What hobbies have you quit and how did it affect you?

[Koolau]

3. Pickleball and fitness walking - Hopefully this is a temporary situation, but I have plantar fasciitis and have been treating it with various PT's and docs and daily exercises for almost 6 months now and am still about the same in terms of heel pain

Have you been evaluated by a podiatrist? My PF was completely controlled by orthotics after visiting a podiatrist. It was like a miracle.

Hope you find relief.

 

[JDARNELL]

I had rotator cuff surgery in Aug of 23 and after that riding motorcycles wasn’t near as fun. I think mentally I didn’t want to hurt the arm again or go thru another surgery. Last year I sold my last motorcycle and I must admit I do not miss it. I still enjoy being around bikes but have no desire to own another one. I might occasionally rent a scooter when traveling but time will tell.

I started amateur radio in 2022 and now hold an extra class liscense. I am finding that my list of things I want to do as a
Ham ie satellite contact, launch a balloon, learn cw etc is growing each day and I am unable to get to them at this time as I enjoy so many areas already. But I’ll get to them.

 

[Midpack]

After our trip to Italy this past fall I declared I was done with flying anywhere.

I flew on business more than once a month for most of my career, and we flew on vacations without a second thought. That slowed when I retired, then Covid made us more wary of flying. The last few flights we’ve done were a PITA, flying has become about as unappealing as going on a long bus ride. We have an 800 mile trip in May, 1600 round trip through or around several major metro areas, and we’re on the fence re: driving vs flying. Not sure but our flying days may be almost over.

And like others here, we battle aches and pains trying to stay active. The odd sore elbow, knee or back seem to crop up sometimes for no apparent reason these days. And the time to heal just grows longer and longer, alarmingly so. We’re determined to stay active, and we both exercise to stay fit, but we can’t seem to stay minor nuisance injury free. Our social lives revolve almost entirely around pickleball, golf, walking - we need to think about how our social lives will evolve as the no go years loom ahead. A sedentary life has zero appeal to either of us. Sucks to get older…

 

[Koolau]

I flew on business more than once a month for most of my career, and we flew on vacations without a second thought. That slowed when I retired, then Covid made us more wary of flying. The last few flights we’ve done were a PITA, flying has become about as unappealing as going on a long bus ride. We have an 800 mile trip in May, 1600 round trip through or around several major metro areas, and we’re on the fence re: driving vs flying. Not sure but our flying days may be almost over.

And like others here, we battle aches and pains trying to stay active. The odd sore elbow, knee or back seem to crop up sometimes for no apparent reason these days. And the time to heal just grows longer and longer, alarmingly so. We’re determined to stay active, and we both exercise to stay fit, but we can’t seem to stay minor nuisance injury free. Our social lives revolve almost entirely around pickleball, golf, walking - we need to think about how our social lives will evolve as the no go years loom ahead. A sedentary life has zero appeal to either of us. Sucks to get older…

I really understand your issues with flying. I much prefer to drive though I know it's likely way more dangerous. I just figure that I don't have to rent a car when I get to my destination and 2 of us can travel for virtually the same cost instead of buying 2 air tickets.

Of course, that flight across the Pacific simply has no viable alternative. That's a day we just decide is a write off, comfort wise. For one day's misery, we can travel 5000 miles. Probably a good bargain.

 

[audreyh1]

We’re willing to drive up to 1500 miles to a destination, assuming there are desirable stopping points along the way and back, the whole point of a road trip IMO, and we take our time. As we hoped, our car has been an awesome long road trip car. Otherwise we fly.

So this puts West Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and even Southern California (Palm Desert area) within our road trip range. Clearly our preferred road trip destinations are western US! If we’re not interested in stopping somewhere along the way or we don’t want to take the time for an extended road trip, we fly to the destination.

What we’ve done with flying so far is to make it as clean and easy as possible by flying business/first, premier access including priority luggage, TSA precheck/Global Entry, and lounge access. These all significantly reduce the cattle car and the crowded airport experience. Even though we fly out of a smaller airport which forces a connection each way, this has perks heading out as check-in and security are a breeze and not crowded at all. And a comfortable lounge means a longer connection (our preference) is relaxed and even enjoyable and minimizes time at the gate. I don’t know when we’ll get tired of flying yet. I hope not soon because traveling is what we enjoy the most.

 

[Scuba]

Have you been evaluated by a podiatrist? My PF was completely controlled by orthotics after visiting a podiatrist. It was like a miracle.

Hope you find relief.

