After Shocks

I just found out how much roller skates cost... It really hurt! I t looks like it's gonna cost me between $90.00 and $170.00. I'm sure I can get a new spare tire for that (something I have been putting off because I can't spend the money). The reality of it is that I want a pair of roller skates more than I want a new spare tire. I'm sure I have enough friends that if I needed a tire or a tow i could get one. Hmmm... Is it possible to like derby too much?? Nope! I'm getting those skates! Even if I have to organize a fundraiser! I don't just want the skates... I need the skates! Otherwise I can get all the pads I need for about $25.00. I'm okay with that. Helmet and mouth guard were about $30.00 together. One thing I didn't expect... the cost. This is all the gear I have so far.

Every once in a while I look around at practice and think "what the fuck am I doing? These girls are wicked skaters with some serious skills!" Then there I am with my cheap helmet, old wrist guards, and a mouth guard I can't wear because it hurts (I've since learned you can get ones that mold to your mouth). I am grateful to be able to use their gear when I go, but those skates are so old that I'm sure It would improve my skills if I had new ones. All the coaches from both the RDRDA teams (even if they have only skated for a year) have been 100% willing to help, answer any questions, and display proper skating skills like a step-by-step video. Not only that, they skate like the wind... focused, controlled, and with purpose. I figure if they can do it, I can do it.

Another thing I overlooked a little was how shocked my body was going to be! i knew I was gonna be sore and all, but I never expected to feel quite the way I'm feeling. I have to say, it's nothing like I've ever felt before! I had no idea I had so many muscles in the front of my legs that I never use otherwise. I felt that within the first 5 minutes of being on my skates! Oh... I hate squats... I thought that was pretty ironic... that's all we do for two hours is squat!! Well I guess I'll have to learn to like it. I love how 48 hours after practice it hurts the most. I have learned to laugh about that already, maybe because I'm used to pain? Although the pain in my hip (right where your leg bends in the front) I will never get used to. Every once in a while I move my wrist the wrong way (lesson learned) and the big ass bruise on my left hip is a little more sore than I'd like it to be. 

All this being said... I didn't once ask myself "is it worth it?" But if I did, the answer would be "yes!". Getting a two hour workout once a week, skating on my own time, helping with the games (for now), watching (soon to be playing) games and scrimmages, being part of a team, and meeting a group of... from what I can see... talented, energetic, caring, fun, and all around great girls that I can see being my friends. Ya, I'd say it's all worth it.