Pushing Through the Pain

(Editor's note: this is the first of what I hope will be many posts from my derby sisters. We all come from different backgrounds and have different strengths, goals, and interests, even within derby. I look forward to letting my sisters share their experiences with you all! --Bilbo)

If you have ever watched roller derby (either in person, or on tv), you have seen how physical the sport really is. Not only do you need to know how to skate well, but it also takes a lot of endurance. This endurance is put to the ultimate test when attempting to pass your 27 laps in 5 minutes. (Who knew that 5 minutes or 300 seconds could feel like an eternity?!)

When skating your laps, it is hard to keep track of your own, since mostly you are focusing more on not falling, while also remembering to keep breathing.  This is when it is nice to have a derby sister who is willing to count for you.  This way, you can simply focus on being as fast as possible.  

Each week at practice, you are given the opportunity to pass your laps. As you take your place on the line, you can feel the anxiety begin to settle in your mind and your gut. Wanting so badly to be able to bout, you push through the pain, even though it feels like your legs might fall off at any time.  Skate fast, turn left. Repeat.

Finally you hear the coach blow the whistle and you realize you have not passed. As he makes his way over to show you your time, you feel the disappointment set in.  As bad as you want it, you know today is not your day. Then comes the drive home, where you contemplate what you could have done differently and begin to plan your attack for next week’s practice.  Personally, I then come home and look up motivational quotes that might help me feel like less of a failure.  

This is one of my personal faves!

Week after week, you try again, watching your laps go up, then down, then up again. Every time they go up, you feel a sense of personal satisfaction, even though you still didn’t pass.

THEN ONE DAY: You skate the same laps that you have been working at for months now, and you finally pass. I cannot even begin to explain the thrill of being shown the clock and seeing a time that is less than 5 minutes. (4 minutes and 57 seconds to be exact)  Seeing those numbers, you let out a shriek of pure exhilaration and a high like no other consumes your mind and body! You have proved yourself worthy of being able to bout, and all is right with the roller derby world. (You might not be able to walk right the next day, but it is totally worth it.)  

Just remember to keep pushing and know that one day it WILL happen for you.

Much Derby love,

Jenocide