Thanks Koolau. Yes, I started with a podiatrist who suggested inserts and exercises. Started wearing the inserts & doing the exercises almost 6 months ago. No improvement so went to a PT who said my problem was weak hips and put me on a set of hip exercises. Did those for over 2 months, hip strength improved but no change to heel pain. Then went to an orthopedic doctor who took X-rays and an MRI. Confirmed my plantar facia and heel are inflamed, sent me to a different PT who has me focusing on calf and foot exercises. No improvement after almost 2 months with the new PT.

Sigh. I saw Omni lately and she shared the program she followed that resolved her plantar fasciitis years ago. Trying that program now in addition to the PT. Back to the ortho doctor in March.

I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve had PF. While many have resolved it, it seems to be common for it to take a year or so to resolve symptoms. So frustrating!

 

[pacergal]

Thanks Koolau. Yes, I started with a podiatrist who suggested inserts and exercises. Started wearing the inserts & doing the exercises almost 6 months ago. No improvement so went to a PT who said my problem was weak hips and put me on a set of hip exercises. Did those for over 2 months, hip strength improved but no change to heel pain. Then went to an orthopedic doctor who took X-rays and an MRI. Confirmed my plantar facia and heel are inflamed, sent me to a different PT who has me focusing on calf and foot exercises. No improvement after almost 2 months with the new PT.

Sigh. I saw Omni lately and she shared the program she followed that resolved her plantar fasciitis years ago. Trying that program now in addition to the PT. Back to the ortho doctor in March.

I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve had PF. While many have resolved it, it seems to be common for it to take a year or so to resolve symptoms. So frustrating!

My podiatrist gave me inserts too, but really suggested trying Dansko clogs.
I bought a pair, and with in a short time, my PF was gone. I continued to wear them daily for work and still have one pair. PF has not returned, thankfully.
Also did the foot exercises (frozen golf ball roll and stretching)
I have tried other "clog" type shoes, but the Dansko brand seems the best for me.

 

[Koolau]

Worst thing for me with PF is that I never get to wear the official foot-wear of the Islands. "Thong slippers" aka "rubbah slippuhs" in pidgin. I'm always the guy in running shoes while everyone else is in slippuhs. Kind of embarrassing.

 

[sengsational]

Not really a hobby, but I might have seen my last big-name musician/band.

The last one I saw was Eddie and DLR. We paid a lot to get close to the stage, but still, I found myself looking at the video screen. The deal breaker was when the concert was over, they treated me like a criminal. I was waiting outside the bathroom for DW, and they had a line of thugs pushing people to the exit. I said I was waiting for my wife. They kept chiding. I calmly replied, like 5 times, that I was waiting and didn't move. They finally found someone else to harass. Then, we sat in the car for more than an hour before getting out of the parking lot. That wouldn't have been so bad, but the other drivers were so aggressive. I got the tee shirt and like to wear it overseas because everyone recognizes it, but I don't think I'll ever be motivated to fight those crowds and be "managed" by venue thugs again.

 

[ponyboy]

Not really a hobby, but I might have seen my last big-name musician/band.

The last one I saw was Eddie and DLR. We paid a lot to get close to the stage, but still, I found myself looking at the video screen. The deal breaker was when the concert was over, they treated me like a criminal. I was waiting outside the bathroom for DW, and they had a line of thugs pushing people to the exit. I said I was waiting for my wife. They kept chiding. I calmly replied, like 5 times, that I was waiting and didn't move. They finally found someone else to harass. Then, we sat in the car for more than an hour before getting out of the parking lot. That wouldn't have been so bad, but the other drivers were so aggressive. I got the tee shirt and like to wear it overseas because everyone recognizes it, but I don't think I'll ever be motivated to fight those crowds and be "managed" by venue thugs again.

Leaving is always the most difficult thing about going to any concert or sporting event. Our last concert was in Hershey, PA to see the chili peppers. Its notoriously bad for leaving. Multiple hours sitting in a parking lot. We left before the encore and got right out. No way was I listening to 12 minutes of songs then having to sit for 2 hours in a parking lot.

 

[Koolau]

Leaving is always the most difficult thing about going to any concert or sporting event. Our last concert was in Hershey, PA to see the chili peppers. Its notoriously bad for leaving. Multiple hours sitting in a parking lot. We left before the encore and got right out. No way was I listening to 12 minutes of songs then having to sit for 2 hours in a parking lot.

I always wondered why they didn't have some sort of "blow-off" event (linger-longer) to allow for more orderly/timely event exit. Maybe have the opening act AFTERWARD for instance.

