Space Jam

9/7/14

Our first week in Ecuador, a few of the new teachers were invited to join a regular Thursday basketball game. I was all about it. Apparently, somewhere between 5-10 teachers from our school, 10 or so from other American International Schools, 5 or so locals, and 5-10 workers from the US and Canadian Embassy show up to our school at around 6:00pm and get some serious pickup games going.

The games move fast since they’re full court, and the wide variety of skills and experience make for a good time. We take turns playing to 12, but to all of my friends from the States, that’s quite a game.

We heard about the altitude before we moved to Ecuador. Apparently the oxygen content in the air is very light. There is less oxygen per breath, so at times it feels like you are breathing through a straw. This is something that your body adjusts to but it can take a while. On top of that, until you fully adjust you are supposed to avoid strenuous activities. Well…nah, I’m more of a trial by fire kind of guy.

During the first week I went to go play and had a blast. The guys (and girl) were great, the competition was great, and the exercise felt awesome. Until it didn’t…After about my second game I felt like I was playing basketball in space with no oxygen. I felt like Bugs Bunny, if things went a little differently in Space Jam and he had to go entertain people in space.

I pushed through it assuming it would correct itself with a little toughness and effort. I got to a point where I was actually doing alright. In my first exercise since I got to Ecuador, I was having fun, making a couple plays, and meeting some new people. It was great. I made one play where I caught an outlet pass and went up for a layup and BOOM! I crumpled to the floor as if there was an assassin in the bleachers. My calf muscle in my left leg just completely gave out. It wasn’t the kind of cramp that hurts a little bit and requires some water. It was the kind of cramp that renders your limbs about as useless as a Raggedy Anne Doll.

At this point, I couldn’t give up as we were in the middle of a battle. 8-8. Our team was on a run. I decided to play it through. On the way back, I stole the ball and started running the other way. I passed to a guy in front of me and both of my quads gave out. I couldn’t bend my legs at all. I looked like a peg-legged pirate run/waddling up the court. I tried not to show my body’s lack of control and faked it through the last couple scores of the game.

Also in the middle of the game, I accidentally elbowed a woman who happened to be THE Ambassador for her country. Not a good person to elbow. It was all good though, she was about as hardcore out there as anyone. It was a great time.

The next week went a little better and I was able to hold my own without my bones and muscles giving way.  I think having the chance to meet so many Embassy workers, and other Expats is a great way to socialize with some people outside of the school.

I also heard about a Spring league that happens where each of the international schools has their own team, a group of local gringos has a team, and the different Embassies have teams. I think that’ll be a good deal, I just hope they take my recommendation and call our team the Monstars.