Lacing up the skates again.

You may or may not know, but when i was in grad school, i joined the local roller derby, the Lafayette Brawlin Dolls.  Not because i was a great skater - sadly, the only thing i am worse at then running is skating.  I did it because i was lonely and i wasn't coping with the stress of grad school very well.  It was one of the smartest moves i ever made, because those ladies completely embraced me, regardless of my suck level, and gave me a space to unload all the stress and sadness.  By repeatedly slamming into the floor of a local junior high basketball court.  

Obviously, towards the end of school, i had to take a leave for my 20 hour work days as i finished my thesis.  Then the day i graduated, i moved back to Chicago.  Chicago has its own derby league, the Windy City Rollers, but those bitches are hardcore.  They are professional athletes and i don't think i will ever be able to make a commitment like that.  Also, it was seriously hard on my knees.

2009 bruises.

But bruises aside, i miss it.  It was an amazing stress reducer, and a huge confidence boost.  I don't think i would who i am today (an out of shape, snarky drunk, obviously) without those derby days.  So, while i still can't commit the amount of time it would take to play on a league, i have committed to Derby Lite!  

Derby Lite is a series of derby courses led by retired derby gals.  It caters to people who have never skated, all the way up to people looking to join a smaller suburban league.  I am doing the beginner class (the oak park one!), because i have a friend who convinced me to sign up.  Its 10 weeks, with a once a week practice, and the focus is more on skills and strength training rather than knocking people over.  I am so excited to skate again!  The ladies have been in a box in the closet collecting dust!

I can't speak to the Derby Lite classes (yet) as they don't start until next month.  But for me, joining a roller derby was a huge character builder that gave me confidence.  If you have ever wanted to be involved with a roller derby, but were scared because you have never skated before, i highly encourage you check this out.

Time to embrace your inner BAMF.  or at very least, your inner 5th grader going to a co-ed birthday party.  

In case you were all wondering, yes my derby name was/is gingerfoxxx.  Branding, people!