 

[BSBUK]

At 69, I've been slowly cutting back on baseball, especially in the local 35+ league. Eyesight and skills just deteriorate with time, and my competitive side doesn't like feeling less competent at game speed. I still enjoy practicing, and playing in tournaments in the over 60 divisions - we're all in a similar position. Also, living abroad half the year tends to conflict with team commitments. So instead, I'm focusing on masters track - shot, discus, javelin, short sprints. It's still fun to learn new physical activities, and you're always competing with the kids your own age.

At the youthful age of 50, I decided to hang up my squash racket for good. To this day, I don’t miss the frequent trips to the doctor for those pesky joint injuries! In semi-retirement, I’ve embraced walking—or as I like to call it, ambling—and it’s been a far kinder hobby on the joints

 

[ksr]

Not too long after I retired, I took up running. At first it was just for fun; a friend (that I used to meet up at the gym with) and I decided to train for and run a 5K just for something different to do. My goal was to run without stopping to walk, which I did. I thought I was just going to run the one race, but I became hooked and saw other women my age running impressive times. My competitive side took over and I started reading and learning how to really train to be competitive within my age group.

It's been about 14 years of running and racing now. Over the years I had a few minor running injuries, the type that typically just required some time off and maybe cutting back the mileage for a while. Over the past year and a half I've had nagging hip pain that I couldn't get past despite my best attempts and it seemed to get worse last fall. I finally went to see an orthopedic doc last month and was pretty surprised to learn that I have significant arthritis in that hip. He told me I could continue running, as long as I was not in a lot of pain, without risking damage to my hip.

I am still running but less miles. My enthusiasm to race is quickly waning. What I loved about racing was testing myself to see what I could do. I have no desire to watch myself deteriorate if I can't train properly. At this point I am hoping to be able to run with my DH a few days a week for another couple of years. I may run a couple of fun local 5Ks but probably not much more than that. I plan to eventually transition to walking - I've already replaced one or two runnings days a week with walking.

I guess what has surprised me the most is my acceptance of the whole situation. I don't really seem to mind that I won't be racing and that I will gradually move from running to walking. I have always found walking to be more sociable and "civilized" anyway. I enjoy seeing what my neighbors are doing in their yards, stopping to chat, etc. Walking is more conducive to that anyway. I just hope that I continue to be able to walk without discomfort.

 

[aja8888]

Not too long after I retired, I took up running. At first it was just for fun; a friend (that I used to meet up at the gym with) and I decided to train for and run a 5K just for something different to do. My goal was to run without stopping to walk, which I did. I thought I was just going to run the one race, but I became hooked and saw other women my age running impressive times. My competitive side took over and I started reading and learning how to really train to be competitive within my age group.

It's been about 14 years of running and racing now. Over the years I had a few minor running injuries, the type that typically just required some time off and maybe cutting back the mileage for a while. Over the past year and a half I've had nagging hip pain that I couldn't get past despite my best attempts and it seemed to get worse last fall. I finally went to see an orthopedic doc last month and was pretty surprised to learn that I have significant arthritis in that hip. He told me I could continue running, as long as I was not in a lot of pain, without risking damage to my hip.

I am still running but less miles. My enthusiasm to race is quickly waning. What I loved about racing was testing myself to see what I could do. I have no desire to watch myself deteriorate if I can't train properly. At this point I am hoping to be able to run with my DH a few days a week for another couple of years. I may run a couple of fun local 5Ks but probably not much more than that. I plan to eventually transition to walking - I've already replaced one or two runnings days a week with walking.

I guess what has surprised me the most is my acceptance of the whole situation. I don't really seem to mind that I won't be racing and that I will gradually move from running to walking. I have always found walking to be more sociable and "civilized" anyway. I enjoy seeing what my neighbors are doing in their yards, stopping to chat, etc. Walking is more conducive to that anyway. I just hope that I continue to be able to walk without discomfort.

Keep walking! That's what I do now after 20+ years of serious running. Now I have two titanium hips too! (and arthritis in one knee)

 

[ksr]

Keep walking! That's what I do now after 20+ years of serious running. Now I have two titanium hips too! (and arthritis in one knee)

Yes, I plan to, thanks! I do hope to avoid the hip replacement route, but I have several friends who have had them with great success.

 

[aja8888]

Yes, I plan to, thanks! I do hope to avoid the hip replacement route, but I have several friends who have had them with great success.

Mine work great and they actually helped me improve my golf game. At 81, I am happy to be doing what I am doing now.

