Age and Pain - What keeps you going?

[GoBucky 0]

Im only 30, so you might not consider me one of the, "older" guys but I do have the occasional ache and/or pain. What keeps me going in my love of the game. I cant see myself quitting until Im physically not able to.

They say that Maurice Richard skated until he was 80 years old, so I figure Ive got at least a few good years of skating and hockey left in me.

[Hawkeye 0]

What keeps me going?

Beer & trash talk in the locker room after games. That's what keeps me going.

Seriously........stretching, Muscle Milk the morning after, drinking lots of water every day, fish oil pills daily, and not over doing it. I've found that while I can play at 95-100% for a whole game I will pay for it the next day, sometimes two days

While playing on two teams and subbing for another I've found that 85-90% effort works for most of the game. Pick your spots and make sure you can turn it up when you need to. It's a hard transition to not give 100% all the time but at the end of the day I'm out there for fun, exercise, and comradery.

[Aussie Joe 0]

That study is being ignored by this user. I'm 27 and have depleted cartilage in my right knee. The pain and lack of movement is very pronounced when I don't take the meds versus with. Its definitely not a placebo effect I can assure you.

[jcp2 2]

One thing that I hate about the beer/rec leagues is that once you get on the ice there is hardly anytime to properly warm up. Before you know it the ref blows the whistle to start the game up.

Yup, you are right. You really have to play a lot smarter at this age.

We older ones use the first period as our warm-up and play better as the game goes on. Our real record is substantially better if we only count second and third period results.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Somewhere along the way (I think playing ball) I hurt my shoulder. Feels like rotator cuff, I dont' know. It's not likely I will go to a Dr.

But, I digress. Playing on Sunday night, I expected to be in pain for the full hour. As it turns out...I felt better than I had felt in days whiel I was on the ice. About an hour after I got off....things started to tighten up and get sore again.

But, I've found (unless it is a huge injury) that sometimes playing is the best thign to do. I've gone on the ice with killer headaches (again not related to a concusion or other injury) and it goes away whie eI'm active.

Obviously I am not endorsing playing through pain to the overal detriment of your health, just a personal observation.

I'll hang up and listen....

(Sorry. Been listening to a lot of Sports/Talk Radio lately).

[Tikkanen 1]

37, have been playing for 17 years. Daily vitamins, lifting weights, proper diet, supplements, $3000 memory foam bed, the right hockey equipment and most importantly-playing on good teams. You have to find out what works for you, does carb loading work or do you feel better playing on an empty stomach? I prefer eating carbs the night before and eating very light before games. Lately I have been going to the gym directly before I play. Don't overdo it, 8 reps for explosive muscle that recovers quickly. I use it more for waking my muscles up since I think they would rather be home watching TV. I feel like my body knows when it's time to play hockey since I have a set program on game days. I've also been going in the jacuzzi the night before I play. I just feel more loose and limber, could be placebo but it works for me. Sugar free RedBull driving to rink, Smart Water during games. Again, the experts will tell you caffeine is bad-but most of the experts on here aren't 37 and working physical, full time jobs. I'd be willing to bet most of the physical experts on this baord will be out of hockey entirely by the time they hit their late 40's and will be sporting the standard pot belly telling stories about the bad breaks that prevented them from going pro. Find out what works for you and stick with that program and you should be able to prevent being sore, constantly injured and unable to play. I'm a firm believer that you have to do more than just show up and play hockey once you become an adult.

[Jason Harris 31]

I went through a malaise over the last five years, so I feel my experience is pertinent, and I can tell you it's ALL about being in shape.

