re having a laugh”
So, anyone out there who thinks they’re too old to get involved in sport, think again.