2-08-17 HY: Pickle-Ball + Splits + TCF.

2-08-17 HY: Pickle-Ball + Splits + TCF.

Due to schedule changes, today became Pickle-Ball Day!  Conditions in the gym were still frigid, but a little more bearable.  Since the semester is done, we didn't have anything pressing us to finish at a certain time, so we could go as long as we wanted.  In past sessions, we would play 4-5 games.  Today, we played only 3 games.  The level of play went up a few levels for some reason.  The first game was on average with the past games, it took just about 15 minutes.  I took a small lead in the beginning, and then slowly extended it.  Nothing spectacular, good solid shots from the both of us, but nothing for the highlight reel.  I took the game 15-7.  In the second game, I went down quickly to start 0-5.  I just couldn't close the gap.  I wasn't able to string anything together.  We traded service points for points and were stuck at 1-5 for a while. Then it got to 1-8.  I finally strung a couple of point together for 3-8, then we went on trading points to 5-12.  Finally, I got a second wind and along with trading serve, I was able to get close the gap and get to a tie a 13-13.  Then with a spurt of shot making, he took the lead and then the second game, 13-15.  But that game took close to 25 minutes.  One of our longest if not the longest to date.  The third game, was almost a carbon copy of the second.  I went down 0-5, then got a point, but it went to 2-9, before I got a third wind and strung a handful of points together.  I got it back to a tie at 13-13, then we got to 14-14.  Again, we were stuck on that score for several serve changes, but finally, I was able to close out the game 16-14.  Game time was over half an hour.  But the level of competitive energy was so high, it felt great to be out there.  Like the Super Bowl, close, over-time style games are much more exciting and draws more effort and heart and energy out of a person than a blowout does.  Dips in concentration happen, and we both paid the price, falling behind.  But fight to come back build mental strength.  Today was great training for that.  I had to not get down on myself, stay positive, not focus on the gap, and play one point, one stroke at a time.  What a game!

Splits and Flow happened after my late class.  I again, added a lot to the routine and pushed hard.  I felt especially good on the left side splits, and I think I hit a personal best on that side.  I enjoyed the push.  I'm getting close.

In the end, I torched a good 1100+kcals.  A lot of stretching for the ball, so I think my legs are really going to feel it tomorrow or the next day.