For 25 years I was a gym rat, as well as a rink rat a few times a week. But then I started two businesses over the last five years, and would find myself out of time -- probably because I wasted to much time on the Net each morning.... -- and realized I couldn't go to the gym, since I had to earn money to pay back loans. Over time, I found myself not wanting to go to the gym or play hockey, which was such a foreign concept, but it bothered me to know I couldn't work out or play with anywhere near the intensity I used to. Sure, I would go the gym or rink occasionally, but it became a sporadic spiral that worsened until I saw a picture of myself with my shirt off and was embarrassed. I suppose I shouldn't have needed to see my profile in a photo, but I guess the truth is we all have an image of ourselves that sometimes is different than what's staring back at us in the mirror.

I was slowly getting back into shape when I visited my buddy who got into triathlons at 47, and learned a valuable lesson. Sleep. He and I used to stay up until 2:00 in the morning to talk, but he now tells me he has to get to bed by 9:30 to get his training in. I realized that part of the reason I run out of time in the morning is I wake up too late, so I've been doing a better job of turning off the light earlier.

I'd estimate that I'm about 90% of the way back into shape, and I look forward to going to the gym and rink again. I try to work out with the same intensity I did when I was 25. Maybe I can't do it exactly, but it's pretty darn close. I think being muscularly stronger, let alone cardiovascularly stronger, helps me avoid injuries while playing hockey or softball. I generally do one set of 10-12 reps to failure, utilizing all muscles, and totaling 20-25 minutes. Then I'll do 20 minutes of cardio equipment in which I try to push my heart rate. I'll end up with about 5 minutes of stretching.

At the rink, I'll skate for a lap or two, then do the same stretches each time. I know people would say they are static, but I ease myself into the stretch.

I've had injuries, but seldom any that happened "for no reason," so I'd say my routines are working for me.

[lemme14 0]

I'm 37 and been away from hockey for 15+ years. My son just started playing last year, and it got me interested in getting back on the ice. I'd been a regular gym rat for most of the time away, but there was no way to step back in and not suffer through some pain. Fortunately, I did ease back into it, playing about once a week. In some regards, that was a detriment, as I think playing more frequently may have helped. I've had a few minor injuries thus far, but nothing major. The one thing I do notice is that those minor injuries tend to stay around for a longer duration of time. For example, I tweaked my calf muscle in one of my first games. Nothing major, but even up to a few weeks ago, it was still bothering me. I definitely do not feel like I get a great warm-up in. Others mentioned how quickly the game starts after getting on the ice. I try to use the time to at least break a sweat and warm up the muscles. I think hitting the gym for some minor workouts prior to the game would help, but it's tough between work, the kids and the wife to find that additional time. The winter season just started and I did decided to take it to a new level. I'm playing on three teams so I get game ice at least 3x per week. My strength training in the gym has suffered, but I try to get in at least two workouts per week. My running has suffered the most, with maybe one run per week. I almost feel like the mileage has decreased so much it's almost more detrimental to try and run only that one time.

Through all of it, I can honestly say that once I got through the initial get back in shape phase, I feel much better overall than I did before I started playing again. I'm sore and stiff after a game, but I typically was after a hard gym workout as well. The difference is that I enjoy playing hockey much more. The biggest problem I have is getting enough sleep.

[jds 20]

Just turned 46 and what keeps me going is knowing that someone like Chris Chelios is still playing. What? He retired? Damnit!

[danno25nh 3]

At 42 I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. 6 weeks to live blah, blah, blah. I quit playing hockey.

At 47 I decided to get back into shape and play hockey again. 6 months with a personal trainer to lose 40 lbs and build muscle. Now I work out 2 days a week. Workout/spar with a former golden gloves champ 1 day a week.

Now at 48 I play 3 nights a week. First season was C- league once a week. Now B and C.

I have more injuries than I can count including a reconstructed ankle and 2 subdural hematomas for which they drilled holes in my skull.

I am a firm believer in off ice exercise including building opposing muscle groups. Stretching, core work, and warmup/cool down.

I also take glutamine and drink a post workout drink made by Scivation called extend.

I can't rely on strength and speed anymore so I concentrate on the basics, positioning, moving without the puck, and anticipation of what some very predictable 20 year olds are going to do.

My scoring has dropped but my assists are through the roof.

