Roll On

My new thing.... Roller Derby! (As I introduced in my last post). I have been now to "official" practice where I was on skates, 4 times! and one unofficial skate night. I am beginning to LOVE sport! Every year around this time Derby girls everywhere have to pass MSTs, which are the minimal skill requirements in order to play in any bout (aka: game). These would include: skating in derby stance, stopping 3 different ways, falling 3 different ways (MY FAV!), giving whips, taking whips, giving hits, taking hits, weaving through people, etc, oh AND skating 25 laps in 5 minutes!!! The first time I attempted this.... I was with the whole "pack" and everybody was able to help out everybody.... in other words I was behind (being new & out of shape), girls were pushing & whipping me left & right. Everyone finished ahead of me, but I didn't get down because on the sidelines were the ladies whooping & hollering & cheering me on! Some even jumped back in and skated with me until I crossed that 25 lap line! My time: 5min 54seconds, apparently not too bad for my first time. My Second attempt.... different practice, was with everybody, hadn't skated for a while (over xmas), had help.... not really sure what my time was that time. Third attempt.... same practice as 2nd, legs went numb around lap 13ish, lap 17 I wanted to throw in the towel, the girls kept up the encouragement, I took a whip around one curve & straight into the ground I went, (OUCH! that one hurt!). I got up as fast as I could and rolled on. My thighs were burning, I was breathing hard, sweat was rolling down my face, it was all I could do to stay on those eight wheels, and there I was going around the corner on my 24th lap & exactly at halfway I just biff it. Not thought needed I hopped right back up and finished that damn set of 25!!! Time = unknown, I didn't care either, I was just glad to be finished. Then is when I realized I needed to get another inhaler. Fourth attempt.... this one was a "mock MST" test, so every girl for herself, split into smaller groups, someone counting laps for you. I started & I sang "Black Betty" to myself basically the whole time. Didn't have as much trouble as before. Crossed that line.... last again...but with an improved time of 5:38!!! I was supper excited. Now, last night the real MSTs began. We also had a reporter there from the Kansas Living Magazine doing an article on the team so we were all "Roller Derbied" out with fishnets, mini skirts, boy shorts, makeup, etc. Took our picks then took the track for the official 25/5! Of course I drew the first group to be in, I was cold and not really ready but that whistle still blew anyway. I just felt slow, I tried singing and everything. I gave it all I could at the time, I now have that feeling though where you just know you could have done better. I finished about 3-4 laps behind the other 4 in my group with a time of 5min & 27 sec.... Yes, it was better, but I REALLY wanted that 5 minute time. I will get it eventually!!! I didn't start any of my other tests.... I guess they only do 6 girls a night. I am just going to pass what I am able to and work on the rest as I go. I am the newest girl on the team (that has not played before) so I'm going solo into all this.

OH!!! for those of you that don't know what Roller Derby is all about... I would YouTube it or watch whip it... that will give you somewhat of an idea. Basically, there are 5 girls from each team on a round flat track (they do have inclined tracks too). 4 are in the "pack," one of those girls is the "pivot" (the pace setter). 10 feet behind them is the other girl, the jammer (she has a star on her helmet). Whistle blows, the pack takes off together. Another whistle blows, the jammers take off, make their way through the pack. If you fall down you have 2 seconds to get up before a penalty. You can hit each other but no elbows & only between the shoulder & hip. After the jammers get through the pack they hurry & skate around the track and make their way through the pack a second time. This time for every pack member of the opposing team they pass is 1 point. If they pass the jammer of the opposite team that's 5 points. This is what I know of the game.... I probably really won't get it until I play one!

Some Time...

