Yes it's been a long hiatus. I really didn't think anybody was reading this thing so I let it slide. But I was kicked into writing another post because I finally checked my gmail and found a response to my last post.
Turns out there is another derby girl out there with CF. We're going to share the name Cystic Ferocious since she's all the way in the UK and it's doubtful we'll ever bout against each other.
What are the odds?
Anyway I'm back on the track after about 2 months of being off. Not because of the CF, but because of a stupid stringy little tendon that was not doing its job. It had been bothering me for months and getting progressively worse. I thought I could "skate it off."
Yeah, that didn't work. So I stayed off skates for a couple of weeks hoping to get better. It didn't and I finally saw a doctor about it. It's so foreign to me to see a doctor about anything other than CF. I can't explain it, but it really just didn't occur to me to see a doc about a pain in my leg.
Anyway he thought what the coach thought, tendonitis. But he referred me to a physical therapist--which I thought was only for people with serious injuries like broken hips or torn ligaments or somesuch. So I felt a bit silly going in with my non-broken, functional self. But the pain was really keeping me from skating so I did it.
I have to admit it has helped. I wish I had gone sooner.
Now I just have to get me endurance back up and remember my balance again. It's almost like riding a bike-- if 3 other bikes were riding next to you trying to knock you over.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Feeling more Cystic than Ferocious
First off, the Great Strides walk was, well, great! Our team raised over $600 in only about a month of fundraising and exceeded the goal of $500. It was my first experience as a team leader for the walk and I am so happy I know so many great people who wanted to participate. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Derby has not only given me a fun way to exercise, it's introduced me to a fantastic bunch of people I'm proud to know. (Tearing up a bit, hold on.... Ok.) Anyway, on to tonight's practice.
The next bout is on June 4, which means more scrimmages! Yeah! Well tonight I was really getting frustrated with myself the first couple of times I went out. I'm really trying to find my strengths and sometimes (like tonight) I feel like I just don't have any: I'm not fast enough to jam, I'm not dodgy enough to jam or really block quickly, and I'm not big enough to hit hard or block positionally by sheer size. So thinking along these lines tonight I was near tears.
Unless you break something, it's really not cool to burst out crying in roller derby! So I mentally slapped myself out of it and just decided to skate and try to make some hits--who cares if I bounce off?! At least I tried!
So I did make some contact. It wasn't spectacular and maybe nobody else even saw it, but I know I did it and that makes a difference to me.
I think my strength is going to be pure stubbornness. It's been cultivated all my life as a result of people expecting me to keel over and die. When you have a disease that's supposed to kill you before you're 18 you get a lot of that from doctors, nurses, teachers.
Thankfully my parents never treated me like I was about to die and fully encouraged and expected me to be a normal kid. (If they ever thought otherwise privately, they didn't tell me about it). So I guess I developed this "I'll show you" attitude. It's made me very contrary and stubborn. It's been a good thing and bad.
So I may not be an especially ferocious skater right now, but I can be ferociously stubborn. If roller derby were easy, everyone would do it. If it were easy, it wouldn't be as much fun. Sometimes it's really scary. But knowing you're scared to do something and doing it anyway--now that's Ferocious.
Derby has not only given me a fun way to exercise, it's introduced me to a fantastic bunch of people I'm proud to know. (Tearing up a bit, hold on.... Ok.) Anyway, on to tonight's practice.
The next bout is on June 4, which means more scrimmages! Yeah! Well tonight I was really getting frustrated with myself the first couple of times I went out. I'm really trying to find my strengths and sometimes (like tonight) I feel like I just don't have any: I'm not fast enough to jam, I'm not dodgy enough to jam or really block quickly, and I'm not big enough to hit hard or block positionally by sheer size. So thinking along these lines tonight I was near tears.
Unless you break something, it's really not cool to burst out crying in roller derby! So I mentally slapped myself out of it and just decided to skate and try to make some hits--who cares if I bounce off?! At least I tried!
So I did make some contact. It wasn't spectacular and maybe nobody else even saw it, but I know I did it and that makes a difference to me.
I think my strength is going to be pure stubbornness. It's been cultivated all my life as a result of people expecting me to keel over and die. When you have a disease that's supposed to kill you before you're 18 you get a lot of that from doctors, nurses, teachers.
Thankfully my parents never treated me like I was about to die and fully encouraged and expected me to be a normal kid. (If they ever thought otherwise privately, they didn't tell me about it). So I guess I developed this "I'll show you" attitude. It's made me very contrary and stubborn. It's been a good thing and bad.