I plan on playing another 10+ years thats 1000+ games.

[jds 20]

At 42 I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. 6 weeks to live blah, blah, blah

Blah,blah, blah? Holy shit! You are an inspiration especially for those of us that bitch and whine about pointless shit. (excuse the profanity but, to quote Spinal Tap, "not too much fucking perspective")

[Jason Harris 31]

That's a fantastic attitude, Danno, and probably the reason you've been able to fight off cancer for six years, rather than six weeks.

Kudos, man!

[mug25 2]

The supplement you're referring to is Glucosamine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine

Never tried it myself, but I've known others with joint pain who swear by it.

At 42, I am the oldest in my inline league by 5 or 6 years, and we play once a week. It's a good motivator to stay active the rest of the time - I use it as a reason to go for a run or do a workout in my garage. My feeling about being active in my forties is 'Use it or lose it.' It's hard to regain what you lose once you stop at this age. It keeps me young, and 9 times out of 10 I drive home feeling really thankful that I'm still able to get out and skate. Playing with a crowd predominantly in their 20's helps me play smarter. I know I'm a step slower, but I can draw on 20-odd years of experience to make that play, intercept that pass, or poke check the guy with the crazy dangles - most of the time!

I watched my Dad work himself like a dog for most of his life, only to have heart problems force him into a short unenjoyable retirement fraught with frequent trips to the emergency room, ultimately passing on at the youngish age of 69. Enjoy the time you have now, because you don't know what the future holds.

Good call on the Glucosamine. Building on that, theres a product called Glutalyn. Really good for healing muscles. I used to only use it after working out but have recently started taking it after Hockey. The muscle pain/soreness I'd get in my thighs and lower back aren't as strong as they used to be. (Could be that I'm getting in better shape too).

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/sf/glutalyn1500.html

That's the cheapest I've seen the capsules. You can also get a powder that you can mix into protein shakes or a sweet drink (and Orange Juice diluted with water mix for example)

[Hermans 9]

37, been skating two years and averaging 3 hours a week over a year. I keep going mostly because it's so damn difficult to get good and that keeps me from being "not-bored" and also good friends, cold beer and it's a hell of a stress release from the office routine. Really what keeps me going is the fact that I just marvel at the better players and I want to be able to skate and pass like they do... maybe after a while I'll want to learn to score too. That will be phase II that keeps me going.

so basically it's mental, it's new and fresh.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

Good call on the Glucosamine. Building on that, theres a product called Glutalyn. Really good for healing muscles. I used to only use it after working out but have recently started taking it after Hockey. The muscle pain/soreness I'd get in my thighs and lower back aren't as strong as they used to be. (Could be that I'm getting in better shape too).

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/sf/glutalyn1500.html

That's the cheapest I've seen the capsules. You can also get a powder that you can mix into protein shakes or a sweet drink (and Orange Juice diluted with water mix for example)

That stuff is the best. I used it before when on acutane two years ago and I'm starting a second cycle right now, so I'll be buying some more glucosamine.

[hamstercaster 2]

I'm turning 40 in February and am contemplating retirement. Years of abuse on my body coupled with some on and off years where I was not in the best of shape, like now for exemple, have put a toll on my body that makes hockey not so much fun to play anymore. I'm usually sore for two or three days after each game no matter how much stretching I go through. I not playing up to the level I am used to either and the group of guys have changed a lot lately and what kept me going back was the guys. I think my 2 year stint going back in nets has beaten up my body more than I thought. I still have hip/knee/ankle pain that usually go pretty much away anytime I'm away from hockey for a while. I missed most of the summer hockey because of a freak accident and realized that I didn't miss it all that much, if at all. I'm going to take a couple of weeks, maybe months off and re-evaluate things after but it looks like retirement will happen much sooner than later in my case.

