Nothing a little therapy wouldn’t help

In the category of strange but true, I won a golf tournament! Previously, I’ve placed in my flight and stuff like that, but this is the first time I’ve finished first overall. The prize was $40 and bragging rights.

Regular blog readers will know competition is my nemesis. I usually have this sense of being judged and struggle with confidence, especially after a poor shot. It’s like, oh, yeah, I knew it all along. You suck. At everything. You’re not worthy.

Nothing a little therapy wouldn’t help, but I believe retirement has helped me overcome my fears. With no job status to bolster my self-esteem, I’m learning that being a decent human being and living a good life is plenty. I’m more comfortable with myself and with the ups and downs of the game. I even said to Dale the night before the final round, you know, I’m not scared. I’m just going to play the best I can and enjoy the challenge of trying to make that ball do what I want.

For me, that’s progress.

I’ve always said my brain is the weakest part of my game, so I definitely think the change in mindset helped me play better. I’m also giving credit to the physical therapy regime aimed at strengthening my core. I’m guessing you are all sick of hearing about that, but seriously, this is a big deal for us aging Boomers.

Although I’ve exercised regularly for many years, I never paid attention to the core. Cancer and two major abdominal surgeries didn’t help. But I’m 10 weeks into working with a PT, who gave me a series of exercises to do at home, and it’s life-changing.

Not only is my lower back and knee pain pretty much gone, but I feel more stable even when I just move around the house. I’m definitely stronger in the water when I swim, and now I’m seeing results on the golf course. I’m not sure how it all works, but I guess a stronger core increases stability, and that translates to more power in the swing.  

I get it – not everyone is a golfer, but I’m starting to believe a stronger core is the secret to any kind of an active life as we age. The exercises are tough but worth it. I’m 68 and think of this work as an investment for my 70s and 80s.

All this learning did not prepare me for the photo opp. Granted, this was after 18 holes of golf, but a blow dry in the morning with a little product would have fixed that frizzy hair. It seems I will have to make more of an effort in the future.

You never know when you’ll win something.

14 thoughts on “Nothing a little therapy wouldn’t help”

  1. Congratulations Donna! The trophy looks nice and all your hard work on your head and your core definitely paid off. It is just so hard to get out of our heads at times! Great accomplishment!!

  2. Hi Donna! I’ve been enjoying your blog for a couple of years now, having been introduced to it by my friend Pamela Nagashima. I was delighted some months ago when you decided not to stop writing it!
    I’m commenting now inspired by your statement that strengthening your core has been “life changing” for you.
    I am also 68 and have been working with a personal trainer weekly for several years, which has been super helpful. He’s not training me to run a marathon but rather to “maintain” me. Yet, I still have trouble with my low and now also upper back.
    Are the core ex’s you refer to primarily a Pilates type of exercise? I’m just wondering if there’s something in particular I could add to what I already do that would be helpful.
    Love your style ~ I always look forward to seeing your blog in my inbox!
    Jeanne

    1. Hi Jeanne, great to hear from you! Love the idea of maintaining “you.” That’s my aim.

      Here are the main exercises. This is a mishmash of sites that feature exercises that most cloesly resemble what he has me doing. I find the pallof press and the lunges the most challenging. Hope this helps!!

      Brettzel 2 X 30 sec
      https://www.functionalmovement.com/exercises/222/brettzel

      Pigeon 2 X 30 sec

      Pigeon Pose – Kapotasana

      Assisted Sit-ups with Resistence Band 5 reps, 3 sets

      Assisted Sit-ups With Bands

      Half-Kneeling Pallof Press with Resistence Band 3 X 20-30 sec

      Dead Bug Hold 3 X 20 sec

      T-hold 3 X 10-15 sec (Holding onto wall for support)

      Isolated Lunge Hold 3 X 10-15 sec (Holding onto wall for support)

  4. Congrats Donna on winning the golf trophy! I’m sure it boosted your confidence. Great news about the PT workouts. Definitely need to work on my core. Thanks for giving us examples on YouTube. Are these the ones you do? Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!

    1. Yes, these are the ones I do. I forgot to include forearm planks. I do those, too. I have weak wrists, hence the forearms.

  5. Congrats on the win!!

    You call that frizzy hair??? Mine would be so big I might not be able to get the hat on!!

    1. Thanks! I shared the exercises to provide some ideas of what is involved, but I highly recommend you consult with a PT. I didn’t start doing these all on day one. My PT checked with me weekly to see if anything was worse or needed to be modified. Medicare covers it with a doctor’s recommendation.

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