links for 2007-04-03

Futbol!

Groton Parks and Rec has some absolutely phenomenal programs. Most of what we’ve done through it has been programs for the boys, but this year, they’re running a pickup adult soccer league from now through November. I’m playing.

And, I now have definitive proof that I am:

  1. American
  2. Slow
  3. Way more out of shape than I usually let on

But, man, did I have fun.

Today’s game was up at the Mystic Oral School, an old facility at the top of Cow Hill (Hi, Warren!), just down the road from our house. There were 20-25 guys who showed up, mostly expatriates (getting to use that word not in reference to myself abroad is a treat), and another 5 or 6 locals, mostly transplants like me.

The game was great. I kept getting schooled by an African with golden shoes – no lie, he’d just sit there and kick the ball between my legs when I planted to stop him. I finally took the ball from him once before I split, but I think he felt sorry for me.

Afterward? Man, was I toasted. Three years of running, jogging really, have left me pretty much incapable of anything resembling speed. Not that I was fast in the first place (see above on short, white, and fat). But I dug it, and will be back next week.

Oh, one more bit – I rode my bike there and back. The ride there was great. On the way back, I took the long way just so I could spin out the legs. Still not sure if that was a good idea, but I’m not sore today, so probably it was.