[Tikkanen 1]

I'm turning 40 in February and am contemplating retirement. Years of abuse on my body coupled with some on and off years where I was not in the best of shape, like now for exemple, have put a toll on my body that makes hockey not so much fun to play anymore. I'm usually sore for two or three days after each game no matter how much stretching I go through. I not playing up to the level I am used to either and the group of guys have changed a lot lately and what kept me going back was the guys. I think my 2 year stint going back in nets has beaten up my body more than I thought. I still have hip/knee/ankle pain that usually go pretty much away anytime I'm away from hockey for a while. I missed most of the summer hockey because of a freak accident and realized that I didn't miss it all that much, if at all. I'm going to take a couple of weeks, maybe months off and re-evaluate things after but it looks like retirement will happen much sooner than later in my case.

I'm not a dietician or a personal trainer but I believe if you are sore 2 or 3 days after playing hockey it is probably your diet lacking in certain areas like protein. At your age I believe your diet and supplements need to be precise or you will be sore 3 or 4 days after playing. Maybe an expert can chime in but I know for myself I have to stay away from heavy foods like pizza 24 hours BEFORE I play, carb load the night before, protein and creatine before I play and an EAS protein recovery drink after I play. If I stick to that formula I am rarely sore and would have no problem playing back to back days. I look at it like a challenge since I see the younger guys show up to games drunk, eating nachos right before games, drinking energy drinks with 40 grams of sugar in them-I'm positive these guys will not be playing hockey when they are my age.

[hamstercaster 2]

It's more a matter of sore joints, hips, knees and such. I doubt creatine would do any good, at least not to me. I used that for one month back in the 90's and had way more bad than good with that product. I'm also not a fan of all those "bodybuilding/recovery" drinks, food or products of any kind out there either. But either way, even by eating well, being properly hydrated, stretching and so on and so forth, it is starting to not be worth it anymore. If it was sore muscles only, that wouldn't be much of a problem and it would only get better by playing and exercising more regularly but it is not the case here. I don't drink stuff like Red Bull, Rockstar and other energy drinks. I will have some G2 (Gatorade that is low in sugar) before, during and after the game but that's about the extent of it. The rest is water and the occasional coffee before the game but I've found over the past few months that coffee has the opposite effect on me and I feel more sluggish than anything else after having coffee. It's just a matter of many things kicking in at the same time that is just starting to spell the end for me as an active hockey player. My last goaltending stint as screwed my body a lot more than the past 10 years playing as forward/defenseman.

[Tikkanen 1]

It's more a matter of sore joints, hips, knees and such. I doubt creatine would do any good, at least not to me. I used that for one month back in the 90's and had way more bad than good with that product. I'm also not a fan of all those "bodybuilding/recovery" drinks, food or products of any kind out there either. But either way, even by eating well, being properly hydrated, stretching and so on and so forth, it is starting to not be worth it anymore. If it was sore muscles only, that wouldn't be much of a problem and it would only get better by playing and exercising more regularly but it is not the case here. I don't drink stuff like Red Bull, Rockstar and other energy drinks. I will have some G2 (Gatorade that is low in sugar) before, during and after the game but that's about the extent of it. The rest is water and the occasional coffee before the game but I've found over the past few months that coffee has the opposite effect on me and I feel more sluggish than anything else after having coffee. It's just a matter of many things kicking in at the same time that is just starting to spell the end for me as an active hockey player. My last goaltending stint as screwed my body a lot more than the past 10 years playing as forward/defenseman.

If you look at your body like a car you have a 40 year old car. You're not putting 91 octane fuel in it, you're not putting synthetic oil in it, you're not doing any preventive maintenace. You then enter that 40 year old car in a high speed race and expect it to run like new. It just doesn't work like that. And after the race you just park it in the garage and let it sit until the next race. How long til that 40 year old car just doesn't run anymore?

