The day the training wheels came off

After 5 lessons, the day I had been waiting, praying and working toward finally happened. I skated!!! I went to my usual lesson in my new skates. I was in the beginners class AGAIN! I was doing my usual penguin waddle attempts and turns. It didn't feel much different from my other lessons as in I still felt very uneasy but determined today. I stopped myself and made myself take deep breaths and keep going. One of the parents said I looked more confident. The coach said I was rolling better today. I decided to stay after class for open skate to practice. It is the best time to skate!!! loved it! So before I went out again, I was resting, a little girl from class said that I looked good out on the rink. I just about cried. I went out on the rink and one of the coaches was talking to me and giving me to answers to questions I had about after I got rolling how to make it smoother. She helped me out and I was still very wobbling not quite skating. After going around the rink, I was tired. I went out and sat down to rest. I decided to give it another try. As I was on the carpeted area, I slipped and fell hard on my butt. I got up and prayed no one saw me. I got on the rink. (Normally, I would have just left and gone home). I went on the rink and that's when it happened. I started moving, I started to go faster and I fell! I got back up and went again. Then it hit, I am skating. I felt like I was going so fast. It was NOT graceful at all and I had a stupid big grin on my face. I realized I was finally skating. I fell many times, back to back. It didn't matter. I got up and did it again. I SKATED!!! I SKATED!!! I SKATED!!! I am 99% sure I looked just like kids who first get their training wheels taken off their bicycles. All wobbly and over the places but OVERJOYED!!! Now when have my private lessons on Tuesday, I hope for 2 things: 1) That I am not told that I am doing it all wrong 2) That I still skate and don't end up like that Broadway Frog when the frog was with the one guy would sing and dance but in front of the audience- NOTHING. I almost want to go skate again today to make sure it wasn't a fluke. I felt fast though. I am sure rolling on wheels does that for everyone, but I felt like I was fast!! Maybe next time I'll be able to include a video clip of the action. I need proof!

Maybe by the time I'm 40...

I'll finally skate. Ugh! I am having the hardest time. I have my new skates, which are BEAUTIFUL! I went to my private lesson yesterday. As soon as I got on the rink and they saw my new skates, they pulled me to the side to check them out. The trucks needed to be tightened and I learned that I can't lace my shoes worth CRAP! Felt like a kid for a few moments. It did make a difference though. I fell... TWICE but with my new knee pads it was like a dream. Just like falling on pillows. I am working on my knee bend and posture. I am stiff out there. Once I practiced where my knees should be, and hip placement and where the weight should be placed, I felt STABLE. But I also felt incredibly S-L-O-W. My thighs were burning from the bending and moving around the entire track. My husband stayed and watched the lesson. The overall feeling is that I NEED TO RELAX. How do I do that? ugh. It's like a fork in the road. Either I am going to relax enough and do this thing or I'm going to tense up and make things worse. I know that. I know that. I know that. But it's not changing anything. I'm so in my head. I feel like I am saying, "pick up your left foot, make sure you are marching, small steps, small steps, bend your knees, breathe, look up, hips" REPEAT. How do I just trust myself? I have given birth- 2 times without drugs. Surely I can skate. I don't know why the comparison except that I am stronger than I think I am and can do more than I thought I could do. Except skate apparently. I emailed my roller derby idol- Trigger Mortis from Assassination City Roller Derby. I heard her interview on Good Morning Texas and when she said she went from not skating and now skates competitively. I felt the skies part and sunshine break through. I felt hopeful. I need a roller derby friend. Someone in the know. ugh. Honestly, I need lots of prayer.

The day I cried

Today I needed to practice. I went to the rink wearing my "God loves Derby Girls" shirt and of course all my gear.

Ans comes to the rink to practice too. We about to do our slow laps when I see 3 derby ladies there.

I don't know what came over me but I felt so insecure and vulnerable. Here I am: 33, can't skate, wearing a derby shirt and padding. I felt like they were going to laugh at me. No reason, no logic.

It was the first time my eyes teared up and I wanted to run away and hide!

I get to the car after doing a half lap and call my best friend.

