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I found moto to have a meditative quality to it as the intensity of riding forces us to stay very present. For the same reason (among others), I'm drawn to yoga as it cultivates the very same mental clarity.
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Here in OZ, we've just recently had 2 TV channels have programs about sports peoples lives after retiring from their respective sports. All had injuries that will / already do plague them. But the amount of whining by them, saying how they did not know how to cope with the 'real world' after their Sports careers, was pathetic. Though they certainly seemed to be deserted / thrown away by various sporting bodies / teams. But, what did they think would happen after things ended? They would have seen what has almost always happened to myriad sports people before them. They may be talented in some aspects, but many seem to have not much between the ears. A familiar story.
I have had and still am having the time of my life and wouldn't trade it for the world. The end.
Other sports aren't nearly as kind to you as you get old.
yoga into my routine. Might not have been as much of big deal when I was in my 20's but now
at 52, I have seen such benefits.
As far as the OP goes, been hurt a couple times, but luckily nothing major. I long ago took the mindset of
keeping it safe. To me, I'd rather back it down and be able to ride again next week. (and make it to work tomorrow) So yeah, my position has always been- ride within your skill set, keep it safe, have fun, stay young at heart.
I could make excuses for alot of things, but I just train harder, eat well, stay positive, and enjoy riding hard. I wear knee braces and a Leatt and have been injury free riding smarter and wearing the best protective gear possible. The only thing I would do differently is not try to skip across AX whoops in third gear on my 450F. It cost me an 8-day stay in trauma-neuro ICU.
"For example, during a lifetime, a coal miner may inhale 1,000 g of dust into his lungs. When doctors examine the lungs of a miner after death, they find no more than 40 g of dust. Such a relatively small residue illustrates the importance of the lungs' defenses, and certainly suggests that they are quite effective. On the other hand, even though the lungs can clear themselves, excessive inhalation of dust may result in disease."
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/lungs_dust.html
Pit Row
I have all kinds of aches and pains from just getting banged up over the years. Had a couple more serious injuries too that required surgery. I do feel some permanent effects from those, yes.
I think even minor aches in my 40s could turn into something worse/serious in my 60s. So I'm trying to back it down.
(I say that but I just signed up for a mountain bike enduro race - ha ha! You can hurt yourself on a bicycle too)
Those of us who don't crash very often are probably in much better shape as we age than the other guys. I've been pretty fortunate; no aches or pains in my daily life, although sometimes my knee reminds of the time I hyperextended it when I was 15. I can also tell that my right shoulder is a little bit "wrong" at times but it's not a daily hindrance.
I have friends from high school who have never ridden and complain about feeling old now... I think a lifetime of swilling beer and getting no exercise is far worse for your long-term health than what we do. Plus, the cardio and muscle workout has to be good for you. Benefits outweigh the negatives in MX, barring major injuries. You just have to assess the odds.
It's NOT riding that makes you old!
My old man is 68 and still rides once a week...surprises a few young guys too
I'm 26, and feel the effects of riding every day...I consider myself extremely fortunate to have ridden and raced as much as I have and gotten away fairly unscathed, however my feet/legs have become a hindrance to every day life.
My ankle fusion has helped significantly, but even still, the pain stays and effects every day life.
With all that said though, I would never trade a single day I had on a bike...it's how I met my wife, the reason I have my daughter, and molded me into the person I am today. Nothing will ever make me regret riding a bike....some of the best days of my life.
WX, don't worry about the long term crap, my friend. I spent 34 years with the AF, 20 Active, and it's racing motocross that has kept me in the gym, kept me healthy, kept me loving life. And still does. All that running you're doing will do more damage to your body than racing (trust me, I lived your story, ran the AF Marathon, 4-6 miles a day, 20 milers on weekends, etc., etc.) but at 56 my knees are shot and I can't run anymore, but I still hit the gym 3-4 days a week because on Sunday if I don't, I can't compete! Hell, I got knocked out cold in a race three weeks ago! But that's the first time it's happened in DECADES, it's not a "regular occurrence" and you're over thinking it. Just HAVE FUN!
In a cordial conversation just ask them how many have ridder motocross ?
Errrrrrrrr probably none. Gonna get old and tired no matter what.
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