I'm playing my first indoor soccer match in many many years today. Since my last indoor soccer league, 4+ years ago, I've discovered that I have a heart condition and have had a bout with the gout.
No. I'm not joking. Both conditions are under control. My last visit with the cardiologist was encouraging and I got a cautious "OK" to play sports like soccer in moderation. It took months to get over the gout in my right big toe (on my "kicking foot"). I've never experienced pain like that before. I've been playing volleyball for over a year now and I *was* going to the gym regularly to play racquet ball and do cardio workouts. Somehow I fell out of that routine though. Starting up soccer is not the best way to work back into a cardio routine and I'll have to be careful. If I push it too hard I could pass out or induce other complications. It'll also be interesting to see how my toe holds up to constant beating against a soccer ball. I find it very difficult to go to a gym to lift weights or run in circle, but I love to compete and to play sports. There are very few things in life that make me feel so alive than when I'm pushing my self physically, or mentally, towards a goal. Wish me luck!