Feeling My Age

Last night I went to sparring class.

Actually, it is sparring training -- we don't put the pads on, just train. We did, however, do light contact sparring.

After three short bouts, I was completely pooped.

I am supposed to be improving as I train. Lately, I feel as if I'm going backwards. I was fine after my first bout, but the second bout was with my master. I was so winded at the end I wanted to pass out. On the third match I felt like I was an easy target -- just standing there.

I'd gone to the gym at lunch and did some work on the elliptical, but that is no excuse. I was just plain exhausted.

A month ago, I didn't feel this tired.

I think I am getting old fast. My years of smoking and partying are creeping back into my body, reminding me that I'd done so many foolish things in the past. What the hell was I thinking, putting a cigarette in my mouth?

Tonight is competition class. The masters work us extra hard for it. For the first time since I returned to Tae Kwon Do, I'm having doubts about my physical ability.

Maybe I really am getting too old for this.