Tales from the Fresh Meat Locker: Tara
I am not an athlete.
As a young girl, I was always more creatively inclined, forsaking kickball games for ballet and singing. I am a strong person, but not very fast and my stamina is nil.
Fast forward to thirty-two years of age. Married, kids, career. My family was dealing with a health crisis and the demands of my life had become unbearable without some outlet for my stress. I desperately needed something and remembered reading about a local roller derby league. I went online, and found the Dominion Derby Girls. I went out on a limb and emailed Pretty Skate Machine. I spent a month at open skates, trying to get my skate legs back. I saved and purchased the gear I needed; I paid my dues and attended my first practice. I was awed by the endurance and ability I witnessed. I knew that I would have to work very hard to get to that level. I met a few of the veteran skaters that first practice, Thunder Lips, who was very encouraging, telling me (although I think she was being nice) “oh, you can skate…”, Frankendoll, who was so very compassionate and easy to talk to. She spent an extraordinary amount of time encouraging and reassuring me… and I am grateful.
Day One was the hardest. I am sure I looked like a complete fool. I fell and cracked my tailbone. I dropped out of the 25-lap time trial with a crucial calf cramp. I left thirty minutes early to go cry in my car. For an out of shape, older, mom of two…. this was difficult work. I wanted to puke. I wanted to leave and never go back. But when I got to my car, I felt pretty good. To some, it may seem that I was unsuccessful. But I was. To me, just showing up was success. I may not have finished 25 laps, but I finished 17. I may have cracked my tailbone, but I learned how to fall correctly. I may have not been the best thing out there, but I had the balls to strap up and show up.
Two months later, I am still here, doing my best. Am I as good as I can be? No. Am I better? Oh hell yeah. I see the improvement in everything I do. I may not be able to hang with the veterans yet, but I will get there soon enough. I put things in perspective; only looking at what I can do today… getting through each individual practice is my only goal. I increase the bar every time, setting it higher as my ability increases. I am thankful for this, and thankful that I am welcomed into such a fantastic organization made up of extraordinary women.
Tales from the Fresh Meat Locker | admin | 
November 23, 2009 4:21 am
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