November 18th, 2013 Happy Derbyversary!
One year ago today I went to my first practice with Dakota City Demolition Crew. Little did I know that in going to practice would change my life in a way I could have never imagined. I instantly fell in love with everything that is Roller Derby; I began to research gear, skills, rules, names, and blogs, anything I could find I read.
I have never really been in an organized sport before, and had no athletic ability what so ever! I was
horribly out of shape, and could not skate to save my life yet the members of Dakota City Demolition Crew took me in with open arms.
I have learned a lot about myself this past year. Some good some bad. For instance I have to learn to stay
focused. To suck it up when I have I teeny tiny cold, I never realized how much of a baby I am when I am sick! I need to step out of my comfort zone and stay out!
I have also learned that I am capable of things I never thought possible! When I think I cannot not do one
squat, crunch, lap... somewhere within myself I have found that I can. Not only can I do one more but I can push myself to do five more. Something I could have never done a year ago. Not without the support of my team.
I have skated ten miles for charity; my body wanted me to stop so badly. If it were not for Red and her
persistence to keep me going that day, staying by my side as I skated in slow motion I would have never made. I am forever grateful to her for that! As a team we recently participated in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. One more
thing I would have never done a year ago!
I have had my ups and downs this year, I still haven't passed minimum skills. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will. But I won't quit. I’m going to keep on pushing myself, work hard, and then work even harder. I’m not going to get angry at myself
for not being at the skill level I feel I should have or want to be at. Derby is hard, it's damn hard. It takes a lot of commitment, strength, endurance, and will power. You have to believe in yourself, even when you feel hopeless and
lost. You have to believe in yourself because in the words of Havoc "It takes time, you'll get there. Just keep trying".
Right now I am on leave of absence due to a minor injury. I hope to be back next week. When I got home from my doctors appointment last week I was very happy because I was worried I may have broken my fibula and I found out
I had only injured muscles. After telling my husband the great news he replied did you tell your other family?” I told him no I would do it later, thinking he was meaning my parents. Later he asked me the same question. I told him I talked to my Mom but haven't had a chance to call my Dad yet. He looked at me smiled and said "That what you thought I meant? Not that other family, your derby family!”
At that moment I realized in the past year I have not only made wonderful friends, I am part of a derby family! A derby family whose loving arms reach out passed me, passed DC/DC, out to an entire derby community! A community
that I am honored to be a part of! With this in my heart, I will never give up.
After all it takes time and I know that I will get there!
One year ago today I went to my first practice with Dakota City Demolition Crew. Little did I know that in going to practice would change my life in a way I could have never imagined. I instantly fell in love with everything that is Roller Derby; I began to research gear, skills, rules, names, and blogs, anything I could find I read.
I have never really been in an organized sport before, and had no athletic ability what so ever! I was
horribly out of shape, and could not skate to save my life yet the members of Dakota City Demolition Crew took me in with open arms.
I have learned a lot about myself this past year. Some good some bad. For instance I have to learn to stay
focused. To suck it up when I have I teeny tiny cold, I never realized how much of a baby I am when I am sick! I need to step out of my comfort zone and stay out!
I have also learned that I am capable of things I never thought possible! When I think I cannot not do one
squat, crunch, lap... somewhere within myself I have found that I can. Not only can I do one more but I can push myself to do five more. Something I could have never done a year ago. Not without the support of my team.
I have skated ten miles for charity; my body wanted me to stop so badly. If it were not for Red and her
persistence to keep me going that day, staying by my side as I skated in slow motion I would have never made. I am forever grateful to her for that! As a team we recently participated in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. One more
thing I would have never done a year ago!
I have had my ups and downs this year, I still haven't passed minimum skills. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will. But I won't quit. I’m going to keep on pushing myself, work hard, and then work even harder. I’m not going to get angry at myself
for not being at the skill level I feel I should have or want to be at. Derby is hard, it's damn hard. It takes a lot of commitment, strength, endurance, and will power. You have to believe in yourself, even when you feel hopeless and
lost. You have to believe in yourself because in the words of Havoc "It takes time, you'll get there. Just keep trying".
Right now I am on leave of absence due to a minor injury. I hope to be back next week. When I got home from my doctors appointment last week I was very happy because I was worried I may have broken my fibula and I found out
I had only injured muscles. After telling my husband the great news he replied did you tell your other family?” I told him no I would do it later, thinking he was meaning my parents. Later he asked me the same question. I told him I talked to my Mom but haven't had a chance to call my Dad yet. He looked at me smiled and said "That what you thought I meant? Not that other family, your derby family!”
At that moment I realized in the past year I have not only made wonderful friends, I am part of a derby family! A derby family whose loving arms reach out passed me, passed DC/DC, out to an entire derby community! A community
that I am honored to be a part of! With this in my heart, I will never give up.
After all it takes time and I know that I will get there!