So I may not be an especially ferocious skater right now, but I can be ferociously stubborn. If roller derby were easy, everyone would do it. If it were easy, it wouldn't be as much fun. Sometimes it's really scary. But knowing you're scared to do something and doing it anyway--now that's Ferocious.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
So THAT'S what helmets are for!
I had my first head injury! Dad, if you're reading this--I'm fine! Read on...
A few days ago, I had just been thinking that I must be getting better at skating because it had been months since I fell on my butt. In response, the universe had to show its sense of humor.
I was scrimmaging and trying to get in front of the jammer when my wheels locked with hers and my feet went right out from under me.
It was so quick I didn't even catch myself, just landed on my left butt cheek and even hit the back of my head on the floor. It turned out that my head didn't hit very hard, my backside took most of the impact. But I haven't hit my head like that before so I was a little stunned that it happened.
But the ever cautious (when it counts) coaches made sure I was ok, gave me some ice and escorted me to the bench in case I was wobbly. Thankfully I could still count to ten and was not speaking in tongues.
Frankly I was mostly mad that I fell down during that line because there were so many people at the practice that we all got just a few times each to go out and scrimmage. And I botched my turn! Damn!
So, boys and girls, this is why derby girls need helmets!
And I have proven what my parents and good friends already knew: I have a thick skull!
PS: Great Strides is MAY 21! Please donate, every little bit helps. If we get enough drops in the bucket we'll have a bucketfull in no time.
A few days ago, I had just been thinking that I must be getting better at skating because it had been months since I fell on my butt. In response, the universe had to show its sense of humor.
I was scrimmaging and trying to get in front of the jammer when my wheels locked with hers and my feet went right out from under me.
It was so quick I didn't even catch myself, just landed on my left butt cheek and even hit the back of my head on the floor. It turned out that my head didn't hit very hard, my backside took most of the impact. But I haven't hit my head like that before so I was a little stunned that it happened.
But the ever cautious (when it counts) coaches made sure I was ok, gave me some ice and escorted me to the bench in case I was wobbly. Thankfully I could still count to ten and was not speaking in tongues.
Frankly I was mostly mad that I fell down during that line because there were so many people at the practice that we all got just a few times each to go out and scrimmage. And I botched my turn! Damn!
So, boys and girls, this is why derby girls need helmets!
And I have proven what my parents and good friends already knew: I have a thick skull!
PS: Great Strides is MAY 21! Please donate, every little bit helps. If we get enough drops in the bucket we'll have a bucketfull in no time.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Great Strides
It's that time of year again. Great Strides is a national fundraiser walk benefitting the CF Foundation. This year I'm trying to get my fellow skaters to walk with me and my family. Team Underground Derby! Since we have less than a month, I hope the team goal of $500 isn't too ambitious.
I know we can do it! We can be very persuasive...especially while wearing full derby gear.
So please make use of the Great Strides widget (their term, not mine) and help us raise some money for CFF!
I know we can do it! We can be very persuasive...especially while wearing full derby gear.
So please make use of the Great Strides widget (their term, not mine) and help us raise some money for CFF!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Long time no write
I'm back from a long hiatus since I found out someone was actually following this blog.
What can I say? In the span of about six weeks I've bought a new house, had my in-laws visit, move out of old house and into said new house, went on vacation, then had my brother-in-law visit. Phew!
And finally last Sunday I skated in my 2nd bout ever! My first in 6 months so I was pretty happy about it. The theme was 90s Grunge Rock vs. 70s Disco. I was on Team Grunge which suits me fine as I grew up in that era. Grunge lost (barely), but let's not dwell on that.
I was not really nervous all day before the bout. I prepared by blasting Pearl Jam's Ten all morning. By the time I got to the rink I was pretty pumped, but something happens when I see those bumpers on the floor and feel the rope under the track tape. (Yes, they put thin rope under the tape marking the track boundaries, kind of like the ridges on the shoulder of a highway--nice way to tell you "You're out of bounds, stupid!)
Anyway as soon as I started warming up and saw those bumpers and felt the tape it became real. This was a BOUT, baby! I made a conscious effort to avoid looking at the crowd of people as they trickled in because I was sure if I turned to look I would wipe out spectacularly.
Despite some shaky knees I did notice I felt a lot better on my skates than I did 6 months ago. And I actually got to play a lot more than I thought. Our coach was pretty consistent in sending out mostly the same group of 5 as a line up--which was nice. It made it feel more like a team and I could kind of get a better feel for how each girl skated.
