My plans to run drills in the garage before the kids wake up are thwarted when one of the kids wakes up a SIX freakin A.M.! Poor guy. I don't think he feels well.
It's probably for the best. Sure, my weaves could use some work, but overall I feel okay about my basic skills. I worked a lot of things out in Wednesday's practice, and feeling a lot more confident overall. My ability to pass or fail most of the test will depend on the expectations. If I need to do passable knee drops, hits and whips, I'll be fine. If I need to do expert knee drops, hard hits, and powerful whips, I'm out of luck. Either way, an hour in the garage isn't going to help me.
The huge variable for me is the 25 laps. I am certain that I can do more than 17 laps in 5 minutes, but I don't know how close I can get to 25. I have some strategies in place now. Thanks to my team mates, I now know the sweet spot in the track. I can't exactly do crossovers, but I can kind of step around the corners in a way that saves a LOT of wear and tear on my left leg. I don't know if these strategies will improve my speed, but I believe they must improve my stamina since I no longer feel my legs are going to fall off after five laps. That has to help. Not feeling like you're losing your legs can only be a good thing.
It does seem that my time between now and the test is best spent improving my endurance. I replace garage time with treadmill time. In the morning and the evening, I hit the treadmill for 30 (25) minutes. I alternate walking at a good clip with running (jogging) for two (one and a half) minutes at a time.
I feel good.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Final Countdown to Minimum Skills - 4 Days
Today is Wednesday. It is the final practice before our skills test on Sunday.
Deep breaths!
I try to work on my speed and crossovers during the warm up. The results of this effort are that I wear myself out and I get wicked cramping above my outside ankles.
I am thrilled to report, however, that going back to slightly firmer bushings has resolved a lot of my recent agonies! This is nothing short of miraculous and is a huge relief. I no longer feel wobbly. I no longer feel like ice picks are jabbing into my ankles. What's more, I no longer feel like quitting derby altogether after three laps.
After warming up and having a much needed stretch, we run a weaving drill. We get into pairs and line up. The pair in the back then weaves through the other pairs until they are at the front. Once every pair has weaved through, the pair in the front then weaves backwards through the other pairs until they are in the back. At first this is terrifying. How will I manage this? Pack skating in general makes me intensely uncomfortable. Slicing back and forth behind and in front of pther skaters? This is the definition of Outside the Comfort Zone. I am paired with Melinda, however, and she is such a huge help. She guides me with words and with her hand on my wrist she encourages me. Together we make our way to the front an then again to the back. The other ladies help as well, adjusting their speeds to make it easier for me to get between them. I begin the drill feeling the sting of tears as I fear I will be unable to do this. I finish up feeling amazing.
Even though this is fun, I am relieved when they have us new girls break off from the rest of practice. I really need to focus on the upcoming test. Harmony and Tanya are our instructors today. Yay!
This practice is driven by the new girls. We talk about what we feel we lack, and then we work on it. I get a lot of great practice, and I have so much more confidence now. Harmony and Tanya are both exceptional instructors, alternating between giving direction and encouragement.
Suddenly, I remember. Whips are in the test. I've done them before, but I'm certain Christie hasn't. I point this out. I'm so glad I did. Christie didn't know we are to be tested on whips, and I was correct that she's never done them. I would have hated it if she had gotten to the test and had a shock. We practice whips.
At the end of practice, I think we're going to do the 25 in 5 again. Of course now I have to use the restroom. I rush to the potty and try to hurry, but peeing in a tiny bathroom while wearing skates, pads and spandex takes some coordination and a bit of extra time. It should be on the skills test! Upon emerging from the restroom, I see Christie and Melinda skating laps. Someone yells, "Ramona, 25 in 5!" I rush over to the track, but I notice the other girls aren't exactly booking it. Then I'm told they're not timing us. We're just skating laps. Okay. I set a brisk pace, planning to go 25 laps. Around lap 15, however, we are stopped so the vets can run one more drill. Darn it. I wish I'd done the 25, and I wish I'd've asked someone to time me. For some reason, I feel like it would be embarrassing to be out there grunting and yelling and whimpering through the laps when nobody else is. I could really use that benchmark, though.
I feel good. I feel optimistic. I feel strong. Tomorrow morning I will wake to some drills and then will go to a rink in the afternoon.
I can do this.
Deep breaths!
I try to work on my speed and crossovers during the warm up. The results of this effort are that I wear myself out and I get wicked cramping above my outside ankles.
I am thrilled to report, however, that going back to slightly firmer bushings has resolved a lot of my recent agonies! This is nothing short of miraculous and is a huge relief. I no longer feel wobbly. I no longer feel like ice picks are jabbing into my ankles. What's more, I no longer feel like quitting derby altogether after three laps.
