A new start... (long)

Melissa Herndon

Melissa Herndon

Pro Player
Silver Member
This might shock some of you, but I haven't hit a ball since the last WPBA event in Peoria. Even for me, it is weird to think that it's been a month since I've played. I don't think I have ever gone this long without playing. Ever.

It was a conscious decision on my part. I wasn't really feeling the desire to play. Over the past year, my drive has really dwindled. I have been making some changes in my life...and I think it has shifted my priorities...as least for a little while. To make a long story short, I woke up one day last year and realized that I had lived my entire adult life in a pool room. While I do not consider that a negative thing, I also realized that I was longing for a sense of normalcy in my life. It was difficult for me to talk to non-pool players....because we would run out of topics pretty quickly. I didn't go to movies, or concerts, or clubs. I didn't know any of the great places to eat or fun things to do in L.A. I couldn't even talk about the travel I do, because I never get to see the cities I am in.

Please understand that I am not whining. I am fortunate to live the life that I do, that I have met the people I've met...and I have gotten to experience things that the majority of the world will never get to. I've played a pro sport on ESPN for cryin out loud! Do you know how many men out there will never get to fulfill that dream?

I am simply using this forum as a sounding board for what I am experiencing at the moment....and letting you all know the place that I am at currently...and the reasons behind the choices I am making.

For the first time in 15 years, I have had a pretty "normal" summer. I spent weekends at the beach playing volleyball. I have been to countless BBQ/pool parties. I am really starting to discover the wonderful things about the city that I live in. I go to movies and play poker with friends. And as many of you know, I am exercising and eating right...and I've been fortunate that the benefits have been external as well as internal. I've lost 40 lbs since Christmas....and that has resulted in my having an abundance of energy and excitement about life in general.

So, why am I posting now? Because today I start my pool career again. Last week, I finally started to miss the game...and I felt the itch to get out there and hit balls. I couldn't scratch that itch last week...I had to go to Vegas for a wedding...so tonight is the night. I am very excited about playing again...and a little nervous, too. In relationships, they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think this applies in my situation as well. No matter how poorly I play tonight, tomorrow, or next week....no matter how much "damage" was done by taking the long break....I feel renewed because I took the time that I needed to experience new things. And I learned how much I really do love this game.

Thanks for listening.

Melissa

(On a completely different note: I went indoor sky-diving while in Las Vegas last weekend. If I ever win the lottery, I will buy each and every one of you a ticket to Vegas so that you can go and try it, too. It is unbelievable. At the next BCA event, I will be visiting the Flyaway every day. I hope some of you will take my advice and get over there to try it!)
 
Melissa,

Everybody needs a change of scenery now and then. It's good for the soul.

After only 30 days I am sure your fundamentals are still there.

I am happy to hear your workout program is going well. I wish I could say the same. I need to bear down and get back into it. Would you care to share some of your exercise regimen? I always found a good workout on the stationary bike followed by some weight lifting worked best for me.

Good luck,

Wally in Cincy

(BTW if you do hit that lottery I would prefer a sauna rather than a Vegas trip. Thanks. :-)
 
melissa ,hey i know exactly what your going through,we are all pool players our whole life,live breath pool ,but you know what you have that we all dont have is what you got ,i know that your probably wondering about your future ,if you can make a living doing what your doing,i have very close friends that feel the way you do,that are very good players,tyler edey ,edwin montel,joanne ashton,oh by the way im from calgary ,ab,canada,i am a great shot as well ,but you know that being a pool player ,you get what you put into it.just get back into it,play the game like you are the professional you are.love the game again.you know im the biggest fan of efren reyes,and the reason why is that is his blood,its the way he lives .bar none is he the best but at any given time can a person like melissa herndon can take him out,how sweet and what kind of confident boost would that be,huge.i think you have to get that hunger again,you are a great player ,i saw you take out sarah,jasmin,and then jenette in vegas in may,and you gotta go girl ,the time is now ,get that hunger back,you are a pro pool player,so act like it,like my best friend says,get your head out your ass.not being mean by any means but go girl
do what you want to do in this wierd world of pool ,if only we could be you,playing professionally,bieng thier instead of watching,get that hunger back that put you where you are now.kick some ass.anyway id love to be a motivational guru for pool,you guys and girls are our idols ,and i can understand what you go through.but get back into it slkowly and love every minute of it ,love the game ,love to win,and all the best to you.you go there girl ,kick some ass .
all the best
y
 