The first half I realized I was concentrating so hard on staying upright and in the pack that I wasn't really blocking effectively. I still need to tap my inner aggression. I think I'm almost past the point of worrying about staying up. Now I need to get to the next level, which is (more or less) "Get her!"
The problem is the skating is still not second nature and I still have to think about how I'm going to move to get somewhere on the track. But there's no time to think on the track, you just have to move. The second half I felt like I was more aggressive. I didn't punch anybody or anything but I know I was more conscious of where my jammer was and was trying to help her through. "Trying" being the operative word, but still....
I was pretty happy about the fact that when I did get knocked down I didn't sprawl, I got back up pretty quickly, and was able to catch up to the pack. All of which have been problems for me before. So I'm making progress.
And of course, did I mention I now have another lovely cold that is making life generally miserable? I hope I'm not allergic to bouts because I really love them! I think it's mostly stress. Some people eat when they get stressed; I'm the opposite. I eat when I'm relaxed, if I stress I don't eat as well. Then I lose weight, which makes me more vulnerable to colds and such.
So if you see me around and happen to have food, just shove it in my mouth and say it's good for me. The fattier the better.
What can I say? In the span of about six weeks I've bought a new house, had my in-laws visit, move out of old house and into said new house, went on vacation, then had my brother-in-law visit. Phew!
And finally last Sunday I skated in my 2nd bout ever! My first in 6 months so I was pretty happy about it. The theme was 90s Grunge Rock vs. 70s Disco. I was on Team Grunge which suits me fine as I grew up in that era. Grunge lost (barely), but let's not dwell on that.
I was not really nervous all day before the bout. I prepared by blasting Pearl Jam's Ten all morning. By the time I got to the rink I was pretty pumped, but something happens when I see those bumpers on the floor and feel the rope under the track tape. (Yes, they put thin rope under the tape marking the track boundaries, kind of like the ridges on the shoulder of a highway--nice way to tell you "You're out of bounds, stupid!)
Anyway as soon as I started warming up and saw those bumpers and felt the tape it became real. This was a BOUT, baby! I made a conscious effort to avoid looking at the crowd of people as they trickled in because I was sure if I turned to look I would wipe out spectacularly.
Despite some shaky knees I did notice I felt a lot better on my skates than I did 6 months ago. And I actually got to play a lot more than I thought. Our coach was pretty consistent in sending out mostly the same group of 5 as a line up--which was nice. It made it feel more like a team and I could kind of get a better feel for how each girl skated.
The first half I realized I was concentrating so hard on staying upright and in the pack that I wasn't really blocking effectively. I still need to tap my inner aggression. I think I'm almost past the point of worrying about staying up. Now I need to get to the next level, which is (more or less) "Get her!"
The problem is the skating is still not second nature and I still have to think about how I'm going to move to get somewhere on the track. But there's no time to think on the track, you just have to move. The second half I felt like I was more aggressive. I didn't punch anybody or anything but I know I was more conscious of where my jammer was and was trying to help her through. "Trying" being the operative word, but still....
I was pretty happy about the fact that when I did get knocked down I didn't sprawl, I got back up pretty quickly, and was able to catch up to the pack. All of which have been problems for me before. So I'm making progress.
And of course, did I mention I now have another lovely cold that is making life generally miserable? I hope I'm not allergic to bouts because I really love them! I think it's mostly stress. Some people eat when they get stressed; I'm the opposite. I eat when I'm relaxed, if I stress I don't eat as well. Then I lose weight, which makes me more vulnerable to colds and such.
So if you see me around and happen to have food, just shove it in my mouth and say it's good for me. The fattier the better.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I meet the Brawl Monitor
The month o'derby is finally winding down. It's been a while since my last post because I've been super busy and just haven't really felt like writing. I've been practicing with the more advanced girls for almost a month now and I think the extra practice has made a big difference.
My turns are improving, though speed is still an issue. For some reason I kept thinking I had to keep all 8 wheels on the ground. I finally figured out I wasn't shifting my weight from one leg to the other while turning, and also not turning my hips with my shoulders.
Once I realized I had to actually pick up my feet, shift my weight, and turn my hips that made all the difference. I mean, think about it: when you turn around off skates, do you keep both feet on the ground at all times and weight on both feet? Try it sometime! You'll feel silly.
