Daily Insights 02 [The Fire🔥🔥 never dies]

No matter your age, if you once competed at high levels in your sport, that passion never truly fades. It doesn't matter if you now play just for fun or at a recreational level. When you face the right opponent on the field, court, track, or grounds, that competitive spirit reignites.

Last summer, I began competing again, now as a father to a 2-year-old daughter, and it was thrilling. It was certainly challenging, but here's a brief reflection I'd like to share:

I entered the season fully aware that I wasn't prepared. However, I knew that the matches and training I would undertake during and leading up to the season would better prepare me as the matches progressed. Flex leagues offer that advantage. You play one match each week, and after about 6-7 weeks, you reach the playoffs. The top two in your group stage advance to a large playoff bracket.

In the first couple of matches, I'll admit... I was in pain! Soreness, chafing, fatigue, and a bit of disappointment. I didn't play poorly by any means, especially since my preparation was almost nonexistent. However, my body wasn't ready for the toll these matches took on it. It's intriguing how much our bodies endure in sports when we're at our peak, yet we're often too fit to appreciate the effort required to reach that level of performance. Playing three full tennis matches plus a doubles 8-game pro-set in one day would generally cause the same fatigue in my 20s that I experienced after just one full match at 38. Of course, I lacked proper fitness and conditioning, but still!

Nevertheless, the season continued, and before I knew it, by some twist of fate, I made it to the playoffs. I won my first match and advanced to the next round. Due to my low seeding, my second-round opponent was the top seed.

What was there to lose?

Our match was set for July 31st, 2024, at 3 pm. The summer heat in Atlanta is notorious for being exhausting. As someone who sweats heavily during sports, I found myself in a tough situation.

The match began poorly for me, with double faults (1-2 per game) and constant sweating. While I could somewhat manage the sweating, the double faults were unusual for my game. My kick serve is generally dependable, allowing me to set up points with a controlled +1 response and earn some free points. However, I quickly fell behind 4-1 due to the kick serve issues. Things were not going well. Hydration was starting to become an issue, and the heat was quite intense. Additionally, playing on a clay court added more humidity than expected.

Somehow, I managed to settle in and began to fight my way back into the match, eventually leveling it at 4-4. At that moment, a thought crossed my mind: I had played a decent set, so there was no harm in letting this match go and getting into the car with the AC at full blast. This wasn't my usual mindset when competing in matches.

However, I'm 37 now.

Did that fire for fighting on court and battling with all the energy I have left diminished? Am I done with competitive Tennis?

Is it even worth it?

Honestly, who cares?

Before I realized it, something changed within me. I have a wife and a 2-year-old daughter at home. They will ask me about my match. What am I going to tell them? That I was satisfied with the first 45 minutes and didn't really try for the rest? Absolutely not! As clichéd as it sounds, I decided then and there that I wouldn't return home without a win. And so, the battle in the heat continued!

I noticed that while my opponent began to struggle with the heat, my body was adjusting to the temperature, and I started feeling better with each game. Somehow, I was able to turn it around and won the set 6-4. Now the real challenge would begin. I couldn't afford to lose the second set by any means! As a coach, my summer schedule is open midday (typically Noon-5pm) since no one wants lessons then due to the temperatures. However, when the cooler evening temperatures arrive, the demand for coaching increases. I had a lesson scheduled for 6 PM, about 45 minutes away. The plan was to start the match at 3 PM and finish by 5:15 PM. If the match (which was already at 4:30 PM after just one set) went to a third set, I'd have to forfeit or cancel the lesson, neither of which were ideal options.

We began the second set with both of us playing at a decent level. The points were more competitive, first serves were more consistent, and my level of play was steadily improving. This was what I had been waiting for. My tennis game was coming together, and it was time to apply pressure. Although I won the second set 6-2, it was more of a battle than the first. I felt the added pressure of knowing I couldn't let it go to a third set, and the fatigue and dehydration from the first set were taking their toll on me.

We shook hands, and as I sat down, I felt a massive relief and a renewed sense of pride. Just like it did ten years ago, my love for competing resurfaced. However, this time, it wasn't just for myself. I had a "Father" moment and realized that whatever I set my mind to (now or in the future), I would never have the option or desire to quit. I couldn't imagine telling my baby girl that I didn't give something my all. That thought would haunt me for years, and I would never want to be in that position.

For all competitive athletes, the drive never truly dies; it can always be reignited with more meaningful and rewarding motivation.