Eleanor Splicer Derby Girl

Work-out DVD & Not Skating

2012-03-03T19:01:00.001-08:00

So I have done the Jillian Michales 30 day shred DVD about 5 times, not all the days, but most of them. I really am liking it. It's only 20 minutes, but you feel like you got a great work-out. I hated the hour long ones, because I cannot keep up. I also like that she has 3 levels, which I like. So I have weighed myself and I now weigh 174.2. That's not too bad. That's about 6 lbs I have lost. I am sure it goes up and down too around this number by a few pounds. I am hoping to get myself more in shape and loose some inches than anything else.

I also still have not skated since I tried a few months ago. I know I should keep practicing, but I just don't have the time. I would love to. I know the more I get on my skates the more comfortable I will get and the better I will feel. I think once I get comfortable I can do things like crossovers and picking up speed.

I am going to try to be better about things. I do want to play roller derby I think I need it.

Trying something new

2012-02-27T01:01:00.000-08:00

Since I have fallen off the wagon with the challenge I am still trying to eat healthily and try to workout everyday. I bought Billy Blanks cardio explosion DVD, because he does kickboxing and I have been wanting to get back into that. Well I tried it and after about 15 minutes I couldn't do anymore. It was too intense for me. I know the moves, but it was a t level higher than me. There was no modifications mentioned and I wish there was something for those of us who were not up to his level.

A friend of mine who just had a baby a few weeks ago told me about Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. She lost 13 lbs and that's really good, though she is more active than I am. So I bought it and did it for the first time tonight. I like her system. She has 3 levels and even at level one has modifications for those of us who need it. I know it will be awhile until I can move up in the level, but still nice that I felt like I could do the 20 minute work out. I have trouble doing workouts daily because it's usually late at night when I am able to do them and only if Mike is not here. I don't feel comfortable doing them with him around. It's more I am afraid of having him telling me I am not doing it right.

I was looking around her website and I saw that she has a kickboxing DVD coming out next month. I had to buy it because I like her system after one try and I think I would enjoy it.

I'm Sorry

2012-02-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the lack of posts. After two weeks I fell off the wagon. We are on week four of the challenge. I haven't been following either the workout plan or diet plan. A lot of stress and stupid stuff has come up lately that just makes me get lazy and not do anything active. Which really isn't good. It's part of the reason I have been gaining weight rather than loosing it. I'm about 177 lbs right now. Which is okay, but I want to be down to 150. I know that I am a bored and stressful eater. I need to change that, but it's hard for me. I also feel like I stay inside so much that I don't have the chance to do anything to help myself.

I did buy one of those tae boa dvds, I loved cardio kickboxing in college and can never find a class near by to take. So I figured the DVD was the next best thing. I really need to just not be so lazy and so at least 30 minutes a day.

I also haven't skates since I took my skates for a test run a few weeks ago. I just felt slightly defeated that I was so rusty and awkward on them. I want to get comfortable on them and the fact that I'm not is really discouraging. I don't have the time to do lots of training and getting use to them.

I also was hoping this challenge would get me in shape for Viva Las Vegas. I have bought some of those shapers/spanxs to help with problem areas, but I want to feel good about my body again and it's hard when I don't do anything to help make the change.

RDWC Week Two Homework

2012-02-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

1. When is your next bout? Who do you play?

I don't play, but since I got to AZDD bouts their next bout is Feb 18th

2. Who is your derby crush? Who do you look up to and want to skate like?

I don't really have a derby crush, but I do look up to Suzy Hotrob. I am sure that a lot of women say that, but I do because I didn't skate much or well as a girl and I've heard that she first joined without knowing how to skate and that inspires me that I can one day learn how to skate in order to play. Maybe not up to her level, but enough to play.

3. What music did you blast in your dance off workout?

Oh geez, well I would typically blast rockabilly or punk music, but sometimes that doesn't help me so I put on top 40 radio stations to help me want to workout, but also not distract me.

4. What is your one big derby goal this season?

Since I am not playing I would say to get into better shape and keep it off.

5. Post your Favorite Roller Derby Photo

Okay so it's not really a roller deryb picture, but it is one that inspires me.

RDWC Week One Day Six

2012-02-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Today's Workout:
Roller Derby Workout Video

To add to it I finally did some skating. Well not much better than skating in my kitchen, but more room. Next door at my aunts she has a garage, no not everyone out here in hillbilly hell has a garage. I decided to at least try to see how I am on skates. Well, I am very awkward on them. I tried to remember to keep my stance low. I did fall once, which I landed on my knee, good thing for knee pads. I did loose my balance, but I always seem to fight to keep myself on my wheels.

Today I ate:

Breakfast- whole wheat toast with butter and a fruit smoothie
Lunch- spring salad mix, baked breaded chicken strip, grape tomatoes, shredded cheese and caesar dressing
Dinner- 3 chicken fajitas with shredded cheese and picanti sauce with a Coke
Snacks- 3/4 of a cup of pineapple tiblits, turkey & swiss sandwich on whole wheat bread with mustard, handful of M&M Peanut Butter

Totals	2,137	239	78	124	92
Daily Goal	1,669	229	55	62	33
Remaining	-468	-10	-23	-62	-59
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar

*You've earned 309 extra calories from exercise today

Yeah so as you can see according to myfitnesspal I over ate in all these categories. The upside is that I haven't been feeling hungry 15 minutes after I have eaten. The one thing I need to figure out is to know when I really need to eat and when I should not. I decided to help I would limit myself to one Coke a day if I drink none then good for me. I think stopping eating anything with added sugar is the reason why my body has felt all weird. Not too bad. Though I am thinking about getting multi vitamins to take daily again. I took them when I was pregnant and I know you're suppose to keep taking them to make sure you're getting enough.