I am currently home in Colorado for the holidays! The past 4 days have been great, although I do wish that there was some Colorado snow on the ground. Christmas was a whopping 53 degrees! The family is good, just trying to stay busy. Today everybody else is either at work or judging practice (Tess received a chance to go to the Arizona Stock Show for a livestock judging contest:) so I have a few minutes to update you all on how everything has been going.
I moved to Topeka at the end of September, which brought my 125 mile round trip daily commute down to a huge 3 mile round trip jaunt! My ole jetta is loving me now. It has also improved some of my friendships with my Topekan friends.... it's nice being able to just drive over for dinner if someones having a bad day or just has extra food. Work is going good.
My personal life.... well, it was hitting a bumpy road for a while but I think I am figuring everything out. It's the first time I have lived alone since living in the dorms...even then I had a roomie. Now, I just have my crazy mutts keeping me busy! Oh, and I do have a new fellow in my life!!! I met him back in Colorado a while back, he works with my brother at a diesel shop. After my break-up, Paul and I began talking on Facebook (of course ;) then once a week turned into three times a week, turned into every day, then twice a day. We finally decided to call it what it was.... A Relationship!!! a long distance one at that! We met up in Colby, KS one weekend and he flew me out to Colorado another weekend, and now he's staying with me at my parents house for the time that I'm here. He's a great guy and could see something more out of this.... hmmm today is our 2 month anniversary!!! ;)
Enough gushy. Another big activity that I have started in.... yes, can't you tell I like to start random activities/projects/etc .... is Roller Derby!!! One day I was window shopping at wolf's camera & they had out some example products. Most were advertising some club or person. One just happened to be the Capital City Crushers! I checked out their web page, emailed their go-to person, went to the rink & checked out a practice. I enjoyed watching these girls skate around, hitting one another, & learning the aspects of the game. I came back the following Tuesday, strapped on some skates, & got myself out onto the rink. Whew! It has been at least 14 years since I had been on 8 wheels! I started picking it up better than I thought I would. So, I signed the paperwork and joined the team! Now, comes the fun part... practicing, making friends, working hard, and testing myself (watching those tendons of mine). Once you join the team you can go to any open skate night for free and get some practice. I went Saturday and skated for about 3 hours. Still need to relax & work on my balance. That next Tuesday, I got out there with the girls, warmed up, stretched and attempted the 25 in 5 drill. See you have to meet your MSTs to play in a bout (game). These MSTs would include, skating 25 laps in 5 minutes, different stops, slides, hits, jumps, and skating styles. I attempted my first 25-5, when doing so everyone has to try and stay together as a pack & help each other. One girl really helped me out, pushing me, giving me confidence and I finished my 25 laps in a time of 5min 54sec, which was apparently pretty good for a first time. My leg was burning!!! The rest of the practice some of the other players & refs worked with me on some of the other MSTs. I fell, missed turns, did things wrong, but you know I am determined and will eventually get it! Ha! as I was doing some weaving through cones I lost my balance & wham! ooo it was a good fall, it took me a little longer to get up from that one! I love it though and can't wait to learn more and improve my skills!
Other than that.... life is getting back to normal. I better get going.... since I am home I have chores to do!
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and wish you all the best new year!!!

changes....

well..... it has been a while since i have written last. my life has taken some twists lately, some good, some sad. now, it's time to move on and figure my life out.

update... busy week!

marathon wise, i was kind of slacking for the past week or so. Not happy with myself for that, so i've added more little reminders all over my house. im like one of those crazy post-it ladies. after I got back into gear on sunday, monday i had a sixty five mintue four mile which is ten minutes better than before. that time i took dallas with me, she pooped out around mile three, so i had to play motivator the last mile. she didnt seem to enthuzed by that. tuesday i walked a eighty two mintue five mile, yes im spelling it out b/c im on my phone and for some reason the numbers arnt working. i took cooper on this walk he did alright, got a little hot and i felt bad not having any water for him. so far those are my big distance accomplishments for this week. now, im in colrado untill sunday. going to hang out with the fam and attend a wedding. maybe even get in some boating and walking here.

oh Cooper...

The past two endurance walks... 4 miles. I took the same route I have been taking, over the hills. I also took Cooper with me. Only this time we came across some horses. Now, Cooper does absolutely fine if they are just standing there. However, after about 50yards of just staring at each other, one of the horses gets a wild kick and gets the others running. Cooper thinks it's a game - did I mention he is still ON the leash - he goes running & bouncing in their direction with me attached. Finally, we get past... little turd! As we head back, I had him off the leash, after much coaxing he stayed on the road past the horses, thankfully too, because the owner was out feeding and I don't think she would've been too impressed with a 100ish pound dog chasing her horses.
It took me 75 minutes to do the 4 miles. A little sore, feet hot, a blister...sad I know, but oh well, that's why they call it training. I'm not quiting either!!! - that's what I just keep repeating to myself. This next week I need to stay more on top of my training that's for sure!!!