That is the one single, solitary word that i could use to describe the most recent practice. And I never use that word. So that means it had to mean a practice of EPIC PROPORTIONS!
So I don't recall if I explained a new thing that my team is doing. On Sundays, The practice is extended for baby dolls to have an hour, vets and baby dolls mixed for an hour, and then vets have an hour by themselves. This is the most amazing thing! I feel that I have progressed quite a bit due to more one on one training and we get to use the track! So back to practice....
The warm up:
Ladders....serious what the fuck. I hate these so much! BUT! For me it is a good gauge on how my endurance has increased. We only did ladders up to 5, but 5 is enough to feel the full effect of how much these suck. A few months ago, I wouldn't be able to complete them up to 5. I would be unable to control my breathing, ultimately throwing myself into a small anxiety attack. (I know right? I tend to make a mountain out of a mole hill). But at practice I was able to complete them, never once doubting myself. Also, I was out of breath for sure, but it wasn't past the point where I couldn't regain composure. Even though it seems like such a small thing, this is HUGE. Something that helped me is what my sister (Lola) said to me is just keep a steady pace. I never knew how much I would try to race against others and over exert myself. That little nugget of help has made the world. I find I am stronger with my strides and maintain that through the end. Maybe, just maybe I hate ladders a little less.....no, probably not, they still suck :)
The main event:
After some refreshers on hip checks and shoulder hits, it was time....for...SCRIMMAGING. I could harldy contain my excitement when the email went out to remind us to bring black and white shirts. Fuck yea! I.was.pumped. Then that waned and I became scared and nervous, like I wanted to puke. First we played jammer against the world. Where we were all on the track, blocking the jammers, uuuuuhhhh. talk about cluster. but it was a blast. I, yes me, even donned the jammer panty. Never in a million years I would picture that. So many trips, falls, elbows..you name. I swear on back blocks alone I would have been ejected. Thankfully it was just for funsies and the Vets were very understanding.
Then it got real. Black vs White. Baby dolls all up in the mix. Penalties being called, working with partners. We even had refs (Blue Screen of Death, Dr. Khaotica) from stripe force, kilt and all. Not to mention our very own Purgy, HiM, and Benda Rool. It was a great snapshot of what to anticipate when you are bouting. Not to mention my first in action experience of the new rule set. I love the one whistle thing, I don't really like the no minors thing. It feels a lot more....strict? I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way. But it was a great learning experience. I finally understand Direction of play penalty...well kinda. HiM was great, he was the outside ref and every time he called a penalty on the babies, he would break down. I totally appreciate that.
Hits Hits and more Hits. I love em all. I find I favor shoulder hits more than hip checks. Which may change once I'm comfortable skating on one foot. Something about stepping in front of the other skater scares the crap out of me. At the end of the day, I had velcro scratches, sore core, and number transfers. I am hoping that means I am doing something right. I was ridiculously giddy that I had number transfers. Like stupid giddy. I'm such a nerd. I definitely felt more comfortable practicing my hits on the vets. I knew they were solid, so I practice at 100%. Rollz 4 damage was my target of choice. Practicing on my boyfriend at the grocery store seemed to have paid off. I felt really solid. If the core soreness was any indication-my core was most definitely engaged. I feel, well I think this happened. The jammer was coming up and Rilda and I kinda smushed her. I think that was pretty awesome. Oh! and there was this one time where I fell and I am pretty sure I took out the who pack. Went to the box on a low block. it's crazy how you don't feel the pain at all. I was stepped on, knocked down, tripped over. I don't remember any of that. Hell, I don't even remember how I got back up on my skates. (Sick of me gushing yet? no? cause here comes some more!)
I was sweating so friggin bad, my duct tape name and number just wouldn't stay on. During the scrimmage I grabbed the jammer panty more than once. Yea, that's right me! I am in no way shape or form a jammer, but I a)wanted to see what it was like b)challenge myself. I got through the pack once. and holy shit is that tiring. I'm glad I got to experience it. But to be honest, I am in no hurry to put that thing back on my head. At one point I was jamming against my other sister (Lucy). It was fun, but she was gone ahead of me before I could blink so that was short lived.
The skaters:
It was such a fun time being able to skate with the vets. In the beginning I was concerned that they would be upset that we were imposing on their practice time, but overall I think everyone had a great time. Granted there are probably more trips and back blocks. But hey, that's how you learn. A bunch of them were super supportive. I just don't think they realize how much weight their words carry. Especially in the positive. It's great to know that it's not me against them, but us as a collective whole being awesome! It is also so awesome that other people notice my progress as well. Ok, that is only for a selfish reason-but it's good to get noticed for something positive. Am I right? Not just me, everyone has made such progress it is really such a neat thing to see. I like looking back, I used to be a wall hugger, no I can do jumps and am well on my way with transitions and Tomahawk Stops. Unbelievable.
Strategy and skill:
Ok, ok, before you think "Silly skater of course there's a strategy" I know there is. And in my head, I get it. I feel that I have a good comprehension of which strategies to use and why. But when I am experiencing it, it all goes out the window. I clearly underestimated how hard it was to think strategy while you're in the pack. Basically my strategy was never to leave the inside line. I had one job. I liked that, atleast for now. Uffda. It's hard. But seeing some of the other skates gave me some constant reminders, and some good training.
1)Skate small. I felt that I was doing a pretty good job of doing so in the pack, didn't feel or notice a lot of wheel collisions. Near newer skaters I noticed it more, or being kicked in the shin. Which is fine-it's just a reminder to skate small, for the skater that I want to be.
2)Fall small. Although not possible in a lot of instances, do your best. And that's coming from the girl who took out the whole pack on a fall. There's always room for improvement :D
3)There are no sorries in Derby. 'nuff said
That's all I can really think of (I know right?) But on a closing note (and a touch bit sappy) I am in love with derby. I had spent 3 hours on skates with some of the most amazing people I know. It was truly rocked my world and irreparably changed it...for the better of course.
Slayer