One last thing not RDWC related. So I got a decal with my derby name. I haven't put it on my helmet because I don't want to have it on there and when I do try out getting... harassed for having it on, when I'm not an official derby girl yet. So should I put it on my helmet? If not I am going to put it on one of my water bottles.

Finally Did Some Skating

2012-02-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

I finally did some skating. Well not much better than skating in my kitchen, but more room. Next door at my aunt's she has a garage, no not everyone out here in hillbilly hell has a garage. I decided to at least try to see how I am on skates. Well, I am very awkward on them. I tried to remember to keep my stance low. I did fall once, which I landed on my knee, good thing for knee pads. I did loose my balance, but I always seem to fight to keep myself on my wheels. If I did loose my balance it was because my wheels hit a small pebble and I should have made sure there was nothing I could trip over.

Also my left foot was hurting. I am not sure if it was from doing the workout earlier, or if because I was skating in small circles my left foot tends to be my outside foot that I was putting more pressure on it. That and after a while my back hurt as well, but probably because I looked like a little old lady hunched over on skates.

This made me realize I have a long way to come to just be able to skate before I am ready for derby. I do have a few skate rinks here and a few of them do lessons. This one sounds good, but it's over an hour away and I'm afraid that these classes will have more children than adults in them. So I don't want to be the only adult doing these lessons.

I try to watch as much derby as I can. I am jealous of how easy these girls seem to skate. I know not all of them came into derby being able to skate that good. I just don't know what I can do to improve other that practice. I don't know any derby girls personally and I don't know how else to learn other than my own. It's not getting me down just making me worry that eventually I could give up because I just don't know how to skate at a decent level.

So maybe skating some more in the garage and then upgrade to the park might be the best for me.

RDWC Week One Day Five

2012-02-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

So this is for yesterday, Thursday. I wasn't able to post about it so I'm doing it today.

Much better day. I didn't eat out anywhere and I tried to eat as healthy as I could. I didn't mark this down because I don't remember what time it was, but I did have half a coke and calf on of those fruit pies. Yeah, while the coke tasted good the pie did not so hence why I only had half.

The Workout:

Derby practice or 10 sets of 1 min of jumping jacks, 30 sec rest, 10 push up and 30 sec rest. I did okay with it. slightly tired, but not too bad.

I ate: Yeah I slept in late so no lunch technically.

Breakfast	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar
Generic - Grapes - Green Small, 0.5 cup (about 25 grapes)	30	8	0	1	8
Thomas - Cinnamon Rasin English Muffin, 1 muffin	140	29	1	4	8
Glaceau - Vitamin Water Energy Tropical Citrus, 8 fl oz	50	13	0	0	13
Add Food Quick Tools	220	50	1	5	29
Lunch
Add Food Quick Tools
Dinner
Gorton's - Grilled Talapia - Classic Blend of Herbs & Spices, 1 fillet (89 g)	80	2	3	15	0
Fresh Brussel Sprouts - Steamed Brussel Sprouts, 6 sprouts (85g)	35	8	0	3	2
Dole - Spring Mix Salad, 3 oz (85g/about 1-1.5 cups)	20	3	0	2	0
Generic - Grape Tomatoes, 1 oz (85g) 12	8	2	0	0	1
Home-Cooked - Breaded Baked Chicken Strips, 1 strips	122	16	3	12	0
Add Food Quick Tools	265	31	6	32	3
Snacks
Yoplait - Greek 2x Protein Strawberry Yogurt, 6 oz	160	25	0	14	20
Frigo Cheese Heads - Mozzarella String Cheese, 2 Cheese	160	2	12	12	0
Tyson - Fajita Chicken Breast Strips, 3 oz. (84g)	110	3	3	19	0
Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese - *Colby & Monterey Jack 2% Milk , 0.0500000007450581 cup (28 g)	16	0	1	1	0
Mission - Flour Tortillia, 72 g/ 1 tortilla	220	36	5	6	2
Add Food Quick Tools

Totals	1,151	147	28	80	54
Daily Goal	1,474	202	48	55	29
Remaining	323	55	20	-34	-25
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar

*You've earned 114 extra calories from exercise today

I felt:

Much better about everything.

RDWC Week One Day Four

2012-02-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

So this update is a day late and won't be as long as the others. Yesterday was a pretty trying day for me. I had to get up early to take my polygraph exam for my internship and then found out that the background investigator and others decided to not have me continue on, which means no internship for me. Which really bummed me out so I did not eat too healthy because of that. I did resist the urge to drink like 5 cokes and the peanut butter M&M's that I have in my room. I still did go a bit overboard with some of my eating habits. So here's my total and I'll update about today later one.

Totals	1671	170	73	89	79
Daily Goals	1360	187	45	51	27
Remaining	-311	17	-28	-38	-57
	Calories	Carbs	Fats	Protein	Sugar

RDWC Week One Day 3

2012-01-31T22:24:00.000-08:00

So my eating habits are getting better, but still not doing too good. I still eat if I am hungry. Last night after midnight I was still up and I had an english muffin and a turkey and swiss sandwich. Probably not the best idea, but I was feeling hungry.

So today has been a... not a bad day, but just not the best of days. Last night I had my skates on while in the kitchen. I do this while my son is sleeping. I heard him cry so I kept the skates on to go see what he needed, got him a refill on his bottle. As I was coming back to give it to him I lost my balance and fell. I ended up hitting the back of my head on the flood, that just so happen did not have carpet on it. I have a small bump on the back of my head and it hurt for the rest of the night and part of this morning. I also hurt my ass, it's sore, but nothing bruised or broken. Well I guess I better be wearing my helmet when I have my skates on. I had no protection gear on. Lesson learned.

