For as hideous as my first open practice at the Carolina rollergirls space was, Monday's was awesome. It was my second time so I was approximately 30% less nervous. My legs did not shake and I consider that a huge victory because when you are you aren't 100% confident on wheels the last thing you need are shaky knees. I didn't necessarily achieve anything earth shattering (like that motherfucking asshole bastard twat waffle plow stop) but I got a little more steady going backwards and I jumped just the tiniest bit.
My coach (she isn't just mine, as much as I would love that; she teaches all the newbies) Ballista Blockheart, or Ballz to those who know (or fear) her is THE BEST. I may have mentioned that I am a midwife and I trained under many talented preceptors to whom I am eternally grateful. The time I spend with Ballz is really not unlike time I spent with my midwifery preceptors. I apply a lot of what I learned about being trained as a midwife to being trained as a derby player. Open mind, no ego. I am there to learn, not be defensive, not take things personally. If you are thinking about getting into derby and you are not already a gifted skater go ahead and cram your ego in the nearest garbage can.
I got some pointers from one of the best derby players in the state, Elektra Q Tion, and that was surreal. I kept telling myself to fucking pull it together and not be a goddamn wuss puss in front of her and then I kept not pulling it together and being a total wuss puss. To her credit she did not laugh at my sad little 1/4" jumps but instead was incredibly patient and encouraging. Derby women may look scary and play fierce but (unlike many midwives) they do not eat their young.
Now, if only I could master whatever the hell is causing the charlie horse cramps in my feet... And also how to post pictures to this blog, there has to be a way...
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