I’ve stopped running long distances after my last half marathon in July this year and have thrown myself into playing soccer full time.
Soccer is something I’ve loved ever since I was a kid.
Although I stopped playing it competitively when I came to the US, I never stopped following and loving the sport.
Playing soccer is a unique feeling. Words can describe it. The feeling of passing or kicking a ball and it landing where you want it to land. The fearless competition against good and great players and teams. The camaraderie that comes with being in a team.
There is little to nothing I don’t love about playing soccer.
Having said this, playing it at a competitive level requires a whole change of training exercises and mindset. Exercises need to target the core and lower body areas since balancing, pushing/pulling and reacting are key in the sport.
It’s taken a few months for me to get back to being decent at playing, but I’m feeling it now.
I feel stronger, faster and more competitive than ever before.
Who would’ve thought I’d be back at this stage of my life?
Never say never.
Richard Chan 