Every athlete has experienced it; some call it the week from hell, but most people know it only as pre-season. You heard me right, pre-season. The period of time that occurs right before your sport's season is set to begin, and right about the time you start to question why it is you actually play the sport you chose.
There are several phases every athlete goes through during every pre-season; some last longer for certain players than others, but trust me, we have all been there. So set down your water bottle and put away your cleats for a minute because here are the 11 stages of preseason.
1. False hope
It is just about the time that you have to report for your pre-season, and you think to yourself "I am totally in shape, I have been training for months, I have totally got this."
2. Realizing you were wrong
So, you got on the line for your first fitness test feeling pretty good about yourself and ended the test in the complete opposite frame of mind. Welcome to preseason.
3. Trying to catch up
You realized you were not in as good of shape as you thought, but you can still work your butt off to make up for it right?
4. The post-first session feels
Wrong. You are exhausted, and now you have no idea how you will get through the next two sessions today, let alone the rest of the week.
5. The first feelings of soreness
It is only downhill from here.
6. First-day fatigue
You made it through the first day, congratulations! Now, you just have to continue to make it for another week or so. Every day. Several times a day.
7. Second-day slump
Your body hates you. It utterly despises you. You cannot feel your legs, and when you can actually feel them, you wish that you couldn't.
8. Mid-week aches
Your legs are sore, your feet hurt, and you are almost certain that your body will never feel normal and not-in-pain ever again.
9. Scrimmage surprises
Yes! You finally get to play the game you love instead of just running all the time. If your legs would stop cramping for five minutes, this might actually be nice.
10. Jersey distribution
Here it is. The moment that you have been waiting for: it is now time to get your jersey. The team kits are super nice and knowing that your number is waiting for you in your locker makes those end-of-practice sprints just a little easier
11. Regular season
Congratulations! You made it! Pre-season is officially over, and you now get to begin your journey with regular season practice and games. Do not be fooled, you will still be sore and exhausted, but not nearly as much as you were during those pre-season three-a-days. Hats off to you for making it through, and good luck to you and your team in your regular season!