Also, I feel completely lost in my stats class, I missed last class due to my background interview for my internship taking longer than expected. I have to pass this class for my degree and I want to do good on it. So I have to go over the part I missed, I do have the lecture slides and read the text, which is very complexed.

Last thing and then I will go over today's meals, exercise and totals. I meet up with my best friend for lunch. I originally told him to meet up at Pei Wei, which is decently healthy and probably a good lunch option. Well when I got to class before we were to meet I realized that I wasn't in the mood for Asian food and changed it to an Irish pub that I love. So I did not eat healthy for lunch, but the food has kept me full for several hours.

Today I ate:

Breakfast:
1/2 a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter

Lunch:
Cornbeef sandwich with fries and a 3 glasses of Coke

Dinner:
breaded bake chicken with a sweet potato and steamed broccoli

Snack:
2 cokes
3 string cheese
turkey sandwich
english muffin with butter

Totals	1,525	249	45	50	60
Daily Goal	1,545	212	51	57	31
Remaining	20	-37	6	17	-29
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	protein	sugar

*You've earned 185 extra calories from exercise today

So not a good day, but still working it all out.
Today's Workout:

30 minutes of dancing... or other cardio if you don't dance. I wasn't sure if I was going to dance or not today, but after today I decided I should go ahead and do it. I use to do this in my room when I was a teenager. It's pretty fun except I listen to music that is hard to dance to. I listen to rockabilly, punk, irish folk and other alternative music. So I opened Pandroa Radio and found a top hits station that had better dancing music. Not my favorite kind of music, but it's easy to dance to if you just go with the music and ignore the crappy lyrics. A few of the song I danced with my kettle weight to add some weight to the arms.

Today I feel:

Well I started off feeling crappy after hitting my head, but as the day has progress I feel pretty good... well I am also sore in the abs, tights and calves after doing the workout DVD last night. It's not that bad of a soreness though. It's only annoying if I sit for too long and then get up and try to walk.

So an update on my weight. I stated that I thought I was 160 lbs, but that was a guess due to what I weight the last time I was on a scale, which was about a year ago. I bought a scale today so I could be able to weight myself weekly. Boy, was I way off and this is sort of an eye opener for me. I weight 181 lbs. That's the most I have EVER weighed. I check the BMI and I have a few points shy of being obese. This is not good, especially since diabetes runs in my family and my aunt passed away of a heart attack in November. So I have to make changes so later in life I am not faced with this issues.

RDWC Week One Day Two

2012-01-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

I am not going to post my stats everyday. Maybe once a week, every other week or at the midway point. I haven't decided yet. Today I woke up in no pain and was feeling pretty good as well. I actually ate a lot of food today too. Usually that is not the case and that is one of my goals that I have for this challenge.

So my food today was:

Breakfast:
1 Whole Cinnamon Rasbin English Muffin
About 1 cup of green grapes

Snack:
1 String cheese
1 poptart frosted strawberry
a handful of veggies
A tropical fruit vitamin water

Lunch:
1 portion of Chicken Alfredo
1 can of Coke

Dinner:
1 fillet of grilled salmon
1 cup of steamed broccoli with butter salt and pepper
1 small helping of spring salad mix with grilled chicken and Caesar salad dressing
1 dragon fruit vitamin water

where's my total on food... I still need to cut my carbs and sugar.

Totals	1,211	210	22	54	115
Daily Goals	1,774	243	58	66	35
Remaining	563	33	36	12	-80
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar

*You've earned 414 extra calories from exercise today

So before I entered my workout I was in the negative for carbs, protein and sugar.
The workout:

Today's workout is to do the Roller Derby Workout Video or 20 squats, 30 second plank, 20 lunges on both right an left, 45 second plank and 20 push-ups for 5 reps. I have the DVD, but was waiting on phone calls so I tried the workout for those without the DVD... well I did a few reps, and gave up. So I planned on after dinner doing the DVD.

So it's been a while since I have done the DVD and the last few times I did it I was wearing ankle weights. I can only find one so I just did it barefoot. There is a few things I cannot do. One is side plank. I use to take yoga and I am not sure if I was able to do it back then or what. I also cannot touch my toes or do the splits. I have very tight hamstrings and I have never been able to loosen them up. Other than that I did okay with the DVD. Well expect on the last thing, the round the skates, my son thought it be funny to crawl between my legs as I was trying to do it. So I wasn't doing it right. I also in the future never could do it without my son thinking I am a tunnel.

How I am feeling:

I'm feeling pretty good. I know it's going to get hard, then easier with time. I also have felt hungry even though I had just eaten. I have a decent dinner and right afterwards I felt like I was still hungry even though I was feeling full.

So yeah for completing day two!!!

RDWC Week One Day One

2012-01-29T22:16:00.000-08:00

So today is the first day of the Roller Derby Workout Challenge. I'm not sticking with the meal plan as it is. I am doing some of it, plus my own thing. I do plan on doing the workouts and the homework.

