holy hell on wheels

Last night I did something that really scared me.

driving to the scary rink

Have you ever read those Lululemon bags? "Do something everyday that scares you." That's what it says.

When I first read that I thought well that could be anything. Sometimes opening up a stinky diaper scares me, but somehow I don't think that's what they had in mind when they printed that on their bags.

After reading a post on another blog Making in Lovely about blogger Nicole doing Derby Lite which from what I understand is Roller derby for fun and exercise. I thought to myself if she can do this, so can I.

Now as I assumed there is no Derby Lite for fun and fitness in my area, but there is a roller derby team. The The Reign Valley Vixens.

Hmm... I think I could do this. Maybe... 

I thought about it for a day or two looked around online, did some reading, and then in a spur of the moment blurted it out to Mark.

I waited for the laughter.

Surprisingly he didn't really laugh. I showed him the website, talked to him about some of the stuff that I read and decided that I wanted to go out and see what it was all about.

I sent an email to the Smash Test Betties which are the newbies of the Vixens asking if I could come watch. I texted a couple of friends to see if they wanted to come with me, but they were both a no go. Then I waited for Thursday.

I was nervous all day. I am not sure why, I wasn't going to skate or anything, but for some reason the idea of the tattooed tough girls freaked me right out (and the dumb part is that I am a tattooed girl myself!)

I remember thinking what the heck are you doing right now? as I walked into the practice rink. I was waiting for the bad girl attitude, rudeness, we are too good for you smugness, but you know what? It wasn't that all all. 

All the girls were really nice, the coach was really cool and I was welcomed with open arms. He took the time to come off the rink and chat, and the derby players were really open to answering my questions.

I was excited but still scared when I decided to buy my skates the other day. I am doing this!

I texted my friend Cynthia last night as I was getting out of my car to go into the rink, "I'm going in, please pray for me"

I went in, and said hi to the girls I had met last week, and started putting on my gear. I must have looked a little silly carrying my stuff in a brown shopping bag. The other girls all have suitcases for all of their stuff.

The coach yelled that we had one minute and it was time to get out on the rink. I am gonna fall flat on my ass, I just know it.

I made it to the middle and we got right into it. They do know I haven't been on skates in 20 years right? ok, is someone going to walk me through this? No? Ok then here I go!

We started with what would be simple exercise drills, minus the skates, pads, helmet and mouth guard, but on skates Oh My Gawd it was hard. It's bad enough barely being able to stand up, but then throw in the getting up and down off the ground and it's a whole other ball game!

We practiced skating and stopping, and just being able to stand up. My toe stops fell off twice and tripped me, so I bailed once but it wasn't bad at all. The pads make me feel way better about hitting the concrete.

I did the whole hour and then stayed to watch the Vixens practice. These are serious athletes. they practice hard! and they have the bruises and scars to prove it.

I feel kinda bad that I had so many misconceptions about them. I hope that maybe I can help change that.

I know I have a really long way to go before getting drafted, but I plan on trying! Then comes the fun part, picking your derby alias!

my super sweet skates and stripy knee high socks