Masochistic is not a dirty word.

Sometimes it sort of worries me how much smug satisfaction I get out of the aches and pains, bumps and bruises that come from playing sport.

Whether it be bruises and scratches from contact with other players, with the floor, with my own teammates, or aching muscles from a hard training session that leaves me hobbling around for days, every time I feel that moment of pain I also feel a little surge of glee.

I think it's the "if I hurt I am alive" thing but it makes me feel good, like I've done SOMETHING.

I'm probably slightly masochistic but not in a creepy way so I'm cool with it.