After warming up and having a much needed stretch, we run a weaving drill. We get into pairs and line up. The pair in the back then weaves through the other pairs until they are at the front. Once every pair has weaved through, the pair in the front then weaves backwards through the other pairs until they are in the back. At first this is terrifying. How will I manage this? Pack skating in general makes me intensely uncomfortable. Slicing back and forth behind and in front of pther skaters? This is the definition of Outside the Comfort Zone. I am paired with Melinda, however, and she is such a huge help. She guides me with words and with her hand on my wrist she encourages me. Together we make our way to the front an then again to the back. The other ladies help as well, adjusting their speeds to make it easier for me to get between them. I begin the drill feeling the sting of tears as I fear I will be unable to do this. I finish up feeling amazing.
Even though this is fun, I am relieved when they have us new girls break off from the rest of practice. I really need to focus on the upcoming test. Harmony and Tanya are our instructors today. Yay!
This practice is driven by the new girls. We talk about what we feel we lack, and then we work on it. I get a lot of great practice, and I have so much more confidence now. Harmony and Tanya are both exceptional instructors, alternating between giving direction and encouragement.
Suddenly, I remember. Whips are in the test. I've done them before, but I'm certain Christie hasn't. I point this out. I'm so glad I did. Christie didn't know we are to be tested on whips, and I was correct that she's never done them. I would have hated it if she had gotten to the test and had a shock. We practice whips.
At the end of practice, I think we're going to do the 25 in 5 again. Of course now I have to use the restroom. I rush to the potty and try to hurry, but peeing in a tiny bathroom while wearing skates, pads and spandex takes some coordination and a bit of extra time. It should be on the skills test! Upon emerging from the restroom, I see Christie and Melinda skating laps. Someone yells, "Ramona, 25 in 5!" I rush over to the track, but I notice the other girls aren't exactly booking it. Then I'm told they're not timing us. We're just skating laps. Okay. I set a brisk pace, planning to go 25 laps. Around lap 15, however, we are stopped so the vets can run one more drill. Darn it. I wish I'd done the 25, and I wish I'd've asked someone to time me. For some reason, I feel like it would be embarrassing to be out there grunting and yelling and whimpering through the laps when nobody else is. I could really use that benchmark, though.
I feel good. I feel optimistic. I feel strong. Tomorrow morning I will wake to some drills and then will go to a rink in the afternoon.
I can do this.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Final Countdown to Minimum Skills 5 Days
Today is Tuesday. My minimum skills test is Sunday.
I wake at 6:00 a.m. Actually, I wake at 6:10. Okay, 6:20. I wake the husband and remind him he'll be on breakfast duty when the kids wake. I fumble for the clothes I set out last night and hop in the car already containing my skate bag. I'm heading for the local bike trails.
This is an unusual event for me for two reasons: my kids and my fear. I love being with my kids, and I don't like to leave my kids for any reason. Being away from home the two nights a week we have derby practice has been a major adjustment for me. I gave up my career so I would be here for my kids. I want to wake them and make breakfast, and I want to put them to bed at night. Roller derby is something I want very much for myself, but I still want to maximize my time with my boys.
The fear I'm experiencing is that of skating outside. After my friend broke her leg so badly, the rest of us newbies were strongly discouraged from skating outside. Uneven ground, cracks and rocks, pebbles of death, and the possibility of moisture all combine to make outdoor skating treacherous for inexperienced skaters.
Up to this point, any between practice skating has been done in my kitchen or in my garage. It's not super effective, but I can just nip out for half an hour instead of driving 20 minutes each way. It doesn't take me away from the kids. My garage floor is smooth and I can sweep any offending particles out of it. it's a safe, convenient way to get some time on skates.
My trek to The trails is an act of determination (desperation) to pass the skills test. This week my family and my home will take a back seat to my derby.
Once I arrive at the track, I spend 20 minutes putting soft wheels on my skates. These wheels are more suited to outside skating. They tend to roll over pebbles and cracks instead of screeching to a halt at them. I hope they work. I'd rather not go flying today. I gear up and set off skating.
I had forgotten how difficult it is to skate on soft wheels. It's like skating through thick mud. It takes a lot of pushing to get anywhere. My thighs burn and my shins ache. I tire out quickly, but this is good. I'm working all the right muscles. The wheels live up to their promise of taking road imperfections in stride. I glide over many obstacles that would've sent me flying off my hard wheels. It's still nerve wracking, though. I can't shake the fear of the uneven ground. Overall, though, this is a successful venture.
Later, after the boys go to bed, I drag my skate bag out of the car. I put the hard wheels back on it and prepare to run some drills in the garage. A lace is broken! My first broken skate lace feels like a rite of passage.
Tired and hungry, I suit up.
Ewwwwww! My pads are still wet with this morning's sweat.