So here's my measurements starting out the challenge:
Height: 5'7"
Weight: Guessing around 160 lbs
Chest: 40"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 42"
Pants Size: Juniors 15

I ate today:
Breakfast: Strawberry, Banana and Peach smoothie with a slice of honey wheat toast and pb

Snack: Half a banana

Dinner: (I ate a late breakfast) hot dog x2 with garlic fries and spice cake

Snack #2: 2 string cheeses

Today's Workout:

1 minute of jumping jacks

30 seconds rest 

10 pushups 

30 seconds rest 

Repeat 5 times

How I am Feeling:

Moderately out of shape, but looking forward to getting better

So today wasn't too bad. I did note that my knees and ankles hurt while doing the jumping jacks. One thing I think was the cause was I wasn't wearing shoes when I was doing my workout. My sneakers are outside because I stepped in dog poop and I didn't feel like standing in the cold trying to clean them. So next time I need to have my shoes on. 

Week One Homework

2012-01-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

So I don't think I'll be posting the workout plan or the meal plan on here since I may change it up a bit, but I may do weekly or daily updates and tell you what was required and what I did. I will be posting the homework and my answers for it. I will post them on here, but am required to do a note on FB to be able to win the prize. It's a $100 gift certificate to Wicked Skatewear. I've never ordered from them, but they do have a nice site and items.

So here's the homework assignment and information and then I'll post my answers to it.

We are so excited to announce that this year's prize is a $100 gift certificate to Wicked Skatewear. Who doesn't want to have a blocking/jamming machine for a body? Who doesn't want free swag from Wicked? Now you have some motivation.

How to Win
-Each week we will post homework questions.
-You answer the questions.
-You post your answers in a Facebook Note*
-You tag Roller Derby Workout in your Note.
-At the end of the challenge we take all of the girls who have completed the 8 weeks of homework and draw a name out of a skate.
-Someone wins and gets awesome stuff!

* See the photo below for the Notes tab on your Facebook homepage. Drop that down and click My Notes. Then post away! If you have questions fellow challengers or I can walk you through it so ask away!

<3
GoGo

Questions:

1. What is your derby name and how did you come up with it?

2. What leage do you skate for?

3. What do you think is going to be the hardest thing about this 8-week challenge?

4. What will you buy if you win the Wicked Skatewear gift certificate?

5. Post a picture with your note. This can be a before picture or something that will inspire you!

My Answers:

1. What is your derby name and how did you come up with it?
My derby name is Eleanor Splicer. I had played around with derby names for a while. I use the name Fallen, Fallen Bettie, or Fallen Murphy online as my user name, but I wanted a new identity for roller derby. I am not a big gamer, but I LOVE the game called Bioshock. It is a game where you are in an underwater city that something has gone wrong. It was built as a Utopian society away from current governments, it takes place in 1960. Splicers are the people who live there, they use to be normal people, but after over using plasmas, which would give you the ability to freeze things, telekinetic abilities and others they went mad. The Eleanor names comes from the second game, where a girl name Eleanor Lamb is in search for her Big Daddy. Now it's not what you are thinking. It's a person is what looks like a huge diving suit who's job is to protect little sisters. Little sisters are girls who go around the underwater city collecting this substance called ADAM from dead bodies. Eleanor was a normal little girl, but when her mom was arrested she become a little sister.

So that's the basic of the games and where my name comes from.

2. What league do you skate with?
I currently do not skate for a league, I am just relearning how to roller skate. When I do try out I hope to be apart of the Arizona Derby Dames

3. What do you think is going to be the hardest thing about the 8 week challenge?
There are actually a few things I think that are going to be hard. Number one is eating enough each day. I don't typically eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. I don't have a set schedule each day. I do need to eat more though. Number 2 is sugar mostly soda. I love soda and I have tried to give it up, lessen what I drink, but I still get some bad caffeine withdrawals and nothing can replace the taste of soda. And lastly number 3 is finding time to do the exercises. As a busy mom I rather have time to do most things I want or need. So trying to fit it all in is going to be hard.

4. What will you buy if you win the Wicked Skatewear gift certificate?
Now I have to control myself here. Though I think I would buy some fishnets and socks like the knee high striped ones or zombie ones. The No Mercy book. And probably a few shirts.

5. Post a picture. My Before picture. On my blog I will post better ones with my measurements.

RDWC 2012 Intro

2012-01-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

So I did a little video on my thoughts and what I hope to get out of the roller derby workout challenge.

AZDD Bout 3 & 4

2012-01-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Schoolyard Scrappers vs Brutal Beauties

Once a month Saturday in Phoenix is bout day for the Arizona Derby Dames. This is the time of the month I look forward to the most. As always the event is a double header with 4 of the 6 teams playing. The 6 teams are the Schoolyard Scrappers, the Runaway Brides, the Brutal Beauties, the Bombshells, the Coffin Draggers and the Hot Shots (the all-star team).

This month's bouts was the Schoolyard Scrappers vs the Brutal Beauties. Both these teams lost all their games for most of last season. So it was interesting to watch them this season and see who would win. Mike and I favorite team is the Coffin Draggers. We were blown away when we saw them for the first time last season so we always have to guess on which of the other teams we will be cheering for when they are not playing.

We eventually decided to root for the Schoolyard Scrappers. I can decide for myself, but sometimes we like the same things it's scary. So this bout had some AMAZING hits. I feel like every bout we go to the hits are harder and the actions is even more amazing. I know it sounds weird, but to me at least it seems true. We were doing some great sound effects with all the hard hits that were going on. And the lead changes were INSANE!!! As soon as one team was ahead by the next bout the other team would be in the lead. It was a great bout. The Scrappers come out on top, but I cannot remember the final score.

