So I got this wild idea last weekend to mix things up with my workouts. Been stuck in a rut with the same old treadmill routine, you know? Anyway, I remembered that big patch of grass near the community center and thought – let’s try soccer and rugby for real. No YouTube tutorials or fancy gear, just me figuring stuff out.
First Attempt Disaster
Started with soccer first since rugby scares me a little. Dug out my nephew’s old plastic ball from the garage. Kicked it against the brick wall like I’m training for the World Cup until my neighbor yelled “Stop denting my house!”. Foot hurt so bad after that. Couldn’t walk right for two days.
Rugby Fiasco
Switched to rugby Tuesday morning. Used same stupid plastic ball. Tried tackling a tree trunk wrapped in towels. Looked ridiculous. Bounced right off like a cartoon character! Fell on my butt, muddy water splashed everywhere. Got chased off the field by groundskeeper Bob waving a rake.
Progress Day
Thursday I snuck into high school field after dark with actual leather ball. Better! Actually learned three things:
- Don’t kick bricks – find chain link fences
- Grass cushions falls – mud cushions better
- Eggs feel good – wrapped bruised ribs in cold breakfast eggs
Honestly felt proud when I finally punted that ball clean over the goalpost.
Epiphany Moment
Saturday was showdown day. Rugby lesson: never grab ball under armpit – pops out like greased watermelon. Soccer lesson: side-foot kicks save toes. Ended up accidentally mixing both sports when I drop-kicked rugby-style but chased it soccer-style. Running through mud after a bouncing ball felt stupidly alive.
So after a week of pain and looking like a fool? I’m hooked. Ordered a rugby ball shaped ice pack on Amazon. Still can’t bend my pinky toe. 10/10 would embarrass myself again.
