Assessments: How close am I?

URGE was in the Easley Christmas parade December 1st!  We brought our kids and many of us skated.  It was so much fun!

Well, it's been a while, but don't worry.  I'm still skating!  Over the past few weeks I have gotten a lot more comfortable and excited to be at derby, like I was in late summer, and have gotten a lot more comfortable with certain hang-ups of mine such as hitting.

First of all, I have been meaning to announce for anyone who is wondering that the Triple Eight Bumsaver WORKS.  I would recommend it to anyone who is somewhat new and doesn't want to risk a tailbone setback like the one I had.  I was withholding my opinion until I truly fell on it, but now I've fallen on the tailbone pads a couple of times and everything was fine!  It is a bit annoying to put that extra layer on, but I'm going to keep wearing it until I'm better at falling forward.

Last night at practice I got to go through the assessments list with two amazing veteran skaters, Raven Maniac and Full Metal Arsonist.  I think I am closer than I thought to passing!  Here are the WFTDA minimum skills requirements.  I can do all the basics, although there are a couple of things I need to work on, and we got through some of section four, skating with others before we ran out of time.  I can do all the whips now without falling over, and no longer panic when pushed.  Excited to finally pass assessments soon!

It was fun working with Raven and Arson.  Raven is our new team captain, by the way!  She is fabulous and has always encouraged me to go just a little bit further than I thought I could.  Being on a team with ladies like these is one of my favorite things about derby.

At the end of practice last night I tried for my 25 in 5.  Last time I was over by about 15 seconds, skating with several other fresh meat skaters, so this time I skated with Arson leading to set the pace.  5:02.  Sigh.  I had it in exactly 5:00 over the summer and I know I can get it again!  I was told I needed to pick it up a little, and I did try, but after a practice like the one we'd had, my left thigh was burning after about lap 10.  Looks like I need to get back to running and do some squats while watching TV to help with my derby position.  Next time!