 

[Scuba]

We just had friends visit us and we had a few long days of visiting local attractions, which involved a lot of walking and standing. Even though I wore my most comfortable shoes with extra gel pads for my heels, my feet were killing me after a day of just doing a lot of walking and standing. I’m going back to the orthopedic doctor this week. I have gotten so much advice and have tried a lot of it. So far, I don’t see any significant progress and not being comfortable just walking for a day is a huge concern.

On the bright side, I can cycle so I did a 12-mile ride today.

 

[More Cowbell]

I got too busy for martial arts 15 years ago, and now hand arthritis means no go no mo’. While decluttering I came across a bunch of unused, new-in-package martial arts stuff. I contacted the instructor to donate the stuff. Got invited to attend class with the understanding it was non-contact. Amazingly I still remembered moves after all these years, but the inability to complete strikes was frustrating. I even took falls, which were fine except for the sting in my hand when I slapped the mat out of habit. My partner said they could tell I was working out at a gym or doing something physical. While chatting afterwards, I mentioned I had additional equipment that I had collected. Apparently there is a worldwide shortage due to the retirement of manufacturer. The instructor offered to buy them from me, so I’ll bring them over. It’ll be good to know that they’ll be used. That’ll give me closure on this chapter.

 

[SJhawkins]

I started amateur radio in 2022 and now hold an extra class liscense. I am finding that my list of things I want to do as a
Ham ie satellite contact, launch a balloon, learn cw etc is growing each day and I am unable to get to them at this time as I enjoy so many areas already. But I’ll get to them.

Of all my hobbies, have a number of the them, amateur radio always seems to hang around in some from or another over the past almost 40 years. The hobby is so vast don't think a person could really do it all has to offer in a lifetime. I have not been really active the last few years, mostly involved with a VE team and Skywarn, looking forward to becoming more active in retirement, have a laundry list related to the hobby I want to do.

From one Extra to another welcome to the hobby.

 

[richardsok]

I studied classical music as a kid and had daydreams I thought were ambitions. But I reached a certain level and never developed after -- and my skill was no where near what I wanted. I didn't take any music courses at all in college so my skills rusted. Non-musical friends still thought I played wonderfully but into my 20s I was taking all kinds of shortcuts to make complex pieces sound "all right" but easier to perform.
It's called cheating and serious musicians recognize it at once. I wouldn't participate in even the smallest community concerts.
Time and again I wanted to quit but my aged parents begged me to continue. After they both passed, I couldn't say why I continued practicing, but I did -- and never satisfied.
The day I sold my Steinway Grand and saw it wrapped & tilted up on the pallet and lugged out of my house like a dead elephant, it felt like a death in the family. But weeks later, once I knew I'd freed myself from the frustrations, it was like a stone had been lifted off my chest.
What took me so long?

Here's a famous piano teacher, John O'Conor showing rubes and key-pounders how it's done in Pathetique Sonata, by Ludwig B, of course. I never mastered the first movement.

 

[street]

What hobbies have you quit and how did it affect you?​

I have carved things in wood for many years, but my hands have been ovah used and I might say abused through the years from hard work.

I haven't done any now in just about three years. I did one for my son and wife for their home was the last.

I have a lot of logs stored and ready for creations but sure if I will do any more. I look at those logs and really want to but haven't attempted to start one, but I may at some point. I enjoyed the carving, and I do miss it very much.

Here was the last one. I named it "the perfect wind".

 

[Stormy Kromer]

Street, If I had a hobby like that and talent like yours I would never quit.

 

[Stormy Kromer]

I was a firefighter from before I could shave every day until I could join AARP. I hung it up a nine years ago after responding to over 1,000 calls.

Two days ago the neighbor had a fire. I ran over to help and called 911. Then helped what I could do (keep people safe and away from the fire) til the fire dept. arrived. Then I watched the work like crazy and not get hurt. I realized then and there that I am no longer able to be a firefighter. A man must know his limitations.

Firefighting is one hobby I won't be doing again.

 

[street]

Street, If I had a hobby like that and talent like yours I would never quit.

That is very kind words Stormy, Thank You very much. I have them scattered all over in the states. I been asked by some if I would do just one more, but my hands just struggle with that type of work. It is one chip at a time no electric tools just hand tools.

 

[Koolau]

That is very kind words Stormy, Thank You very much. I have them scattered all over in the states. I been asked by some if I would do just one more, but my hands just struggle with that type of work. It is one chip at a time no electric tools just hand tools.

Thanks for sharing your talent with us street. I'm very impressed. I wish you could continue with this God-given talent. Truly amazing.