Bombshells vs Runaway Brides

The second bout was the Bombshells vs the Runaway Brides. Both teams have amazing jammers so it was going to be an interesting bout. The bombshells held the lead most of the bout. This bout just as many hard and amazing hits and something I've never seen in a bout myself... a fight during a jam. Two players got in a scuffle. We didn't see what happen all I know is I saw one play who looked like her skate was either held or tangled with another skater and then one skater being held back by her team. It took the refs a while to determine what to do. Even the announcers claimed it has been a while since an on the track fight had taken place. So this bout was just as exciting as the first one. By the last few jams the Runaway Brides had taken the lead and won the bout.
I was so impressed by both bouts and all the players last night. I was trying to pay attention a bit more because if I want to play I have to observe what I can and use that when I practice.

Ellie Mayhem

Speaking of which, I have yet to take my skates out. I know it's a crime, but I have been busy this last week. I did take off the toe covers because with them on I could not tighten my toe stops and I don't like that so I took them off. I think I will do without them for the time being and maybe use tape or something once I start practicing my falls and slides.

I also decided to keep my helmet. I tried it on a few more times and realized it's snug, but it's not too bad. I think when I first put it on I just slide it one and didn't have it sitting right nor was it snapped on. So after a few tries I decided to keep it.

crappy webcam picture of me wearing my helmet

Photo Credit: The three top images are all taken by Richard Kimbrough

Skates Pimped Out

2012-01-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here are my new skates with all the extras on. Those are the short stem gumball toe stops, outdoor wheels, which look orange even though they are suppose to be red, toe guards, and laces. They look pretty cool. I need to get some kind of insoles for them, because I can feel my arches hurting when I just skate in my kitchen to test everything out. I also need a better wrench for the nut on the toe stop. They are not very tight right now, because with the toe guards on I cannot get it to the nut. Need to go buy one... I think it's an inch I need, but not 100% sure.

Also, these new laces are much longer than the ones the skates came with. I am not sure how to deal with several inches of extra laces. I need them up so I don't trip over them, but with how snug my skates are I cannot stuff them into the skate like I use to do with skate shows to look cool.

New Skates and Gear

2012-01-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

So my gear was shipped to my house today. I am excited to get them. I tried everything on and the pads seem to fit and the skates fit snug I am sure just breaking them in and they will feel a little bit better. The helmet is too small, I was between two sizes and I wasn't 100% which one so I went with a medium, but it's too tight. It fits, but too snug and I know wearing it after 20 minutes I would get a headache. So I am going to exchange it.

I also have indoor and outdoor wheels. The skates came with the indoor wheels on and I put on the outdoor wheels without any trouble. Installing the wheels and bearings weren't too bad. I left the bearings in the wheels I took off, but does anyone have any suggestions on what I could put them in. I am assuming the leaving them in the wheels is not the proper thing to do.

I also got gumball toe stops and there was a separate tool from the utlitool that came with the package, but the wrench seems too big for the nut on my skates. So I haven't put those on yet, but plan on it. I want to go skating like tomorrow, but probably shouldn't until I put the toe stops on and get the proper fitting helmet.

I am hoping to use my aunt's garage next door to get my stance down and maybe some practice skating. Because standing on skates in my room and and moving two feet really isn't good to practice. I can stand on them, but I wasn't in a derby stance, just standing up straight. I hope to work out my balance/stance and possibly falling and cross overs just to see how I do. The biggest challenges are crossovers and falling.

Roller Derby Workout Challenge 2012

2012-01-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

So for those of you who thought I might had missed it or don't know what it is, the Roller Derby Workout Challenge is done by Go-Go from the Angle City Roller Derby and is in the workout DVD Roller Derby Workout. It was done so girls in roller derby or girls wanting to get in shape for roller derby had a workout that targeted the areas derby girls need in shape or help them look great in booty shorts.

There aren't too many details up on the FaceBook group, but on January 22nd details will be posted and the challenge will start on January 29th. It's an 8 week challenge to not loose weight, but some girls do, but to get strong for derby. I don't know what else to tell you other than there will be prizes again this year, which is always a nice incentive to join. Here's the link to the FaceBook Group.

The challenge won't be just the workout DVD, but it will show up so here's the link to where you can get the dvd http://www.rollerderbyworkout.com

I plan on doing the challenge this year. I wanted to do it last year, but I found out about it a week or two late. I forgot to check to see if another one was going to start up until I was listening to Derby Deeds podcast and someone mentioned in the show. So when I got home I did a search for it on FaceBook and found it. I was glad to see that I was early in finding it rather than late. So look forward to me doing the challenge and hopefully sticking with it.

Reflections on Books

2012-01-14T19:54:00.000-08:00

I think I will try this out, but it won't be permeant since, there are not too many books out there on roller derby. I actually have a book blog where I review the books I am reading. Last year and this year I had a goal to read 50 books. Last year I read a total of 3 books on roller derby and read a total of 49 books. That is good for me since I am pretty sure that my combine number of non-textbook reading the last... 8 years as been well under that.

I am currently reading Down and Derby The Insider's Guide to Roller Derby by Jennifer "Kasey Bomber" Barbee and Alex "Axis of Evil" Cohen. I have read RollerGirl and I forgot a lot of what was in the book other than the history of the sport. I hope to post my reflections on the chapters, or certain ones that speak to me on my journey into roller derby. So far I am still on the history of roller derby in the book and while I know the story already I still think it's interesting the many rises and falls the sport has taken and how it has change in what it has become in the last several years.

AZDD Try-outs

2012-01-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

I just got onto facebook and saw this event posted...

Updated Image where you can read the small print

I cannot seem to find the actual image so the fine print is hard to read. So here's what they have on their website about try-outs.

So you want to skate for the Arizona Derby Dames all girl banked track roller derby league?

WHEN ARE TRY OUTS HELD?

