OMG! Tennis Camp is not for Sissies!

I just completed my first tennis camp session, and I'm not as fit as I thought (or hoped) I was. The camp started at one o'clock on Thursday afternoon, and I, being overly ambitious, decided to play a two-hour singles game before camp. I began camp a little "used up," but luckily, there was a break with snacks for a little energy boost.

After camp ended in the afternoon, I met a friend for a quick dinner and went on to the tennis league games that started at six. To say I slept well that night is an understatement. I can't remember a hot shower ever feeling so good or Advil ever being so appreciated.

The second day of camp began on Friday at eight in the morning after a healthy breakfast. Then, we went on to relentless (but always fun) tennis drills, skills, and competitions until our well-deserved lunch break.

Later that day, I realized I had initially misunderstood the wellness choices. We didn't have to choose between yoga, working with a fitness trainer, walks, or massage; we had it all.

Each day was a little different. After lunch, some of us chose to go to the fitness center and speak with the Whitman tennis team's fitness trainer. Surprise, we didn't just meet to chat; he made us work out. I'm still sore from squats, presses, and lunges – all with weights. Thank goodness, a thirty-minute whole-body massage was next. I was in heaven. Followed at home by a well-earned shower and an Advil appetizer before dinner.

Saturday morning was the same routine as Friday. But, instead of a fitness workout, we had a yoga class. The class wasn't long enough for me to reap significant benefits, but another thirty-minute massage followed it. After that, I was so tired and relaxed that I could only wish for a driverless car. I made it home without an Uber, into the shower, and gulped down more Advil before a blissful sleep.

We were back at camp for a morning of drills on Sunday, but with a twist: scorekeeping. Poker chips were awarded for wins, special shots, and other "accomplishments" during drills. After a short break, the real competition began.

Everyone put their racquets into a basket, and the coaches randomly picked them out to set up the teams. We were given the rules of the competition, explaining how the chips played into the mix. If you missed your serve, you could pay the coaches three chips for another chance, five to replay a missed point, and ten to buy a point that can break a tie for the win.

The addition of the chips is where my business background and friendship came in handy. My friend Mollie's team made the finals. Both teams were pooling their chips to buy the match. Mollie and her husband own a winery that makes a very dry Riesling that I like. Fortunately, I had chips to spare, and Mollie and I negotiated for two bottles of her Riesling. My extra chips allowed her team to buy the match, and I got some of my favorite wine. That's what is known as a "win-win."

I can't believe I started this all over again for the next two weeks. At least as a Costco shopper, I have a huge supply of Advil and sunscreen. Add wine, some scotch, and a good bed; I should be fine. I hope!