DAY, UH, MAYBE DAY 7...? In Training to Play Soccer Again: This is What I am Learning

Back to the Basics: My First Weeks of Soccer Training (Again)

It’s been a minute since I’ve trained with purpose, with soccer in mind. Not just getting some cardio in or casually kicking the ball around, but really preparing my body, mind, and spirit to compete again.

These past few weeks marked the beginning of my return to the game. And while I haven’t hit the field yet, I’ve been putting in quiet work. The kind of work that doesn’t show up on the scoreboard or on highlight reels. Not yet, anyway.

This phase is all about fundamentals—and not just the technical ones.

After the introduction to a holistic training approach, I will jump off the sharing platform and dig into the training on my own. I will keep you updated these next few months.

Building the Foundation (The Right Way)

The first three days of training weren’t about drills or sprint sets. They were about something deeper: creating a foundation I can build on—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Because true growth as an athlete isn’t just about speed or strength. It’s about balance. It’s about alignment.

We talk a lot about getting “game-ready,” but what about being life-ready? What about becoming a more complete human, not just a sharper player?

Those first few days, I asked myself questions that had nothing to do with fitness:

• How’s my mental clarity right now?

• Am I grounded in why I’m doing this?

• Is my body working with me, or have I been ignoring it?

• Do I feel joy when I think about the game—or pressure?

  
  

This is what I mean when I say I’m building holistically. Because the truth is, if you only focus on the physical, you’ll burn out or break down. But if you train with intention—mind, body, and spirit—you’ll grow into something much stronger than just an athlete. You’ll become durable. Resilient. Centered. Full of Belief.

Body, Mind, Spirit: The Athlete’s Triangle

Here’s what this balance looks like for me right now:

Body: Reintroducing movement intentionally. Light strength work. Flexibility and mobility. Rehab-style training to bring awareness back to smaller muscles and stabilizers. It’s not about crushing workouts—it’s about building trust with my body again.

Mind: Reestablishing discipline. Blocking distractions. Journaling post-session. Setting micro-goals instead of trying to chase some massive return all at once. Creating mental space to focus on the process, not the outcome.

Spirit: This is the big one. Spirit is about passion, connection, joy. I’m remembering what I love about the game—not what it demands of me, but what it gives me. The lessons. The relationships. The feeling of freedom in motion. That inner fire is what fuels everything else.

When these three parts of me are in sync, training doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like a calling.

Off the Radar for a Bit While I Rediscover What I am Learning

For the next few months, I’ll be keeping this part of my journey a little quiet. Training low-key. No constant updates. Just real work, real reflection, real growth.

There’s something sacred about doing things without announcing them. Letting your progress speak for itself when the time comes.

So if you don’t hear much about soccer from me for a while, know that I’m still at it—just behind the scenes, stacking bricks, staying present, and staying grounded. Maybe hitting the ground a few times too...

Catch You in a Few

This is just the beginning. I’ll be back in a few months with another post, hopefully from the pitch, cleats laced, and mind clear.

But until then, whether you’re getting back into a sport, rebuilding a part of yourself, or simply laying the groundwork for something new—remember this:The first few days matter. They shape the tone. They plant the seeds. They’re quiet, but powerful.

Growth is holistic. The body follows the mind. The mind follows the spirit. Keep all three in check, and you’ll be amazed where the journey takes you.

See you soon—stronger, wiser, and more aligned than ever to share more of what I am learning so you can apply it too.

Let's win!

xx

Nani