With summer coming to an end, many fall sports are already starting up for the year. Both high school and college athletes are preparing for the busiest time of their season, as preseason often includes several practices a day. When you're an athlete in your preseason, soreness can help you realize that there are muscles in places you didn't know there were muscles, you willingly submerge your body in water that is less than 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) and you calculate exactly how many milliseconds of sleep you can get in between practices. You also get excited to get back on the court/field and be surrounded by your teammates and coaches, who quickly become your second family. No matter when your season is, these are 12 thoughts that most athletes have when their season is approaching.
1. "I'm ready for this."
You get yourself mentally hyped up. Until you get a text message from your coach with the conditioning requirements. Then you have so many regrets about what you did during the off-season...
2. "Am I ready for this?"
You can't help but get a little anxious when you think of the expectations you, along with your coaches and teammates, have set for the upcoming season.
3. "Why did I eat that cookie two and a half months ago?"
Again, so many regrets about the off-season...
4. "You know, (several) practices a day isn't that bad."
It's just more time that you get to play your sport, right?
5. "I should probably start saying goodbye to my friends and family now..."
Because even if you survive the hell week of preseason, you won't have any time for the next couple months.
6. "I can't wait to see my teammates again."
If you've played together before, then your teammates already feel like family. And the anticipation of meeting new teammates can best be described as an overwhelming excitement.
7. "I can't wait to see my coaches again."
This one only lasts a day or two.
8. "What is running?"
Don't worry, your coaches will remind you.
9. "Do I have enough deodorant?"
One for my backpack, one for my sport bag, one for my car, one for home, one for my friend to hold in case you forget the other five...
10. "I can't wait for *insert date of first game*."
*Memorize schedule* *Send schedule to everyone you love*
11. "Can't we just get started already??"
Waiting is the worst part when all you want is to get back in the game.
12. "I love this sport."
When you remember all of the hard work that you put in, all of the trips to the gym and laps around your neighborhood, you realize that you've prepared yourself for the season because you love your sport. It doesn't feel like preparing for a season when you go to open gyms or play in a "just-for-fun" league. These simple actions that you tend to forget about have been getting you in shape for your season, but it doesn't feel like it since you play your sport because of your passion for the game.
Even though preseason can be difficult and tiring, you remember that you'll get through it with your team, playing the sport you love.