I BAWLED! I don't know what triggered it. I cried. I felt stupid.
what am I doing? Roller derby? I can't even skate. I am intimidated and can't make it through practice because of my fear of judgement.

I wish I personally knew someone who was in derby. Call them and ask if I am crazy. Am I realistic. Someone on the inside.

Nevertheless, a few minutes ago I scheduled another private lesson.

The tears have dried.


From the thoughts of a RDW

Embracing the fall

I had my first private skating lesson. Can I just say I love the people at the rink?! They are so friendly and encouraging.

After I get used to being back on the rink. I could finally breathe! I learned to waddle and roll. I felt myself roll. Kinda scary but encouraging.

I fell. It was fine. I will fall. I will let myself fall. I will fall safely. I will get back up. I will get up quickly.

They commented that I am good at my falls and getting up quickly. That was encouraging! Isn't that what roller derby ladies do? Fall and get up. I saw a lot of it this weekend.

I have some work to do especially strengthening my thigh muscles. Maybe I will be able to don the booty shorts too. LOL! Don't worry I won't scare ya.

I can do this. Maybe I will be skating by March!


From the thoughts of a RDW

Lesson 2

Well today I felt a LITTLE more steady on my feet. I can take small steps. No falling on that part. WOO HOO! success!

Then came the turns. I didn't attempt it last week. This week I did! I can turn! Slowly but I can turn! I don't have to use to wall to turn.

Out came the cones again. Those blasted cones. Zig zag, did it this time!! Yes!

Going over the cones- feet apart.

Feel BIG time! On my butt. In front of my daughter. It was time to save face. While she's saying "mommy, you okay?" I got up. It stung. I went to the end of the line. The coach told me to sit into it more and lean forward some. I DID IT! woo hoo! Felt great!

Then I just wanted to feel the sensation of standing still. No moving- just still. I hung out at the wall for a few minutes.

I feel okay with myself. A bit more hopeful today. I like being at the rink.

I learned that the coach at the rink had coached a roller derby league in the area!! It was cool. He was telling me why it was helpful to learn to hop on skates. I also need to get to the rink 2 times a week somehow. I have to figure that out.

Other news, my daughter made me so proud. She fell and got back up! She had a smile and wants to keep doing it! So next week we'll both be there.

Slowly on my way.

Goals for the week:

1. Balance on one leg
2. Get some ankle weights and practice hopping and marching
3. Practice standing with toes out and heels together
4. Squats and lunges
5. Research research research all things roller derby


From the thoughts of a RDW

Roadtrip!!!!

I was looking up leagues in the area. I am already convinced of which one I want to be a part of.

Well in Austin, there is a roller derby bootcamp. It's for beginners!!! Stops, crossovers, etc. Sooooo excited!

I am so there!


From the thoughts of a RDW

Am I crazy?

I just emailed a roller derby team in Austin about their roller derby bootcamps. They have a beginner camp and an Intro to Blocking. They have dates in March available. I seriously just emailed them. I really want to do this. I would actually drive out of town many hours for this. I have never driven longer than an hour anywhere. I've really got to get somewhere in these skating lessons. A bonus is that my daughter wants to come to the lesson and learn too. So now I have to put on a brave face to save face. That's motivation right?

Balance or lack thereof

One of my goals is to improve my balance. Sounds easy enough. Stand on one foot- alternate.repeat.

Well crap, I could do it for maybe 10 seconds.

How can I improve it? How long does it take?

Help!
Besides looking like a flamingo, I have no idea.

This is bringing to the surface alot of my childhood inabilities and IT SUCKS!! Geesh!


From the thoughts of a RDW

What am I doing?

Yesterday I was filled with lots of doubt! I mean who in their right mind learns how to skate as an overweight adult. I was fearful of injuring a kid when I fall.

My best friend encouraged me by reminding me when I began sewing. It was scary remembering those first outfits. But my failure was mostly private. No other adults watching me fall, no ridicule, no "bless her heart."

Then I remembered my biggest hurdle when it comes to things with wheels: driving!

