Back in the (soccer) game

I’ve been back in the game for a little while now. Last year I made a job change and the commute meant I couldn’t play soccer without being tired the next day at work. But now that I’m in a routine, I’ve worked in playing one evening each week.

For the first game I was terrified’I mean, terrified’of how much it would hurt the next day. To be honest, if I hadn’t already arranged to carpool with my teammate Jordan, I probably would have skipped the game altogether. But instead of sitting at home on the couch, I dusted off the cleats, filled my Sigg bottle and finally found my shin guards (my boyfriend had thought he could take advantage of my early retirement and took them for himself!).

It was a good game. I can’t recall the score, but I ran my butt off as a defender, and I even assisted a goal by Jordan.

The next day, I wasn’t sore at all. Shocked and confused, I convinced myself it would come on to me later when I least expect it. So, I was always anticipating a wall of pain in my muscles. It never came.

It goes to show that half of the battle is motivation. And, of course, what you eat. I had a light dinner, mostly vegetables and a small chicken breast, and afterward I drank two pints of water. Dehydrated muscles will cramp.

If you’re feeling the pain from starting a new fitness routine, read the following articles:

Natural home remedies: Muscle cramps
Pain, pain, go away

Don’t miss a single Best Health Blog post’subscribe today via RSS or email!