Life as Fresh Meat - Derby bootcamp
When I started Fresh Meat bootcamp I was a bit nervous, however, I quickly came to realize that I love everything about it: having an excuse to skate several times a week, the awesome girls who you quickly come to love, and of course all the derby action!
The only thing I found difficult is those Friday night practices on the harsh surface at UBC. It’s cold, which makes it difficult to breathe; the surface is freezing, which makes it hurt a lot more when you fall; and the rough surface also seems to make you work a lot harder, which definitely tests my endurance each week. My first practice at UBC I honestly felt like I was going to pass out because I was so dizzy and tired. We practiced skating (almost) upright, then bending at the knees, then down to the ankles for, it seemed, like an hour. With no time to rest, we quickly went into “whipping” techniques where I had to skate my fastest to keep up with my partner. I don’t have good endurance at the best of times and kind of felt like I wanted to die.
You can imagine my “excitement” when I found out that we were doing speed testing as part of our basic skills level 1 testing AND, to make it even better, the testing would take place at UBC. We had a mock test at UBC the other week, and I have to admit that, above all my other derby accomplishments, passing my 20 laps in 5 minutes tops them all.
Tonight is our REAL speed testing and I’m actually not feeling all too nervous about my endurance for the first time in a long time. We will see how it goes, I might keel over and die tonight, but at least I’ve jumped that first hurdle and I know it’s possible to do it again. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and my other freshies!!!
~ Fresh Meat Bree
