Roller Derby ReDUH

Ugh... I'm so out of shape!

You see, years ago, I was out at a club one night and some girl approached me about being on a roller derby team. I thought it sounded like a way cool thing to try, so I did, and for the next year-and-a-half, I was training with the Derby Dolls. This was while they were still looking for a location, trying to raise money for a track, and not competing in an official capacity yet. But, it was fun and it was great exercise. I had to quit because of work, and I was really sad about it. I just couldn't devote the time it took once we split into teams -- the practices, the fundraisers, the meetings -- all so time consuming. Fun, yes, but when one has a job with long hours, it's just not possible.

Anyway, now they are a bona-fide cultural revolution and I'm so excited for them! My friend emailed me yesterday and asked me some questions about roller derby -- she's thinking of joining a league up north. Well, just answering her email got me all excited and I decided to strap on those skates and go, go, go.

I did all of the prep work -- changed my wheels from indoor to outdoor (since I was going to skate around the neighborhood on my lunch break), checked the bearings, and looked for the safety gear. I wouldn't dream of skating without at least knee pads and wrist guards. It's not dorky, it's smart. I've seen a lot of broken bones.

Well, skating is not like riding a bicycle. I suck. After about ten minutes, my toes started cramping and I was getting shin splints. And my lower back hurt. That's just pathetic.

But I've resolved to get out there more often and get back in shape! I may not ever be a Derby Doll again, but I don't have to be a dork, either.