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The Sports Edition

#nextchaptervietnam
When I was contemplating accepting a job in Vietnam, one of my biggest concerns was whether I would be able to continue practicing some of my favorite sports. 
Quite honestly, I refused to accept the job until I did all the research and knew that I could still play soccer, do Crossfit and run. 
Luckily, everything has worked out well and has been so much better than I expected. 

Running and Stair Climbing
I can't say that my training has been very consistent, but still, I am so happy that I have met some people to run with.
Firstly, I found a group of people who meet up nearby for a run every Wednesday evening. 
Also, I've met a few colleagues that are willing to run and climb stairs every once in a while on the weekends. 
Lastly, I am still in touch with my running buddies from Dubai and I'm so thankful that we regularly talk about our training and challenge each other to keep working towards our running goals.

Weekend Running and Stair Climbing Crew
Soccer
Soccer is a very popular sport around here. The kids at school absolutely love to play. With that said, women's soccer in Vietnam seems to be fairly new. In fact, I believe I am participating in the first ever women's league, which is of course very exciting.
I won't lie; I was very concerned about the soccer when I arrived. The level of play isn't exactly what I got use to playing in Dubai over the last 5 years. Nonetheless, I've really embraced the idea of playing different positions, playing with different players and playing with players who don't speak the same language.

Team picture before our first league game

Picture after our first win of the season

Crossfit
Crossfit has been one of my best finds since arriving in HCMC. The gym I go to is pretty nice and the coaches are pretty good too. I've been joining classes about 4-5 times a week and I have been loving every moment - well, maybe not every moment (darn toes to bar, snatches, pull-ups and handstand push-ups! LOL!) Honestly though, I am so incredibly excited to go to Crossfit on week nights - it's my happy place.

Crossfit Q7 - https://www.instagram.com/crossfitq7/ 
Basketball
I never gave much thought to whether I would see any basketball in Vietnam, but I can confirm that it's a fairly popular sport around here. In fact, there is a team that plays out of our school gym - The Saigon Heat. I've attended 2 games so far and have totally enjoyed the experience. It makes for some really good weekend entertainment - especially when there are some interesting characters to follow, when there is nearly a fight between players and when the power goes out due to the massive storm outside!

Saigon Heat at CISS
Hockey
As you may of guessed, I haven't seen any hockey here, but I have been trying to follow my brothers and my cousin's results from afar. Also, some of the guys from work are currently participating in some kind of NHL hockey pool, so I am still exposed to some hockey talk from time to time.

Nick - Frisk Asker
Nathan - Stoney Creek Generals 
J-G - Ottawa Senators

Thanks for tuning in to this Sports Edition! 

Until next time...

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