Wally in Cincy said:
I am happy to hear your workout program is going well. I wish I could say the same. I need to bear down and get back into it. Would you care to share some of your exercise regimen? I always found a good workout on the stationary bike followed by some weight lifting worked best for me.
Click to expand...

Hi Wally,

I workout 4 times a week...plus I try to fit some sort of outdoor activity on the weekend...such as volleyball.

I do cardio and yoga on Mondays, workout on my own on Tuesday or Friday, cardio and Pilates on Wednesday, and workout with a personal trainer on Thursday. I also own a couple of workout DVD's...dance and yoga. So, by varying my workout routines, it stays interesting and fresh. I am really enjoying the yoga...it's very challenging but also relaxing. The Pilates is the toughest....but I think it will be well worth it in the end.

Any suggestions for fun weekend activities would be welcome. I am enjoying trying new things!

M
 
Melissa Herndon said:
This might shock some of you, but I haven't hit a ball since the last WPBA event in Peoria. Even for me, it is weird to think that it's been a month since I've played. I don't think I have ever gone this long without playing. Ever.

It was a conscious decision on my part. I wasn't really feeling the desire to play. Over the past year, my drive has really dwindled. I have been making some changes in my life...and I think it has shifted my priorities...as least for a little while. To make a long story short, I woke up one day last year and realized that I had lived my entire adult life in a pool room. While I do not consider that a negative thing, I also realized that I was longing for a sense of normalcy in my life. It was difficult for me to talk to non-pool players....because we would run out of topics pretty quickly. I didn't go to movies, or concerts, or clubs. I didn't know any of the great places to eat or fun things to do in L.A. I couldn't even talk about the travel I do, because I never get to see the cities I am in.

Please understand that I am not whining. I am fortunate to live the life that I do, that I have met the people I've met...and I have gotten to experience things that the majority of the world will never get to. I've played a pro sport on ESPN for cryin out loud! Do you know how many men out there will never get to fulfill that dream?

I am simply using this forum as a sounding board for what I am experiencing at the moment....and letting you all know the place that I am at currently...and the reasons behind the choices I am making.

For the first time in 15 years, I have had a pretty "normal" summer. I spent weekends at the beach playing volleyball. I have been to countless BBQ/pool parties. I am really starting to discover the wonderful things about the city that I live in. I go to movies and play poker with friends. And as many of you know, I am exercising and eating right...and I've been fortunate that the benefits have been external as well as internal. I've lost 40 lbs since Christmas....and that has resulted in my having an abundance of energy and excitement about life in general.

So, why am I posting now? Because today I start my pool career again. Last week, I finally started to miss the game...and I felt the itch to get out there and hit balls. I couldn't scratch that itch last week...I had to go to Vegas for a wedding...so tonight is the night. I am very excited about playing again...and a little nervous, too. In relationships, they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think this applies in my situation as well. No matter how poorly I play tonight, tomorrow, or next week....no matter how much "damage" was done by taking the long break....I feel renewed because I took the time that I needed to experience new things. And I learned how much I really do love this game.

Thanks for listening.

Melissa

(On a completely different note: I went indoor sky-diving while in Las Vegas last weekend. If I ever win the lottery, I will buy each and every one of you a ticket to Vegas so that you can go and try it, too. It is unbelievable. At the next BCA event, I will be visiting the Flyaway every day. I hope some of you will take my advice and get over there to try it!)
Click to expand...

