Like any sport, soccer puts you through trials that make you feel like you're dying. But at the end of the day you know they're only making your body better prepared to play. There are also attributes unique to the sport that only soccer players can understand. After looking back on seventeen years of soccer-playing, and enlisting help from my teammates, I've assembled a list of ten things that come with playing soccer:
1. 300's
Everybody dreads the work out day that involves running 300's. Twenty-five yards and back, six times in a row at a dead sprint pace does not leave you feeling pleasant. Then, take a two-minute break and repeat the process multiple times. Puking afterwards isn't abnormal. However rough, 300's make you faster and more conditioned and are worth every drop of sweat (or tears).
2. The Mile Run/Test
Running four and a half laps around the field timed in the sweltering heat help make preseason what it is. Most players have trouble deciding which they dread more, the mile or 300's. For the teams that do the two-mile test--you take the cake.
3. Ice Baths
Most players' relationships with ice baths are love-hate. For me, they actually cause anxiety as I wait my turn to step into the 55-degree tub of doom. The next day, though, when my muscles aren't screaming at me as loud as they normally would, I'm glad I took the plunge.
4. Turf EVERYWHERE
Turf in your cleats AND in your socks. Turf in your hair, spandex and stuck on the back of your leg. Turf on the kitchen floor, in your water bottle and even in your bed. You'll never know how it gets to some of the places it gets to.
5. Imprints
Nothing stings quite like blocking a shot, or stepping in front of a boot from three yards away. Having ball imprints left behind, to show everyone as proof of your toughness, make the pain almost worthwhile.
6. Shin Guard Sweat
Every soccer player knows that grey residue with an indescribable texture that is left behind on your legs and shin guards once they're removed. Super gross but always there.
7. Soccer Tans
Tan lower-thighs and knees with lighter shins may not look great with your outfit for school, but they do imply you're a soccer player. No matter how extreme, be proud of those signature tans.
8. Pasta Dinners
Pasta dinners are an integral part of the season and eagerly looked forward to. Soccer games are 90-minutes and sometimes 90 degrees, so carb-loading the night before is a must. What better way could there be to carb-load than with 25 of your best friends and baked ziti?
9. Big Calves
When you're playing soccer, you should always be on your toes and ready to react to wherever the ball goes. Needless to say we have some built calf muscles, especially in heels.
10. Feet Issues
Even with comfortable cleats, soccer does major wear and tear on your feet. The contact of kicking a ball, the heat of the turf and constantly being stepped on contribute to calluses, blisters and bruises. Another integral, although ugly, part of the most popular sport on Earth.
