Think Like a Speed Skater

So my first roller derby "test" (aka mini benchmarks) is tomorrow night.  We'll need to demonstrate that we know at least 2 ways to stop, 3 different proper falls, that we can give and receive a (gentle) hit, that we can glide on one foot, that we can do crossovers, that we can jump 3 inches high, write a written test on the rules and that we can do 5 laps in 1 minute.  I think that's it.  But that is enough.

I will not pass.  I can't do 5 laps in 1 minute.  I am slow.  Quite slow. And whenever I try and speed up, I'm not comfortable so I just slow down again.

This weekend I practiced at work 3 times and all I did each time was skate in a circle for an hour. We need to be able to do crossovers in order to get 5 laps completed in a minute.  So that is all I did.   Crossovers, crossovers, crossovers.  Preacher's Slaughter (or Abigail, whichever you prefer) was talking a lot about our centre of gravity at Friday's practice but it wasn't until Saturday that I really got it.  One of the problems with my crossovers was regaining my balance in time to do the next one.  I finally figured it out.  I need to use my arms to transfer my weight back over to my left foot so I'm ready to pick up my right again. With that in mind, I was finally able to do a whole bunch in a row smoothly.  I thought "I've finally got it!!", and promptly crashed to the floor. LOL

I've been told my technique doesn't suck, but that I just need to gain confidence on my skates.  I completely agree with the confidence part, but crashing to my ass really isn't helping.  For example, on Friday we were practicing jumping - I did my first one, crashed to my ass the second time and then COULD NOT work up the nerve to do another one properly.  I don't feel stable on my skates. I don't feel comfortable even just standing on them.  They seem to move in directions that I don't always intend them to.  I watch the experienced women with awe as they glide around effortlessly.

I will be in Fresh Meat for at least another month and I'm perfectly OK with that.  To be honest, I'm scared to move on.  I don't feel like I've mastered this stuff enough yet and I'm not ready to learn even more.

My goal is to pass everything but the laps so that next month, that is all I'll need to do.  Wish me luck!