Chapter 4: 5:04 A.M.
I was dreaming about scoring the game winning goal in the 2008 PDL Championship, when my dream was ended by a load buzzing noise in my right ear. It took me a few minutes to realize that I was not on the soccer field but lying comfortably in my queen-size bed. The sheets must have been scattered due my goal celebration because they littered the dark floor. The alarm must have gone off several minutes ago because the blinking numbers read 5:04 a.m.
It would have taken a hurricane to take me away from that dream because I want nothing more than it to become a reality. It did not take me long to find my clothes since I planned ahead and had them ready. The sweet smell of “summer breeze” scented detergent filled my nostrils as I quickly pulled on my Menace T-shirt and shorts. In my daze, I almost started to believe it was a game day! Little did my body know it would not be going through the excitement of an amazing summer night of sensational supporters and victory celebrations, but a hard morning workout.
As I left my apartment, I promptly noticed that the temperature was several degrees cooler than yesterday and the wind whipped rapidly through the third floor hallway. I was feeling surprisingly good for this being my fourth workout in as many days. The car started promptly as always and I began the short drive to my personal training. It was easy to notice that plenty of Des Moines habitants were still at home either sleeping or preparing themselves for the work day because the roads were rather bare and almost frightening, but I did not want to spend too much energy worrying about the rest of the world.
I had to push gingerly on the gas pedal due to my extensive workout at Acceleration Iowa last night. I did not mind the pain because I knew that it was making the Menace and myself better. By the time these thoughts came and went through my half-tired mind, I found myself warmed up and ready to begin the session. The session only lasts around an hour but the intensity matches that of any professional workout. It did not take long for the sweet stench of sweat to fill the room, but I did not mind. The hour went by quickly. I passed the time thinking about the season and how much these workouts are going to place me in a position to be a champion. These workouts are building character and that can never be taken from me regardless of the score after ninety minutes. I wake up at the crack of dawn so when you come to the games this summer you will see the hardest working team the PDL has to offer! I have a lot on my plate, but I am going to continue to give every last drop of effort my body has to offer to make sure you see me at my best! So when you come out to the game and see our Menace team fighting and scraping our way to victory you will know where it all started…at 5:04 a.m. I have to go! A quick shower then off to work!!
Joe Klosterman #2