I had my license at 16, by a miracle. I was so scared to drive that I didn't drive until I was married and 22 years old. I had to drive to get to DBU each day. I had to go from no driving at all to driving on the highway for 45 minutes each way. TERRIFYING!!!

I remember praying alot and listening to Switchfoot. But I did it, These days I will drive just about anywhere, without much of a thought.

So hopefully I can jump this other wheel related hurdle. Hopefully I can get out of my head and just do it. Learn to relax.

Maybe I will inquire about the private lessons.


From the thoughts of a RDW

The first lesson

I had an internal struggle on whether or not to wear my elbow/knee/wrist pads. I carried them in with me. After telling the main person that indeed the lessons are for me and not my kids, I went ahead and bought the 5 lesson punch card.

I pulled the laces tight and stood up. I then decided to put on my padding. Making it to the rink was scary, but I did it!

After hearing (but disagreeing mentally) that the wall is not your friend, we broke into groups. I had to inform them that I was in the correct class with the beginners.

We learn how to fall and get back up. I had severe doubts it would work.

After marching back and forth, I experienced my first fall. Nothing graceful at all! I was flat down on the rink, belly and all. I regretted my choice in shirts at that moment. I hear the coach say that I did a great fall. What technique I have. Yeah!!

I get up. It worked!! So I try again. Fall again- not as bad though.

After using more muscles than I imagined, we progressed to backwards skating. I didn't. I stayed at the wall, shaking my head in disbelief. Turns, the same.

I told one hesitant little boy that I hope to see him next week. He waved bye at me. I told him I would be the last one in line. The parents laughed.

I can imagine the car conversations of those various parents. "see hon, you NEED to learn how to skate. You don't want to end up like the old lady out there."

Goal: strengthen my legs and core! Ouchie I am sore.


From the thoughts of a RDW

The meeting

I found out today about a meeting taking place TONIGHT for information. Was absolutely giddy with excitement!

Fast forward to walking in 20 minutes late because I got lost. Lots of information! I got to watch some skating, a team practice. They are so amazing. Very supportive of each other.

One of the qualifications is 25 laps in 5 minutes. YOWZA!!! maybe I can try out in April or May.
I found a website for a skater beginning package. I have lots of research to do. I need to watch more game footage, decide if I want to drive 45 each way to practice 1-2 times a week. I think I would be one of the oldest too. My mind feels like I am 25.ugh then reality sinks in.

So Saturday will be a true test. How well do I take a fall? Can I really do this? Surely I can skate. Hopefully I can do this well!

Oh what am I doing?!


From the thoughts of a RDW

The pre-first step

I inquired about skating lessons. Looks like Saturday morning will be the 1st attempt. Yikes and yay!!

I have researched YouTube videos also. I am getting excited.

Kinda digging the name: Seam Ripper.

Googled padded shorts. Will purchase in time for 1st class along with wrist pads and knee pads. I'm going to look like an absolute dork.


From the thoughts of a RDW

Why roller derby? Why this year?

I have always loved the aspect of being able to fight and not get in trouble for it. Yes, a favorite movie of mine is Fight Club. Love MMA. Roller Derby just seems like a good fit for ME! I can be tough on the outside like I know I am inside. I can go fast. The feeling of going fast is thrilling - well at least at Six Flags it is. I feel like there is a family vibe of strong women who are fun, tough, fit and quick. Plus they have cool superhero like names.

Reasons I want to join:
1. My desire for speed and strategy will not harm my kids by driving.

2. Being aggressive sounds like a blast and is expected.

3. It's exercise!!

4. They are happy! I want to be part of a team too.

5. Roller skating looks youthful! Must stay young!

Why now?
1. Not getting younger
2. Need to find a sport to get active in
3. Friends can actually see me doing this
4. Life is short
5. It's this or boxing of some sort.
6. I have pent up aggression

My hurdles.

1. Biggest one don't know how to skate
2. Don't have a name selected
3. Must pass Tryouts
4. See how scheduling of practices and games work with family

My goal for the next 2 months: buying skates and padding and learning to skate.

Here goes to an interesting 2012!



From the thoughts of a RDW