Arizona Derby Dames hold try outs at least twice a year. Watch this website as well as our Facebook (www.facebook.com/arizonaderbydames) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/azderbydames) page for word when try out dates are set.

WHO CAN BE AN ARIZONA DERBY DAME?

Women must be 18 or older to skate with the Arizona Derby Dames. We do accept skaters who have left other Phoenix area roller derby leagues. If you have skated with another roller derby league in another city and have relocated to Phoenix, we'd love to see you at try outs.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT TRY OUTS?

For try outs, bring a $10 application fee, water and your identification. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes - something you'd be comfortable skating in or that you'd wear to work out (sweats, shorts, t-shirts). We will have helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards for you to borrow. (We don't recommend that you purchase skates or safety gear before trying out so that you don't waste money on gear that's too expensive, that's not high enough quality or that's not recommended for our style of skating or skating surfaces.) You will be asked to fill out an information sheet and will be interviewed by Arizona Derby Dames trainers, captains or managers and you will have a chance to ask them any questions you have about roller derby or the Arizona Derby Dames league.

Also, we'll want to take a look at your current skating skills. You don’t have to be game-ready! We are looking for basic skating ability on a rink and the potential to train and teach you for the banked track. We just want to see if you can move forward steadily on your skates, if you can slow down or stop using your wheels or toe stops, if you can follow instructions, if you aren't afraid to fall if we show you how to do it properly. Also, keep in mind that commitment, enthusiasm, a positive attitude and personality are even more important to the Arizona Derby Dames during the try outs than the current level of your skating skills.

Our try outs are closed so that women don't feel the added pressure of an audience - so no spectators! Friends or family you bring with you will not be allowed in the venue during try outs.

YOU MADE IT! WHAT NEXT?

Once you get the phone call that you made it, you are officially Arizona Derby Dames "Fresh Meat." There is a one-time $60 "Fresh Meat" joining fee and a $60 monthly fresh meat membership fee or dues (both on and off season - it's a membership fee, not a practice fee).

Expect to invest a minimum of $350 for your gear, including your skates, indoor wheels, outdoor wheels, helmet, kneepads, elbow pads, wrist guards, mouth guard and eventually your team uniform. Once you are Fresh Meat, Arizona Derby Dames will help you learn what the recommended brands of gear are, where to find the best prices and where members of the Arizona Derby Dames receive discounts.

As Fresh Meat, you will go through four to five months of training. Plan on attending a minimum of one Fresh Meat practice and one League practice per week during your four to five months of training. At the end of the training period weeks, you will take a skills test designed to make sure you can compete safely in Arizona Derby Dames bouts. Not only is your safety important to us, but also we want to make you are safe for other Derby Dames to skate with. You will then be drafted to one of our five teams: The Coffin Draggers, The Bombshells, The Brutal Beauties, The Schoolyard Scrappers or The Runaway Brides. Once you are on a team, plan on attending a minimum of one team practice per week and one league practice per week.

Our practice facility is located in Phoenix, near our bouting venue, the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Practices are open to league members only. Our closed practices policy means family and friends are not allowed in the venue during practices. Again no spectators!

Your Fresh Meat period will be a chance for you to get to know the Arizona Derby Dames and for us to get to know you. We want to make sure we are a good fit for each other. Besides participating in a designated minimum number of practices, you will be expected to participate in Arizona Derby Dames meetings, promotional events and appearances, and help with production jobs at Arizona Derby Dames bouts - all with a smile on your face (remember what we said above - attitude is more important than skating skills!) Our Fresh Meat are an important part of our league and we couldn't do it without you!

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Rowdy Roulette at membership@arizonaderbydames.com.

Sounds decent, if I work on skating and being able to stop and possibly falling... maybe just the knee slides. Anyway, the other thing holding me back is health insurance. Still don't have any, still cannot afford it.... I already talked to one of the girls about it and they said it's possible to play without it, but didn't recommend it, which I understand. So this is a BIG maybe...

Still Waiting

2012-01-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned I bought my rookie package. I hoped to have it by now, but yesterday when I got home from school I had an e-mail from Maxxi from Sin City Skates letting me know that the helmets that came with the package were part of the recall and gave me options of helmets and the color available free of charge. While I am bummed that I don't have them yet, I am glad that they let me know about the helmet and let me choice what I would want instead. So instead of a rubber black helmet I will have the red/black fade helmet. So I think by Monday or Tuesday I will have my skates. I also ordered gumball toe stops and red and black plaid skate laces. Yes, I like red and black, even though that may not be the team colors of my favorite team I still love the colors. Oh and they are going to combine both orders into one package, which is also very nice of them.

I had it go through UPS, because I live out in the sticks and even though what we call our drive way is actually a street the mailperson/s refuse to deliver any package that doesn't fit in the mailbox to the house. They either leave it next to the mailbox, which is scary since you never know if someone would just take it, or they leave a slip apologizing for "missing" us at home and to pick up our package at the post office.

So as much as I hate waiting I will since good things are sometimes worth the wait.

Derby Gear

2012-01-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

So I FINALLY ordered my gear to start practicing skating and getting ready for roller derby. I decided it was time finally buy my gear. I bought R3 skates with red outdoor wheels and read indoor wheels, black rubber helmet, pads, comes with a skate tool, bearing cream and mouthguard. I was debating whether to get gumball toe stops since I was reading that the ones that comes with skates are not very good. I haven't bought them yet, but I will once I make sure the skates fit and everything.

I hate not being able to try them on, but there's not skate shop here. You have to go down a 1.5 to 2 sizes from your normal street shoes. This scares me because I have to be comfortable in the skates and I'm not 100% sure that two sizes smaller will feel comfortable, but I trust they will be...

