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Soccer Banter

Broken Nose, But I'm Back Playing

9/21/2011

2 Comments

 
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As opposed to last week’s blog, where I sat still wired from a great win, this week I am essentially falling asleep on my keyboard. The blame can be put on a plenty of full field sprints and a long day in class. Today was my first day back and man did I pick a great day for it! The sun was out, the temperature was high in the 70s and I was excited to get back out there. This excitement slowly faded as I sat and watched our coach pull out ladders, set up cones and put flags in the ground. Any athlete knows that after a day off, the next will promise fitness – and it did! It proved to be a little difficult for me, but I am grateful to be out there and not just watching from the sidelines. However, I still find it amazing that after just a little over two weeks out of action, that my fitness could suffer so much. 

The hardest part for me today was breathing.  My legs felt fine, but I am still a little clogged up do to my broken nose.  I found the noises that I made breathing through my mouth were disturbing.  Especially to my running mates, Kris and Alyssa, who were convinced that I was being asphyxiated.  It was nice to get a ball at my feet but I'm still dreading that first header!  Thursday is Brown (and a second shot at an Ivy League opponent).  

This week also solidified for us freshman that managing our time is going to be essential if we want to succeed. There are barely enough hours in a week to make it to every class, every lifting session, every practice, every game and 6 hours of mandatory and supervised study hall. That’s not even taking into account the need for additional studying, food every now and then – and maybe some sleep. My mid-morning naps, and watching Real Housewives of New Jersey are definitely a thing of the past.     



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On a much more fun note, this weekend was our very first home football game! We all took a “family” trip to the bookstore earlier in the day to buy some UMASS memorabilia to show our school pride. After walking thru the different tailgates with the team, I proceeded to go into the game…for all of 15 minutes. I quickly realized that watching football on TV is much more entertaining, and less boring, than in person. However, walking into the tailgate, it felt like I was at college more than ever before. It was a sea of maroon and school spirit was on high alarm. The highlight of my night was seeing Sam the Minuteman out and about. I don’t know why he hasn’t made an appearance at any of the women’s soccer games?

This week is already proving to be hard, but I’m looking forward to Thursday’s game and then 4 of my best friends are coming out to Amherst to visit this Friday. Skyping with them is just not cutting it, not to mention my 7-day free trial of group Skype has officially expired. I can’t wait to introduce them to my new friends, or Floor 3 of Emerson. I think my floor mates will be happy to finally be able to put faces to the names they constantly hear me referencing.  My friends from home are all at smaller schools, so I think they will love the atmosphere found on a bigger campus and especially Southwest Village. 

After surviving today, the rest of the week should be a breeze with the added bonus of actually being available to play in a game and a weekend that comes with a much needed visit from home. 



2 Comments
Just a Mom
9/21/2011 04:07:25 pm

Glad you'll be back on the field Becky!

Reply
Margo Martin
9/22/2011 02:27:18 am

Enjoy your blog Becky and was glad to hear from you Dad that your injuries are healing.

Reply



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    Becky Landers

    Landers is a freshman midfielder from Danvers, MA playing for the University of Massachusetts. She played her club soccer for Stars of Massachusetts. helping the team to 3 state championships and two Region I titles. 

    Follow UMASS Women's Soccer on Twitter: @UMassWSoccer

     

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Soccer Banter: Been Kicking Since March 1, 2011