Surf n' Turf

30 Day Shred - Day 20

I had an early start today. After a year off outdoor soccer, I am finally playing again. For the past few weeks, I've attended soccer training. It feels good to kick a ball around again, to be competitive and connect with some amazing women.

I didn't have time to eat breakfast (nor would before a game - bad habit I know). Instead I packed almonds and a green apple.

I wasn't expecting the game I played today. There were over 20 girls listed to play and only 9 of us showed up. I was expecting to play at most 40 minutes. This morning, I played 90 in centre midfield. That's a lot of running around. 

I've decided not play in the highest grade - the All Age Women's 1s. It's a bit too competitive and intense for me. Today I played against a level 2 team and it was plenty competitive. After a year off, my fitness was definitely lacking. But as a seasoned soccer player, I have certain expectations about the level of play. I was very direct with a few of our girls - which may have hurt some feelings. I hope they take it as advice, but if they don't then I may have to be that bitch on the team who wants our team to rise to the occasion.

None of the jerseys fit me. Too small or in this case too big.

I was absolutely knackered (as the Aussie's say). I could barely socialise after the game. I went straight home and laid on the couch and closed my eyes. I even put on a 30 for 30 ESPN documentary that I have been wanting to watch for a while. I couldn't keep my eyes open.

An hour later, I woke up. I had promised Dave that we'd go snorkeling at midday and now we were an hour behind schedule. My stomach grumbled. The apple and almonds were great, but after expending all that energy on the field, I was absolutely famished.

Veggie Omelet with gluten free bread

We decided to grab a bite at Coogee Bite Cafe on Beach Street. It's a nice cafe near Coogee Beach en route to our favourite local snorkel spot - Gordons Bay.

As hungry as I was, what tempted me was the fish burger on a brioche bun and fries. Definitely not an approved meal on the 30 Day Shred. I could have asked for gluten free toast and sweet potato fries instead, but how much of a pain would I be? I wonder if gluten free/paleo eaters have this much trouble when they go out to eat.

I must have been overwhelmed by choice because I have no idea why I ordered the very thing I eat everyday - an omelet! I felt slightly guilty for ordering gluten free bread, but after playing 90 minutes in 30 degree heat, my body was screaming for carbs. This is an exception I'm willing to make.

Gordons Bay

After our meal, we walked 10 minutes on the Bondi to Coogee Walk to Gordons Bay. The weather was perfect. The water was not. It was a bit murky especially near the beach. Once we got past the break, the visibility was better.

Gordons Bay is full of marine life. There are plentiful sea grass where the fish like to feed. As murky as the water was, our GoPro picked up some great shots!

Our favourite summer activity 

Little striped fish eating a jellyfish

The Blue Groper

Looking for the fishies

When you snorkel around Clovelly, Gordons Bay or Coogee Beach, the ultimate prize is to find a groper. Today we saw both a female (grey colour) and male (vibrant blue)! They're gentle creatures who like to munch on seaweed. They get a little territorial. I once had one chase me so I tend to keep my distance. Our GoPro camera captured some great footage and I'm glad I'm able to easily share it with you!

By the time we finished snorkelling, it was near 3pm. Dave and indoor volleyball training. I had yoga...but I didn't go. After yesterday's intense arms workout and today's soccer game, I knew my body would be useless in vinyasa style yoga. Even on a good day, I have a hard time going through flows without my arms and legs shaking. There was no way I'd be able to get through the class unless I was in child's pose. So I missed my yoga class. I love doing yoga at the end of week because it works out all the kinks in my body. It's also a good way to start the week - I'm open and relaxed ready to take on whatever the world throws at me. I had a bit of guild skipping today's session. But playing soccer and snorkelling gave me the same feelings yoga does, so I let it go.

I spent the afternoon buying groceries and doing life admin. It was nice to exercise in the morning and doing something relaxing in the afternoon. Looking at my surf n' turf day, I feel blessed for the life I've shaped for myself and the unique opportunities I get.