In the garage , I set soda cans at five foot intervals and practice weaving. It's difficult in a garage where you can't get up any speed. I also work on my 180 turns, again awkwardly because of the confined space. By the end of the evening, I feel much more confident in my weaving, jumping, and turns. Tomorrow morning I work on left knee drops and single leg glides.
I can do this.
I wake at 6:00 a.m. Actually, I wake at 6:10. Okay, 6:20. I wake the husband and remind him he'll be on breakfast duty when the kids wake. I fumble for the clothes I set out last night and hop in the car already containing my skate bag. I'm heading for the local bike trails.
This is an unusual event for me for two reasons: my kids and my fear. I love being with my kids, and I don't like to leave my kids for any reason. Being away from home the two nights a week we have derby practice has been a major adjustment for me. I gave up my career so I would be here for my kids. I want to wake them and make breakfast, and I want to put them to bed at night. Roller derby is something I want very much for myself, but I still want to maximize my time with my boys.
The fear I'm experiencing is that of skating outside. After my friend broke her leg so badly, the rest of us newbies were strongly discouraged from skating outside. Uneven ground, cracks and rocks, pebbles of death, and the possibility of moisture all combine to make outdoor skating treacherous for inexperienced skaters.
Up to this point, any between practice skating has been done in my kitchen or in my garage. It's not super effective, but I can just nip out for half an hour instead of driving 20 minutes each way. It doesn't take me away from the kids. My garage floor is smooth and I can sweep any offending particles out of it. it's a safe, convenient way to get some time on skates.
My trek to The trails is an act of determination (desperation) to pass the skills test. This week my family and my home will take a back seat to my derby.
Once I arrive at the track, I spend 20 minutes putting soft wheels on my skates. These wheels are more suited to outside skating. They tend to roll over pebbles and cracks instead of screeching to a halt at them. I hope they work. I'd rather not go flying today. I gear up and set off skating.
I had forgotten how difficult it is to skate on soft wheels. It's like skating through thick mud. It takes a lot of pushing to get anywhere. My thighs burn and my shins ache. I tire out quickly, but this is good. I'm working all the right muscles. The wheels live up to their promise of taking road imperfections in stride. I glide over many obstacles that would've sent me flying off my hard wheels. It's still nerve wracking, though. I can't shake the fear of the uneven ground. Overall, though, this is a successful venture.
Later, after the boys go to bed, I drag my skate bag out of the car. I put the hard wheels back on it and prepare to run some drills in the garage. A lace is broken! My first broken skate lace feels like a rite of passage.
Tired and hungry, I suit up.
Ewwwwww! My pads are still wet with this morning's sweat.
In the garage , I set soda cans at five foot intervals and practice weaving. It's difficult in a garage where you can't get up any speed. I also work on my 180 turns, again awkwardly because of the confined space. By the end of the evening, I feel much more confident in my weaving, jumping, and turns. Tomorrow morning I work on left knee drops and single leg glides.
I can do this.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Minimum Skills?!? Ba Ba Bummmmmm!
I knew the skills test would be coming up soon, but I thought it would be in 2-3 weeks. Next week we have a bout and a training clinic, so I assumed it would be after all of that.
As the saying goes, assuming made an ass of me. We're doing the skills test BEFORE. We're doing it THIS COMING SUNDAY. Oof.
I won't have a practice available to just work on learning crossovers. I don't have a month to increase treadmill time and therefore endurance. Everything I keep thinking I need to work on? It's do or die time.
We have one practice between now and the test. Eeeep! (I'm pretty sure a real Derby player never says eeep.)
We did a mock skills test yesterday, after which I went to my car and sobbed. I am so not ready.
Thing start going poorly right off the bat during our warm up. We are to do ten laps each direction. I think i manage four. I don't know if it's the heat or the new bushings or what, but for the past week my legs turn to jello after just a couple of laps. By lap four, I'm struggling just to stand. By lap six every muscle is stressed to the max, and I'm fighting the urge to puke. It's like my first practice all over again. It doesn't get any easier as the practice goes on. I can't make it all the way through a single exercise without just collapsing. The world spins. My legs declare mutiny. It is awful.
After the warm up, we move on to practicing skills for the test. We start with "leisurely" laps, during which certain drops and stops are called at random intervals. I nail the left knee drop and the T-stop, which are both sketchy for me. Yay! I slam to the floor, however, doing the right knee drop which is usually consistent for me. Dammit. How could I have screwed up the easy one?
"Try it again, Ramona."
I would absolutely LOVE to try it again, to show you I can do it. I would love to prove I am worthy. In order to try it again, however, I must first get up off the floor. This is more difficult with each fall, and I've had several today. I fight my way to standing, push off, and successfully perform the knee drop. Whew! The 180 turns, however, are a different beast. I can do those if I'm skating very sloowwly. If I've already slowed myself to a neat stop, I can then spin around and put a toe down. Turning while actually moving forward, well, it results in me having to get up like six times.
