There was a time I’m embarrassed to say that I was one of those women who was jealous of other women. There were always women smarter than me, prettier than me, more successful than me, and I wanted to be what they were.
Age, experience and being open minded enough to talk to these women went a long way to making me realize that we all struggle with something and not everything is as perfect as it appears.
As a kid, I didn’t really try because I figured that as accident prone as I was, there was no point in wasting my time. I was afraid everyone would laugh at my ridiculous attempts. However, starting my athletic career in the upper half of my 40’s, in a niche sport has been very eye opening.
Caber tossing is not your average “old girl” hobby, but it’s an interesting way to leap into sports. Carrying a 40-70lb log vertically while running and looking for the optimal time to flip it end over end is not something I would have even thought of 20 or 30 years ago. Add onto that another 8 events and you’ve got the makings of an exhausting but exhilarating day.
The beauty of this sport is really around the support system. Everyone is a coach, but not in a pushy, I-know-better-than-you kind of way, but in an I’m here to help kind of way. Sometimes the coach is so good, the student beats them on the next throw.
We compete for placings, but for a new thrower who is throwing against women half my age, or women who’ve figured out the technique years ago, I couldn’t have picked a better sport. We celebrate each other’s improvements, breakthroughs and personal bests. I watch the women beating me and learn from them.
I’m not jealous, but incented. I’ve made some fantastic friendships and am excited to keep working at it to kick last year’s numbers to the curb. I’m doing instead of watching. It’s kind of awesome.
Sandi is a feminist in the throes of what some would call her mid-life crisis, having gone from exercising only her mind to lifting weights and throwing heavy objects. Her natural curiosity and need to know everything serves her well in a career in research as well as all things health, science and well…life really.
I think y ou are brave. I have watched caber tossing on tv and thought it a pretty hard sport to take part in.
thanks!
Hi there! I am curious as to how to find ppl so as to get involved in this type of sporting. I work as an ice cream maker and as a result my upper and lower body fitness and strength has increased a lot over the past coupke of years but I do wanna get into lifting and strength training with an eye towards sports like caber tossing as a goal. I just have no idea where to begin!
Oh my goodness! I completely missed your comment! If you’re still interested, there are practice groups around, though some you have to travel to. If you want to email me, I can see if I can find someone local to connect you with. sc2228@gmail.com
It is good to try different things as you grow older I was surprised to know how much I could learn when I went back to school
This is a pretty great sport to try, and it’s pretty empowering. There are a few places where competitors gather to practice together, so it’s just a matter of finding a group. If you’re at a scottish festival, ask the competitors. I’m in the London, ON area and could possibly connect you to a few people local to you…just a matter of where you live. If you want to private message me at scc2228@gmail.com I’d be happy to have a chat.
Depending on where you live you may find some people to practice with in your area. If you go to a Scottish Festival, ask the competitors if there is a local thrower you can talk to. I might be able to help you connect with someone in your area if you want to private message me at sc2228@gmail.com, though I can’t make any solid promises.
And it’s pretty empowering. I’m loving this sport!