Skate (b)log: first Fresh Meat practice!

Oh, structured roller derby practices, how I missed you and your butt whooping.

Last night was my first Fresh Meat session with SCDD, and I was beyond pumped. Personally, it was a perfect night — I felt so awesome in my skates (although I still have some rub spots, I think they’re FINALLY starting to “mold” to my feet). And then, I lined up, ready for racing drills…

AND MY NEW FREAKING TOE STOP POPPED RIGHT OUT OF MY SKATE.

What. The. Hell.

But I didn’t let it shake me (it does feel mighty weird without a right toe stop, however). I left the floor, quickly reattached it, then came back to my line to do at least once run. Seriously though, I could only laugh, as I JUST upgraded to Gumball stops, and everything seemed tight and screwed in before practice.

Afterward, we were split up between a couple groups and worked on a few stops and knee falls. There was also side-stepping and galloping and hopping (oh my!). Obstacle courses are always fun.

Near the end of our rink time, one of the vets announced that we would be doing laps. TIMED LAPS. Since I had never been timed, and I generally think that I’m a quick skater, I was curious if I could meet the 25 laps in 5 minutes requirement. Keep in mind, this was after already busting ass for the last hour and forty-five minutes. And you know what?

IT KICKED MY ASS.

About lap 15, I thought my left knee was exploding out of my protective gear. But I kept pushing (attempting to do mostly crossovers throughout the oval, but it was tough with so many skaters on the floor).

Result: I KICKED ITS ASS! 29 laps in 5 minutes.

I was worn out, started seeing stars like I was about to pass out, and couldn’t get my knee to stop pulsating… but I did it. I can only imagine it gets better (or that I push myself so hard that I throw up, which is totally my style).

YAY, me!