This ain't a "dress rehersal".
Ya gotta follow your gut..right or wrong. It's your choice. Your life.
Once you hit your mid-40's your body's going to start complaining anyway!
If your healthy I say go for it!!
We are spiritual beings living in a human form..so the more experiences you can conquer..the higher your spirit will soar when it's over..
Use the rings to hold the reel to the rod. Cut 2 pieces of bicycle inner-tube to cover the rings after. No tape!
Leave lots of the rod butt out so you can tuck it under arm.