Monday Morning

I had it all planned to give an indepth report on my first foray back onto the basketball court this morning. I was thinking it would be called "Snap, Crackle and Pop" which is about how my body felt and sounded as I lumbered around the basketball court shooting brick after brick. However, I just got an email that the potential client from a couple weeks ago has completed his interviews and chosen me. I better put all personal activities and all other work aside so I can focus on his highness....

He did send the email saying he has chosen me which is nice. I guess I should have quoted a higher fee estimate!?

So, anyway, I haven't touched a ball since August I believe. It was about that time my pinched nerve issue re-surfaced and I thus haven't lifted a weight or touched a basketball since. I started with some 10-12 footers, banking some, trying to swish some, etc.... Mostly quick pops, barely jumping off the ground, almost from a set shot position. Just getting the feel for the ball and what not. I then moved back to my favored position on the three point line. "CLANK" off the very front of the rim... CLANK off the front... CLANK off the front... damn! After being very short about 5 or 6 in a row I was frustrated. I gave more push with each shot and they felt good but they were very short each time. In fact, each shot was about the same amount of shortness no matter how much energy I exerted behind the ball.

This getting old stuff is not good!

I then decided to shoot a few free throws as I have always been an excellent (90%++) free throw shooter, have hit 50+ in a row before, etc.... Good way to get the shot mechanics working. I straddled up to my spot on the free throw line. Oh ya, I went to the Raquet club today and am very familiar with their court. I lined up my right foot to the imperfection in the finish, just about in the center of the free throw line, which is always where I line up at that basket as it puts my strong side (right side) pretty much looking straight into the basket... and... CLANK. Better try that again, I made sure I had the right mark on the floor and I did, lined up, and shot... CLANK. Ok, I missed 3 out of my first 4 free throws. I was even did the Baby Jordan, ball around the back move, between shots one time to try and re-set myself! Maybe Lorenzo Mata-Real (Is he friend with Maurice Jones-Drew? what's with UCLA players adding a third name before their senior season?) can give me some free throw lessons? Ok, I made the next 6 to end up 7 out of 10. That's ok for a lot of people but not the SacTownGuy. I thus decided the best way to feel good about my shooting was to NOT shoot any more free throws.

Ok, why not run the court a little? I run a lot right? How hard could it be? You know how they say basketball conditioning is different than other conditioning? They are right! I do 60-90 minutes of cardio most days a week but after running (fast jog maybe) up and down the court about 6 or 7 times (and it's a short court) my legs were hurting, I felt something pop in one leg and I was huffing and puffing! All I could think is I wonder how a guy like BIG Drew would feel trying to navigate his 215+ lb's up and down the court if he makes it out to Cali in August!? Reminds me of Lew in Airplane, "you tell your dad to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court every night...."

As I sit here typing my legs HURT. I have visions of jogging amongst the palm trees of Maui in the next few weeks so I better get my legs rested quick! Not sure about this basketbal thing... oh ya, but it is just over 6 months to the SacTownGuy Roundball Classic so I have gotz to get in hoops shape by then! I might have to take some time off work for massages, physical therapy, etc... so my physical activity can continue!

Peace out.