Hey Sexy,

I am so proud of you!!!

You must take a break every now and then to reasses your priorities or you will not get what you want out of life.

In 2004 and 2005 I took the summers off (barring the 2004 WPC) so that I would not burnout. With this IPT business, I have not been able to take that break and I have been feeling it mentally for sure (that is why I played sucky in the last 3 qually's).

I envy you and I look forward to my opportunity for the same.

Give a brutha a call every now and then ;)
 
Jimmy-leggs -

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I think it's funny that your best friend told me to get my head out of my ass. In a way...that's exactly what I was trying to do when I took the break! Anyhow, I really do believe that having someone around who can be brutally honest with you like that is a good thing. It's one of the best pieces of advice I've heard in a long time....LOL.

Thanks again,
Melissa
 
CrownCityCorey said:
Hey Sexy,

I am so proud of you!!!

You must take a break every now and then to reasses your priorities or you will not get what you want out of life.

In 2004 and 2005 I took the summers off (barring the 2004 WPC) so that I would not burnout. With this IPT business, I have not been able to take that break and I have been feeling it mentally for sure (that is why I played sucky in the last 3 qually's).

I envy you and I look forward to my opportunity for the same.

Give a brutha a call every now and then ;)
Click to expand...

Hey C -

Will I be seeing you up at Shooter's this weekend? We can hang out between matches...maybe grab a bite after the tournament.

Talk to you later!

M
 
Melissa Herndon said:
Any suggestions for fun weekend activities would be welcome. I am enjoying trying new things!

M
Click to expand...


One thing that really is fun and totally outdoors is hiking and during winter (when there is snow up north) try dog sledges. Those both are so much fun and up to certain level also good training for physics.
 
sorry melissa,my friend told me to get my head out of my ass,not you.anyway,i hope you find that kinda encouragement funny.lol
good luck in the future.
 
A new start

Melissa:


Ok, what's his name...


If, that isn't it...when is the calendar coming out....

In any case....hell of a thing your doing...



Wayne (Toronto)
 
jimmy-leggs said:
sorry melissa,my friend told me to get my head out of my ass,not you.anyway,i hope you find that kinda encouragement funny.lol
good luck in the future.
Click to expand...

I really do find it funny....and useful. Someone once gave me that very advice....almost in those exact words...and it was the best advice I've ever gotten. It really is important to have someone who will tell you when your head is stuck up there and it needs to come out!

All the best -
M
 
wayne hancock said:
Melissa:


Ok, what's his name...


If, that isn't it...when is the calendar coming out....

In any case....hell of a thing your doing...



Wayne (Toronto)
Click to expand...

Wayne -

There is no guy...and no calendar. But let me shape up a bit more and I'm sure that both could be arranged!!!

Thanks!
M
 
come on melissa..... no guy in your life?? how about a ray liotta look alike...:cool:
good luck and welcome back,
joey
 
JOEY said:
come on melissa..... no guy in your life?? how about a ray liotta look alike...:cool:
good luck and welcome back,
joey
Click to expand...

Nope...no guy. And I'm cool with that for right now. I'm not closed to the idea...I'm just not looking for it. Besides, I believe everything happens the way it is supposed to...so I probably am not meant to have a man right now so that I can focus on me :D

Ray Liotta...eh? Nice!

M
 
Melissa Herndon said:
Any suggestions for fun weekend activities would be welcome. I am enjoying trying new things!

M
Click to expand...



When I was working out regularly I was fortunate to have a 7 mile bike trail (with hills) about 15 miles from my home. I would throw my bike in the back of the pickup and head out after work.

I would ride it start to finish, take a 10 minute break and then ride it in the reverse direction. 15 miles, less than an hour. It was a pretty good workout.

The same park had walking trails thru the hilly woods. One trail in particular was 3 miles with challenging hills. That was a pretty good workout.

