Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 45's

The next day in the morning it still looked dark.

I started my day as planned, by going out for a run after I had breakfast and calling my parents to tell them my – day in Belgium. My flatmates remained committed to their words and accompanied me during the morning run. All the time, they struggled to keep up with my pace as I alternated between jogging and sprinting on the empty streets of Brussels.

It was 6 in the morning. Those streets did not have enough traffic to cause any disruption in our running trips.

I was training endurance while directing myself to run outdoors in moderate weather. I would run for 100 meters and continue jogging for half a kilometer as I led my flatmates running around the streets of Brussels. I slowly adjusted myself to run during a football match in the – weather harsh that was in Brussels.

A soccer game is more like some very fast but short sprints and is interspersed with jogging or slow walking. The players never run at a constant pace during the game. By copying the fitness mission of the system, I have adjusted the endurance training to match the ever-changing pace of the match. I ran at alternating speeds for 45 minutes, three times a week, to keep my body in top shape.

"Let's run the rest of the way," I shouted to my flatmates as we slowly approached the RSCA Youth Academy training ground after running away. I didn't wait for their response before running away.

The cold autumn humidity in Brussels makes me feel sticky from sweat. Sweat ran down my face in thick salty grains. My clothes are slippery because of the sweat that sticks to my skin.

My heart throbbed inside my chest, and my skin felt like it was being roasted. I started bouncing a little while I was running, which made me feel tired faster. But, I didn't slow down or stop my run.

Maybe a year earlier, I would have rejected the idea of running this far so quickly. However, at this moment, I am enjoying the prospect of this exercise. I did not intend to break out of the exercise routine even for a moment.

I'm strict with myself and never miss a training day during my years at the academy. Consistency is everything in sports training. I finally started to reap the fruits of all the hard work I've done so far. I started to get faster and less tired after my running and jogging routine.

"Don't do this again" Stefan complained after seeing Nero run away from them. The throat of the hoarse Norwegian was dry like a lizard in the desert sun. His head was swaying loosely from side to side with each footstep.

"Where did Nero get all that stamina?" Damon said, not one bit want to increase his speed. He used up his energy five percent. His energy reserves are almost exhausted. At least, that's what he thinks.

"Let's hold on and run at the last minute" Ryandi stuttered on his breathless sidelines. His feet stomped asphalt with all the elegance of a sack of potatoes. Her graceful jumping steps from the previous five miles had long since disappeared.

Nero's flat-one colleagues felt tired after matching his speed for forty-five minutes. However, they all held on and ended the morning run with a 200-meter sprint until they reached the academy training ground.

Nero took only a minute to stabilize his breathing even after alternating between running and jogging for almost an hour. For him, the practice was just an ordinary morning run, a small step on his way to improving his physique and becoming a great player.

He realized that humans are creatures of habit. The more they practice something, the more natural it becomes. He had long since gotten used to such training routines all year round. Moreover, he had taken the physical conditioning potion before training. He had a lot of energy reserves stored within his body.

However, Nero had no plans to be lenient with them. All three of his flatmates have agreed to let him be their instructor for personal training. He intends to fulfill his role.

"Wake up, guys," he said, chugging water from his water bottle. "We need to start agility training and individual ball training" he shouted, mimicking Coach Marcel's hoarse voice.

He looks at his Asahi watch and realizes that it is almost seven o'clock. The twilight has begun to melt. The reddish orange rays from the majestic sunrise began to seep on the horizon. The light itself seemed to be coming out from the melting sun.

"Give us a few minutes" said Ryandi, his voice coming out more quietly and monotonously quietly.

"Custom yourself." Nero shrugged his shoulders. "I will continue and start my workouts before my muscles get cold. You can take your time to rest. Breaks are good for improving your ball skills." He muttered, pretending to be angry.

"Okay, we're with you" said Stefan groaning and jumping off the grass. Others followed.

"good. That's his spirit." Nero said with a smile. "Let's prepare the cones and do some exercises before the coach arrives. Ryandi, get the training ladder."

The four boys spent the next hour going through some agility-enhancing exercises. They start with a knee-high workout forward through a ladder placed in the middle of the field. They ran with their knees raised high through the stairs, landing in every space between the steps. This exercise will help improve their foot coordination and running speed with the ball.

They followed it with a lateral run of training from side to side. After that, they run cones and end the session with a shuttle-run across the field.

Only then did they sit down to eat their breakfast, waiting for the arrival of Coach Johansen and the other players. It was Saturday, so there was no class. The only thing they scheduled for that day was soccer practice with Coach Marcel.

"Damon," called Nero to the goalkeeper as soon as he finished breakfast. "Can we do Free Kick exercises ?" She asked. "We still have about 40 minutes before everyone gets here."

The coaches and other players usually arrive around 9am for the weekend sessions. Nero was always present at the training ground alone during the early hours of the morning. That day was the only exception.

"No problem." Damon smile.

"Let's put up a training mannequin wall." It seemed like he had recovered from his exhaustion.