[saba 0]

Its all about training your body to work in a more efficient way. An important buffer is increasing your ability to work at high lactic acid and more efficient clearance of the by product of working muscle. The more/faster your body clears lactic acid from your muscles the less sore you will be.Hamster also might be starting to experience osteoarthritis symptoms which is exacerbated by the demands of hockey.Maybe other things in life as we get older interfere with being able to enjoy the simplicity of a hockey game. Mental well being plays a big role in how we enjoy activities and a loss of that excitement might point to other non-hockey resolved issues.

Exercise is an essential part of well being especially to a long standing trained athlete. Over time the activity is not enough and other factors of training start to become important. For me, a well balanced diet, (including adequate) protein intake is essential in all health related well being discussions, but it is not a cure all. Proper and focused training combined with a good diet has an immediate/direct effect on sports performance over a range of activities

[sickwilly 37]

If you look at your body like a car you have a 40 year old car. You're not putting 91 octane fuel in it, you're not putting synthetic oil in it, you're not doing any preventive maintenace. You then enter that 40 year old car in a high speed race and expect it to run like new. It just doesn't work like that. And after the race you just park it in the garage and let it sit until the next race. How long til that 40 year old car just doesn't run anymore?

More than anything, I had to stop entering my "car" in the demolition derby.

I'll be 39 in 2 weeks. I could still play Senior League across the border (probably as a 3rd or 4th liner vs 1st line 5-6 years ago). Given the accumulation of injuries I've experienced, I had to give up contact hockey. I'm hoping that sticking to beer league will help me keep playing for as long as my old man. He started in an old-timer's group, and still plays at 68. (It took a while, but he finally took my advice on a few equipment upgrades that seem to be helping.)

Like other guys have said, I've also needed to change how I think and play the game. Even though I'm in better (or less bad) shape than 10 years ago I have to "pick my spots" more. I'm a lot less likely to try to beat multiple guys with a speed change or stickhandling. I use a lot more quick give and gos. I don't go full-tilt in situations that don't really require it. Having two skilled, smart linemates that are similar in age has been incredibly helpful.

I apply Myoflex or Icy Hot before every skate and stretch a little more than I used to. At least at the level I'm playing at, what I eat doesn't seem to make much of a difference to me. Sleep and back spasms are big difference makers for me, though.

Danno, keep kicking cancer's ass! I hear way too few stories like yours. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[hamstercaster 2]

If you look at your body like a car you have a 40 year old car. You're not putting 91 octane fuel in it, you're not putting synthetic oil in it, you're not doing any preventive maintenace. You then enter that 40 year old car in a high speed race and expect it to run like new. It just doesn't work like that. And after the race you just park it in the garage and let it sit until the next race. How long til that 40 year old car just doesn't run anymore?

I like your analogy to some extent. The fuel (food) quality does play a big role in overall fitness and health and that's a fact. Not so sure about the synthetic aspect of it for the human body and for a car as well but that's a debate onto it's own that should not be discussed in this thread, for cars that is. For the body, I have yet to hear of a certified dietician that would prescribe the use of synthetic products ie: Creatine and other synthetic products. These products are usually promoted by health stores, Omeopaths and body builders/athletes and I wouldn't trust any of them with my health as all are there for a profits while Omeopaths are not recognized at least in Quebec as Health Professionals and they are more often than not shady at best.

But the food I ingest will definitly make a big difference in my overall health and that I have the get a better grip on that's for sure and would possibly help me in the long run to keep playing hockey. But I have a double problem with that. My overall physical shape as well as my mental state regarding hockey. I'm not sure I want to keep playing but a lot of it may have to do with how bad I feel after a game and that's why I plan on taking some time before deciding wether I retire or not. Another factor is the time we play at, which is fairly late, 10H30 PM to 12H00 AM. I'm getting a bit sick and tired of that too but still, it is something I can live with... more or less

Its all about training your body to work in a more efficient way. An important buffer is increasing your ability to work at high lactic acid and more efficient clearance of the by product of working muscle. The more/faster your body clears lactic acid from your muscles the less sore you will be.Hamster also might be starting to experience osteoarthritis symptoms which is exacerbated by the demands of hockey.Maybe other things in life as we get older interfere with being able to enjoy the simplicity of a hockey game. Mental well being plays a big role in how we enjoy activities and a loss of that excitement might point to other non-hockey resolved issues.