Nowadays my workout on the weekends is walking my energetic dog. In the winter she can go 4 miles easy, but with the hot summer we have been having she only makes it a mile or so before she finds a shady place to lie down. :cool:

Bicycles are pretty affordable now. If there is a safe place to ride nearby that may be an option. Please don't ride on the road with automobiles. It is too risky.

I used to run and really enjoyed it but 2 deteriorated discs ended that particular endevour. If you do not have the proper genetics running can take a terrible toll on the body.
 
Wally in Cincy said:
When I was working out regularly I was fortunate to have a 7 mile bike trail (with hills) about 15 miles from my home. I would throw my bike in the back of the pickup and head out after work.

I would ride it start to finish, take a 10 minute break and then ride it in the reverse direction. 15 miles, less than an hour. It was a pretty good workout.

The same park had walking trails thru the hilly woods. One trail in particular was 3 miles with challenging hills. That was a pretty good workout.

Nowadays my workout on the weekends is walking my energetic dog. In the winter she can go 4 miles easy, but with the hot summer we have been having she only makes it a mile or so before she finds a shady place to lie down. :cool:

Bicycles are pretty affordable now. If there is a safe place to ride nearby that may be an option. Please don't ride on the road with automobiles. It is too risky.

I used to run and really enjoyed it but 2 deteriorated discs ended that particular endevour. If you do not have the proper genetics running can take a terrible toll on the body.
Click to expand...

Biking and hiking are definitely 2 things that I could get into. Hiking probably more so than biking....I love being able to hike through the hills and stop to look at things. There is a park across town that has some great hiking trails. I haven't been there since I was in high school....which was a very very very long time ago. There are some waterfalls back in the mountains that you get to. I think it might be time for me to go check it out again!

Running is a problem for me. I don't have knee or back problems....but I have yet to find the proper undergarment to keep the puppies at bay....if oyu catch my meaning. (They just don't seem to make a sports bra that makes running comfortable for a woman like me!)

Thanks for the great ideas!

M
 
Melissa Herndon said:
(They just don't seem to make a sports bra that makes running comfortable for a woman like me!)
Click to expand...

Sure that could be a problem.

I hear tall people (like me) tend to have back problems, so genetics do play a role.

I know guys who are 50, 60, even 70 who still run but most of the people I used to run with have gone on to swimming or biking.

Definitely check out the walking trails. It is enjoyable getting to see the wildlife and the birds and watching the evolution of the plants and the forest as the season progresses. (I am assuming you have "seasons" in SoCal) :cool:

So anyway, good luck on the journey :)
 
Hey there, was there any guy in Vegas that caught your eye per say> i hear you quite the Poker player! :0

I would have like to grab a bite to eat with ya, too many distractions though i guess.

It's good to hear you are playing again, i really admire you as a person and a player.

Maybe we will see each other in Vegas next year, as i don't get out much!!!! LOL

Cya
 
Melissa,

Glad to hear you're doing well. If you think of pool as your job, your time off was just a vacation. It's normal for everyone to get burnt out at work. Even in the military they give us 30 vacation days a year and we're encourged to take 14 consecutive days a year.

Glad to read you're enjoying the outdoors. For my vacation this year, we went hiking through the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Worth the trip if you're ever out there. So when are you going to try the REAL skydiving?

As far as working out, it will only help your game. It can only give more mental and physical stamina.

You're a beautiful person, with a gorgeous spirit. You treat your fans like no other profesional athlete. Every profesional should emulate the way you interact with fans.

Alway rooting for ya!

Jim

(PS - I got the card today. Thank you very much and no, I'll never grow tired of getting the pictures!)
 
Melissa Herndon said:
Any suggestions for fun weekend activities would be welcome. I am enjoying trying new things!

M
Click to expand...

Melissa,
Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing the details with your fans.

Having played sports for years (where cardio is punishment, not recreation); my favorite way to exercise is racquetball. It definitely burns calories quickly, and is a heck of a lot of fun (especially if you play with friends that you trust to not knock out your front teeth with their racquets).
 
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