A co-worker of mine, who is an ultra-marathoner and one of the inspirations behind my starting to run, pointed me toward this excellent essay The Perfect Game by turn of the century author G.K. Chesterton. I encourage you to take few minutes and read the entire essay; but to summarize, Chesterton is playing a game of croquet with a friend and is getting beaten badly. Chesterton's friend asks him why he bothers even playing croquet since he is so bad at it. Here is the response: It is only we who play badly who love the Game itself. You love glory; you love applause; you love the earthquake voice of victory; you do not love croquet. You do not love croquet until you love being beaten at croquet. It is we the bunglers who adore the occupation in the abstract. It is we to whom it is art for art’s sake. If we may see the face of Croquet herself (if I may so express myself) we are content to see her face turned upon us in anger. Our play is called amateurish; and we wear proudly the name … [Read more...]
Soccer Specific Strength and Conditioning Work Out
I was playing pick up soccer yesterday, and somebody made the comment that being in good shape is different from being in soccer shape. True that. With the constant sprinting and stopping, lateral movement, and quick footwork, you get a dynamic workout that steady state cardio doesn't necessarily provide. While one of the best ways to get in soccer shape is to actually play, Men' Fitness has provided a great soccer training work out to help you build the strength and stamina needed to perform on the pitch. Even if you're like me and play pick up soccer on a regular basis, this work out should help you step up your game. Check out the video below for the full work out, and get details on reps here. If you don't have an agility ladder, check them out of Amazon.. Post updated on 8/16/16 … [Read more...]