Exercise is an essential part of well being especially to a long standing trained athlete. Over time the activity is not enough and other factors of training start to become important. For me, a well balanced diet, (including adequate) protein intake is essential in all health related well being discussions, but it is not a cure all. Proper and focused training combined with a good diet has an immediate/direct effect on sports performance over a range of activities

Osteoarthritis could definitly be the case with some of the ache and pain I have after each game or when doing any physycal activity for any lenght of time. It runs in the family. And there is definitly a loss of excitement and it's been for the past year or so I would say. I'm rarely ever looking forward to it anymore and it may have to do with a combination of my overall physical well being, the fact there are a lot of new guys which are not as fun as the others were, the time we play at etc. etc.

Edit: Thanks for the responses so far. It's making for a good discussion IMO

[sickwilly 37]

I like your analogy to some extent. The fuel (food) quality does play a big role in overall fitness and health and that's a fact. Not so sure about the synthetic aspect of it for the human body and for a car as well but that's a debate onto it's own that should not be discussed in this thread, for cars that is. For the body, I have yet to hear of a certified dietician that would prescribe the use of synthetic products ie: Creatine and other synthetic products. These products are usually promoted by health stores, Omeopaths and body builders/athletes and I wouldn't trust any of them with my health as all are there for a profits while Omeopaths are not recognized at least in Quebec as Health Professionals and they are more often than not shady at best.

But the food I ingest will definitly make a big difference in my overall health and that I have the get a better grip on that's for sure and would possibly help me in the long run to keep playing hockey. But I have a double problem with that. My overall physical shape as well as my mental state regarding hockey. I'm not sure I want to keep playing but a lot of it may have to do with how bad I feel after a game and that's why I plan on taking some time before deciding wether I retire or not. Another factor is the time we play at, which is fairly late, 10H30 PM to 12H00 AM. I'm getting a bit sick and tired of that too but still, it is something I can live with... more or less

Osteoarthritis could definitly be the case with some of the ache and pain I have after each game or when doing any physycal activity for any lenght of time. It runs in the family. And there is definitly a loss of excitement and it's been for the past year or so I would say. I'm rarely ever looking forward to it anymore and it may have to do with a combination of my overall physical well being, the fact there are a lot of new guys which are not as fun as the others were, the time we play at etc. etc.

Edit: Thanks for the responses so far. It's making for a good discussion IMO

Have you ever tried yoga?

[number21 3]

This thread makes me realize I need to re-evaluates some things.

I am 31 and started playing hockey I at 25/26, but I have never been in good shape or much of a striving athlete (i was a lazy, lazy teenager!) Hockey and eating WAY better than I used to has really helped me loose some weight and gain some stamina.

Reading this thread makes me realize if I want to continues playing this game I seriously need to drop this a spare tire I carry and work on my personal motivation to train. I am not going to be a calorie counter or any thing like, I love food way too much, but I need to work on portions and that kind of stuff.

I suppose I should finally follow-through on the promise to the wife to get to a Doc and get a physical check-up. I really haven't been to a doctor since college.

This is an interesting read with lots of good info and motivation. Thanks.

[hamstercaster 2]

Have you ever tried yoga?

Actually, I haven't and should definitly look into it. I had ordered a "stretch-a-flex" when I was goaltending so I could get that out to and see. This could deal with the physical aspect of it and maybe the mental aspect of my dilema too, who knows.

At the very least, whether or not I retire from hockey, I should still use this as a motivation to get back into shape and drop quite a few pounds no matter what. This whole thing as at least proven one thing to me: I'm in the worst shape of my life and I can't keep going on like that, hockey or no hockey or my life will end quite prematurely I gather.