Skate (b)log

Posted by Mel on Apr 30, 2010 in Skate (b)log | 0 comments

04/28 practice with Northern Ohio wRECk league — Ok, so I misjudged myself; I CAN skate backwards. It just takes some getting used to. I’m sure if I keep practicing, I could be just as agile going forward. Definitely not at the same speed though. Just as we did some new skills with step-outs and step-ins (hence, the skating backward), we also skated in the opposite track direction, forced to work on our crossovers. THE OTHER WAY. Again, at first I couldn’t do it, but it got easier with each lap.

I took a night off from jamming tonight during our “David & Goliath” scrimmages. I wanted to motivate myself into getting better as a blocker and MAINTAINING THE PACK. And… yes, we have success!

It’s been great meeting some of the BRRG and making friends with the wRECk ladies. Everyone is incredibly helpful for a different skill set and her own tips and suggestions. These friends all come in handy for skating partners throughout the Spring and Summer and for when Fresh Meat August hits.

#1 Tip (from Ms. Hidden Ajennda) was to quickly replace my habit of dragging my toe stop to slow down. Done. And done. I’m getting better at stops in general. This technique ages back to my skiing days. I never really learned how to stop properly on skis; therefore, I fell. A lot. You would never guess I’ve been skiing since I was 13. NEVER. I do not intend to repeat history in roller derby. I am so information-hungry and passionate, that I want to be able to do everything.

After practice: I got so tight afterward in my legs, which I assume means I worked it. Or wRECked it, as it were.

I have a bruise on my forearm. Again. And more scratches from exposed velcro during scrimmages.