Last Sunday was UDL's interleague bout. I thought I might be skating in it, but about two weeks before I was asked to manage the penalty box. No biggy I still got to be part of the bout and have fun. It was the first bout in which we went rogue! We shook things up by cutting the penalty times to 30 seconds (instead of 1 minute) and the maximum jam time to 90 seconds (instead of 2 minutes). That meant much faster bouts, a lot more skating time for the girls, and a lot more scoring opportunities for the jammers. I liked it a lot--it suited my impatient nature!
I wore my one and only Cystic Ferocious shirt for the bout and at the end of the night one of the refs (Brawl Monitor) noticed the name and asked who I knew with Cystic Fibrosis. So of course I said, "Me!" Turns out two of her cousins have CF so we compared notes about breathing treatments and such. It was way cool to meet somebody who also had CF in their lives. It's a small world after all!
The next UDL bout is March 20! If you are in the Olympia area, or really anywhere in western Washington, please come out and see it. It's only $10 from a UDL derby girl. Chances are you know one if you have come across this blog.
I may be skating this time! I know I've said that before but hopefully I will actually be assigned to a team soon. I may even know by Saturday.
My turns are improving, though speed is still an issue. For some reason I kept thinking I had to keep all 8 wheels on the ground. I finally figured out I wasn't shifting my weight from one leg to the other while turning, and also not turning my hips with my shoulders.
Once I realized I had to actually pick up my feet, shift my weight, and turn my hips that made all the difference. I mean, think about it: when you turn around off skates, do you keep both feet on the ground at all times and weight on both feet? Try it sometime! You'll feel silly.
Last Sunday was UDL's interleague bout. I thought I might be skating in it, but about two weeks before I was asked to manage the penalty box. No biggy I still got to be part of the bout and have fun. It was the first bout in which we went rogue! We shook things up by cutting the penalty times to 30 seconds (instead of 1 minute) and the maximum jam time to 90 seconds (instead of 2 minutes). That meant much faster bouts, a lot more skating time for the girls, and a lot more scoring opportunities for the jammers. I liked it a lot--it suited my impatient nature!
I wore my one and only Cystic Ferocious shirt for the bout and at the end of the night one of the refs (Brawl Monitor) noticed the name and asked who I knew with Cystic Fibrosis. So of course I said, "Me!" Turns out two of her cousins have CF so we compared notes about breathing treatments and such. It was way cool to meet somebody who also had CF in their lives. It's a small world after all!
The next UDL bout is March 20! If you are in the Olympia area, or really anywhere in western Washington, please come out and see it. It's only $10 from a UDL derby girl. Chances are you know one if you have come across this blog.
I may be skating this time! I know I've said that before but hopefully I will actually be assigned to a team soon. I may even know by Saturday.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Raw Meat
Well I've survived my first two senior derby practices. I've decided that I'm more "raw meat" than "fresh meat." At least I feel like I've been tenderized.
I still need to work on my endurance--still getting a little breathless after paceline and some drills. I know my lungs will never be as good as the other girls but I think with enough practice I can at least keep up. The good news is all the exercise is helping with airway clearance (fancy term for coughing up junk).
The more I exercise, the clearer the airways, which means I can exercise more, etc! At least that's my theory.
Tonight at practice we had a special guest, Quadzilla! I'm a little starstruck. I almost asked for his autograph but didn't want to be a complete derby nerd. So who is Quadzilla, you ask? Well he's an awesome skater/coach who has worked with a lot of great teams including Rat City (Seattle), Dockyard (Tacoma) and Oly Rollers (Olympia).
And if you want a demonstration of his jumping capabilities check out this jump of 10 people!
I'm going to go marinate myself in some epsom salts now.
I still need to work on my endurance--still getting a little breathless after paceline and some drills. I know my lungs will never be as good as the other girls but I think with enough practice I can at least keep up. The good news is all the exercise is helping with airway clearance (fancy term for coughing up junk).
The more I exercise, the clearer the airways, which means I can exercise more, etc! At least that's my theory.
Tonight at practice we had a special guest, Quadzilla! I'm a little starstruck. I almost asked for his autograph but didn't want to be a complete derby nerd. So who is Quadzilla, you ask? Well he's an awesome skater/coach who has worked with a lot of great teams including Rat City (Seattle), Dockyard (Tacoma) and Oly Rollers (Olympia).
And if you want a demonstration of his jumping capabilities check out this jump of 10 people!
I'm going to go marinate myself in some epsom salts now.
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