"15 or 50+”….does it matter?

As I take some more strides in 50s, I guess the life has taken a full circle. Till the age of 16, my life was all about sports. I never actually excelled in any of them. But then, if one had to consider just enthusiasm for the same, I might probably rank right up there.

Like many in their teens, I was oblivious of the talent of the others, I just thought it was a matter of being spotted whilst playing and I will make it to the Mumbai Team. Well, forget Mumbai, I did not make it beyond Division E in Kanga.  I made it to the first eleven mainly because the Captain liked to throw his weight around and I was the only player with whom he could.

I find it strange that people of my age actually think sports or any physical activities are behind them and their indulgence is limited to watching and giving their sports wisdom with full gusto.

 I can now afford a branded pair of shoes, tennis racquet or any accessories and feel totally convinced that I fit the bill.  But then, what I think is what matters and I am totally unmindful of the chuckle as I walk past guys of my age potbellied ( more than mine J), with a fag in hand thinking the world is meant for taking a pot shot at others.  Come to think of it, just the other day, I hit an ace not because the other player could not run towards the net to reach the ball. It was actually fast enough.

Till my late 20s, the Swimming Pool was something I could see only in movies. It was associated with ‘western ladies’ in ridiculous glares and polka dotted swim suits. Only stinking rich business men and their sidekicks hang around to get bashed up or get killed in the pool for the mystery to get solved by our hero.

It is a nice feeling to get into pool now. I splash around manage to reach the other end of the pool, filling all the void I used to feel those days watching extras and villains in their ill fitted swim suits.  Actually, more than the swimming, I always wanted to recline and read a novel by the pool side.  

Now, of course, all proper gear in place, swim glares, head cap ( more to cover the greys). Very careful to check when the pool is without any kids who just keep doing lap after laps much to my dismay. My best time is when I am out of the pool, hair disarray, getting in dry cloth but body wet enough for all to know I was in the pool.

So what was my passion in till 15, which I lost it in between is coming back in big way in my 50s.

I am not complaining nor am I taking a deep breath to tuck in my tummy which still is a pot of concern. Next year this time, it will not be there, I mean that ghastly extra flab.