Last night, I posted this on facebook.

I was scared. It had been four years since I’d played. I tried to psych myself up and get excited. It was working, I was getting energized, and we got the kids all excited before leaving them with some lovely relatives. I was even loaned a Lorna Jane headband to wear to make me look super-fit, super-cool and get me motivated. I think it worked, personally 🙂

As hubby and I drove off, I noticed he had a missed call on his phone. So he popped it into his speakphone thingie and rang back this team member. The conversation went something like this… “So, I heard that you were getting Hayley to play tonight, so knowing you must be desperate I was wondering if you wanted me to get some more girls to play….”

Awesome encouragement. Hubby and I laughed, and we said, “uh, hello – you’re on speakerphone!…” and laughed more.

So to make me feel better, Hubby told me what the fill-in team captain had said to the team last week. “If you get tired and need a break, just let them score…”.

Umm…. what is this I’m getting myself into?!

In the first half, I got stuck straight away on the wing on the opposite side of the field from where we sub players. Eeeeek. So up and down the field I ran… waiting for a chance to go off and take a breather. I felt like vomiting, but I did fabulous – a forward pass and a pass that didn’t quite make it to the player. #fail

Second half? I owned it! Well, not quite. I made a few good touches. The guys never got past me to score on the sideline. I half-dived to make a touch. Much better than the first half!

And I was so proud of my hubby. When he caught a low ball, he brought some theatrics and crawling to the game – and scored a try with it because the opposition were no doubt so confused by his performance!! I wish we had a replay on video.

So, despite my lack of fitness, lack of ability and the lack of belief in me by others (well warranted, so its okay!)…. I was determined to make the most of the opportunity, and I realised four things that helped me make the most of being outside of my comfort zone.

1. Try your hardest

2. Learn from watching others, and your mistakes

3. Be proud of what you achieve

4. Laugh where you fall short…

And it was fun!

So did we win? Well…. let me tell you that the score was 11-5. After the game, I shook hands with all the players, told them “great game” etc. and was so pleased for them that they’d won. It was only half way home that hubby informed me that, in fact, our team had won. Oops! How did I miss that?

I’ve linked up with “BBeingCool” for #TeamFriday, sharing posts about health, fitness, motivation, your goals, recipes and tips.