I found this on tumblr and thought I'd share http://vimeo.com/dominicparisi/derby

Triple 8 Helmet Recall

2012-01-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share this, I saw this all over skater's facebook pages and figured it was worth sharing. I looks like only certain helmets are being recalled, but I will give you the link to the story incase you have one of the recalled helmets you can find out what you need to do or if your helmet is going to be recalled. It's very important that you check because your helmet is one of the more important things you wear when you skate.

LINK

Roller Derby Shirt Club

2012-01-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

I found this on tumblr, yes I have an account there, but I barely post, mostly just look at stuff on there. Anyway I saw someone mention this. I LOVE the idea, but it is a bit expensive. It's called the Roller Derby Shirt Club. So every month you subscribe you get a derby shirt, more than likely from a league. Sounds cool, but $75 for 6 months sounds a lot. Yes, that's like $12 a month, which isn't too bad since that's what the shirts usually cost. For a year subscription it's $145 and you get 13 shirts because in December it's suppose to give you a bonus shirt. Also you can get other derby stuff from companies.

So if you are interested here's the LINK

Derby Weekend: World Cup & AZDD

2011-12-05T00:27:00.001-08:00

Suzy Hotrod

So this week was crazy for roller derby fans. The first ever roller derby cup took place and so many people were pissed off because the stream of the event was very bad. I tried to watch what I could and I think Friday I had no issue watching, but today... boy a lot of people were pissed. I don't have the best internet, but I have never had this much of an issue watching a live stream. I know a lot of fans were upset that Blood and Thunder knew this would be a big events and people wanted to watch. I am not sure what the deal was other then constantly being told that more people were viewing than they expected.

So since I missed the final bout between USA vs Canada I am going to give you the list of rankings for the World Cup.
1) USA
2) Canada
3) England
4) Australia
5) Sweden
6) France
7) Ireland
8) Germany
9) New Zealand
10) Finland
11) Brazil
12) Argentina
13) Scotland

So next is my favorite league here in Arizona that we always go and see, The Arizona Derby Dames. It was their season opener with four of the five teams playing. Now due to babysitter issues we were roughly 10 minutes late, but it was made up for us when the guy told me that I could go without paying to park because he had no change. This never happens, but I had no issue with that.

The first bout was the Runaway Brides vs the Brutal Beauties. Last season the Brides were the runner-ups for the league championships and the Beauties struggled to win a bout. It was fun to watch, especially some of the new players this season. The final score was Brides 163 Beauties 117. The second was the Coffin Draggers vs the Bombshells. I cannot remember the score, but our team the Coffin Draggers won.

Oh and check out this link http://www.richardkimbroughphotography.com/ it is the guy who takes all of the amazing derby photos like the one below.

Photo Credit: Richard Kimbrough

Videos

2011-11-29T19:28:00.001-08:00

I decided to try to do some videos for my new adventure. They are not that best,but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. So watch them and let me know what you think.

Treating sore Calves

2011-11-27T20:27:00.001-08:00

I am not sure if this is just an issue I have after working out, or if other derby girls have the same issue is sore calves. Mine usually are sore after I am working (I walk a lot) or if I do get some exercise. I decided to look on-line to see what some ways I could help with the pain. Some of these I knew others surprised me.

What can you do to lessen soreness and pain?
There are some things that you can do that will lessen the length of time that you feel pain and the amount of soreness caused by long runs. Here are some things that will most likely help:
1) Manage your distance – Increasing distance slowly and allowing enough time for recovery between runs will give the body more of a chance to recover, which will lessen the pain after longer runs.
2) Ice baths – many of my runners swear by a good ice bath and feel that they are both less sore and sore for less time if they get their legs into cold water after a long run. What I normally do is fill the tub half-way up with cold water and then drop a bucket of ice in it. Put a sweat-shirt on (or wrap your top half in a blanket) and drop yourself into the water. The first minute is the worst thing you’ll ever feel, but after that it gets better. Stay in the water for 10-12 minutes. This should help your legs feel a lot better.
3) Stretching – don’t forget to stretch out immediately after a run. Sometimes runners seem to forget to stretch after their long runs, as they’re busy looking for food, dry clothes, and a bed to nap in. In addition to stretching right after a run, stretching again an hour, or a few hours later, often helps with tightness as well. Be careful not to overstretch muscles after long runs. Your muscles will be quite pliable after a long run and you can easily damage them.
4) Professional stretching – there are some practitioners out there that offer services like “advanced isolated stretching” which can really help after long runs. I first tried AIS after an Ironman (both right after and the next day) and it really seemed to help. In AIS (or similar services), a person will help stretch out particular trouble spots to realign the muscle fibers, thus speeding your recovery.
5) Sport massage – Sports massage may help loosen the muscles. However, most people would advise not to have a rigorous massage on the quads and leg muscles within 24 hours of completing a marathon.
6) Walking and light activity – Dropping yourself onto the couch or a bed right after you get out of the showers will most likely tighten you up and make the stiffness worse. I try to stay active in the afternoon after a long effort, which seems to help keep me from tightening up.
7) Drinking lots of water – One effective tool in speeding your recovery and keeping yourself from post-run pain is to drink plenty of water. Hydrating well after a run helps flush out toxins that are building up in the muscles as repair work is underway. Drink 32 ounces of water or sport drink in the first half-hour after finshing a long run, then keep the fluid coming for the next few hours. You should also try to get in about 15G of protein in the first half-hour of the run to help your recovery.

Taken from: Running Advice

First Team USA Practice Video

2011-11-27T20:11:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share this video that seems to be floating around today.