Have you ever fallen down and seen the drops of sweat that dropped off your body when you hit the floor? It's pretty gross.
We go through weaving, jumping, taking and giving hits. I have varying degrees of success and have to get up 8-12 more times. The whole time, all I can think about is the final test: the 25 in 5. The massive undertaking looms large and heavy before me. It affects my ability to focus on the now.
Finally, the moment arrives. It is time to attempt 25 laps in 5 minutes on my aching wobbly legs. I have tried this once before. I gave it everything and managed 17 laps. My goal for today is 21.
I skate (drumroll) 16 laps. I am crushed, and I am fighting the tears. It is not just that I fell so far short that has me so upset. It is that I know I didn't give it everything this time. Physically, I could've driven harder, gone farther, pushed through the pain. Mentally, my head was not in it. I couldn't find my inner strength, that voice inside that says, "one more step, now one more step, now just get through one more step."
I just really let myself down.
I would have blogged right after practice, but I couldn't move even my thumbs. It's a good thing, because what you would have seen here would have been depressing an defeated. I spent all evening and part of this morning in a deep blue funk.
Today, however, is a new day. I know what I need to work on. Many of the things on which I am falling short only need a bit of work to perfect. I have a week. I can do this.
I need a theme song to get me through the 25 laps. I'm thinking The Sockness by Disturbed or Drowning Pool's Bodies.
I can do this. I will do this.
As the saying goes, assuming made an ass of me. We're doing the skills test BEFORE. We're doing it THIS COMING SUNDAY. Oof.
I won't have a practice available to just work on learning crossovers. I don't have a month to increase treadmill time and therefore endurance. Everything I keep thinking I need to work on? It's do or die time.
We have one practice between now and the test. Eeeep! (I'm pretty sure a real Derby player never says eeep.)
We did a mock skills test yesterday, after which I went to my car and sobbed. I am so not ready.
Thing start going poorly right off the bat during our warm up. We are to do ten laps each direction. I think i manage four. I don't know if it's the heat or the new bushings or what, but for the past week my legs turn to jello after just a couple of laps. By lap four, I'm struggling just to stand. By lap six every muscle is stressed to the max, and I'm fighting the urge to puke. It's like my first practice all over again. It doesn't get any easier as the practice goes on. I can't make it all the way through a single exercise without just collapsing. The world spins. My legs declare mutiny. It is awful.
After the warm up, we move on to practicing skills for the test. We start with "leisurely" laps, during which certain drops and stops are called at random intervals. I nail the left knee drop and the T-stop, which are both sketchy for me. Yay! I slam to the floor, however, doing the right knee drop which is usually consistent for me. Dammit. How could I have screwed up the easy one?
"Try it again, Ramona."
I would absolutely LOVE to try it again, to show you I can do it. I would love to prove I am worthy. In order to try it again, however, I must first get up off the floor. This is more difficult with each fall, and I've had several today. I fight my way to standing, push off, and successfully perform the knee drop. Whew! The 180 turns, however, are a different beast. I can do those if I'm skating very sloowwly. If I've already slowed myself to a neat stop, I can then spin around and put a toe down. Turning while actually moving forward, well, it results in me having to get up like six times.
Have you ever fallen down and seen the drops of sweat that dropped off your body when you hit the floor? It's pretty gross.
We go through weaving, jumping, taking and giving hits. I have varying degrees of success and have to get up 8-12 more times. The whole time, all I can think about is the final test: the 25 in 5. The massive undertaking looms large and heavy before me. It affects my ability to focus on the now.
Finally, the moment arrives. It is time to attempt 25 laps in 5 minutes on my aching wobbly legs. I have tried this once before. I gave it everything and managed 17 laps. My goal for today is 21.
I skate (drumroll) 16 laps. I am crushed, and I am fighting the tears. It is not just that I fell so far short that has me so upset. It is that I know I didn't give it everything this time. Physically, I could've driven harder, gone farther, pushed through the pain. Mentally, my head was not in it. I couldn't find my inner strength, that voice inside that says, "one more step, now one more step, now just get through one more step."
I just really let myself down.
I would have blogged right after practice, but I couldn't move even my thumbs. It's a good thing, because what you would have seen here would have been depressing an defeated. I spent all evening and part of this morning in a deep blue funk.
Today, however, is a new day. I know what I need to work on. Many of the things on which I am falling short only need a bit of work to perfect. I have a week. I can do this.
I need a theme song to get me through the 25 laps. I'm thinking The Sockness by Disturbed or Drowning Pool's Bodies.
I can do this. I will do this.
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