Though I (think I) am the only one who has osteoarthritis, I am not the only playing hurt. We all have our tweaks - bad back, bulging waistline, high blood pressure, you name it. These guys, who I grew up with, have been playing together for 30 years, so we are all old familiar friends. We wear the same jersey, either darks or whites week in week out. Not sure if its a warrior thing to go and play or what but I look forward to it. We go from 9-10 pm then off to a buddy's pub nearby. Always fun.
The skating has not been as tough on body as the basketball or lacrosse. But, I noticed last week for the first time that my hip was sloppy and less controlled on turns and I really had to be conscious of it. And at certain times there was pain when I pushed off with my left skate. This was not always the case in the past. Makes me think I've entered a new phase in the whole (retro)progression process of osteoarthritis.
So, like last week, the plan is to no longer put the pedal to the metal with my speed, or what there is of it, and I will not go into the corners and mess it up with one or two on the other team that like that kind of stuff. But plans are fluid in the execution of sport strategy.