Team USA Roller Derby Practice #1 from Todd Bradley on Vimeo.

“On November 14, 2011, the skaters and coaches of Team USA Roller Derby assembled for the first time as a team. The afternoon started with a team meeting and private practice. Then there was a public Stars and Stripes fundraiser scrimmage. Afterward, the players met with fans, signed Team USA memorabilia, and reflected on the events of the day.

Team USA Roller Derby will travel to Toronto to compete in the first ever Roller Derby World Cup in December 2011. You can learn more about the team on their Facebook page.”

Video By Todd Bradley

Go Team USA!!!

Exercise: Week One Day One

2011-11-27T16:08:00.001-08:00

Today I figured was good as any to start exercising regularly. As you can see on the side bar I have my exercise log from logyourrun.com. It's a pretty cool site there you can log your exercise information and even trace your route. Yes you can add other exercises that are not run or walk. So when I do my cardio or weight training I can put that in without a problem. I am not sure of any of the other websites out there that does this, but I am sure there are others might work better. So let me know if you use another website that you use that you like.

This is part of my route

I found this podcast on itunes called couch to 5k by hns, but it's a 9 week program. If you google search for this program there are a lot out there. This one is from the UK and you get this nice British woman couching you along and this coldplay like music and techno music. Not my favorite genres, but they are not distracting. If I was running/walking with my usual music I would be distracted and singing a long. So it works.

What this program does is get you to walk and run alternating for about 30 minutes. It starts off with a 5 minute brisk walk, and then alternates between a 60 second run/jog and 90 second walk. Then another 5 minute walk. I think you are running for 8 minutes total.

So I actually was out longer because I was having trouble finding the podcast on my ipod shuffle. My classic is having issues and the shuffle is easier to use when exercising. I miss not having a screen to find my music. I think I walked just a few minutes when I finally got it started.

My Shadow looks funny

I did start out already sore. My calves are sore and I think it's from all the walking I do at work and not stretching. Yes, I know I should always stretch, but at work it's more like a simple walk and when I exercise I just want to get out there and go. Even with the sore calves I did good.

I did like the intervals they have, you are given enough time to walk to recover and long enough to run so by the end of the program you feel like you did a decent amount of work. Most things I have done either left me with either not feeling like I did anything good or I was too out of shape.

I didn't feel at all out of shape or that I couldn't finish the run. It left me feeling good about what I did and to keep it up. This one is suppose to be done 3 times in week one. So now I have to find two more days I can fit this in. Hopefully that won't be an issue, but you never know.

At the end they suggest you drink water and eat a light snack like a banana. I guess with growing up in Arizona I tend to already drink water throughout my route. I won't workout without having water with me. It's a habit and I know that you don't want to drink too much water.

So it was a success and I hope to keep it up. Let me know if you are starting to work out to get in shape for derby.

Also wanted to add that I have looked into SparkPeople and joined on there to hopefully get both my fitness and nutrition in check. I know I am not eating enough per day. Feel free to add me as a friend just look for eleanorsplicer on there because I cannot find the link to put up.My Account and let me know that you read my blog.

New Look

2011-11-26T19:02:00.001-08:00

I didn't realize that my blog design and look was completely off. I thought my banner was the right size, but I guess not. So I have decided to update the blog's design a bit. Yes, that is Rosie the Riveter done up for roller derby. I love this image and I am sure there are lots of variations of her name already taken, but she still looks badass.

I resized the banner and change the font so it is easier to read. Let me know what you think! I am not good with graphics and used a simple photo editing website to make the banner. So I hope you like it better and that it will inspire you to come back more often as I hope to post more.

Thanks!!!

Roller Derby World Cup

2011-11-26T18:10:00.001-08:00

Next weekend is the event derby fans all over the world have been waiting for... the first ever Roller Derby World Cup. I unfortunately will not get to watch all of it due to work and watching our local league's bouts, but I will watch the best I can.

The cup seems to be similar to the Soccer World Cup, so if you have watch those you will be slightly familiar with the groupings and so forth. I do not watch too many sporting events so I am no expert, but this is how I am noticing it. So here are the groupings followed by the schedule. Looks like the site still needs to be updated a bit, but it's basic enough to let you all know what is going to happen.

Thursday:
5 – 8:10 P.M.: Beginning of group round to establish ranking
9 – 10:30 P.M.: USA vs USA expo bout

Friday:
9:30 A.M. – 4:10 P.M.: Continuation of group round
5:30 – 10 P.M.: Beginning of elimination round

Saturday:
9:30 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.: Elimination and placement rounds

Sunday:
10:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.: Elimination and placement rounds
6:30 P.M. onward: Closing celebration at Crowne Plaza ballroom

So I am cheering for the US, since well that's where i live, but I am hoping this event helps bring attention to the sport and brining new fans to the sport. I believe you can watch it on Derby News Network, but not sure how the stream will be.

Arizona Derby Dames 2012 Season Schedule

2011-11-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

So here's the 2012 season schedule for my favorite league, well favorite league I can go to and watch what isn't via the internet.

Should be an exciting season and the first bout is coming up next week!!! I feel like last season just finished.

Shopping for a Derby Girl

2011-11-23T12:35:00.001-08:00

While my derby status is still spectator despite that some of my co-workers introduce me to people as the awesome derby chick (awww!!) I still love all the stuff that is out there for derby. Whether it's an awesome shirt or gear (I'm hoping that I will get some skates, a helmet, and pads this holiday season) derby girls need some loving too. So here is some items I think kick ass or other important things to look at before you go shopping for your favorite derby girl or derby fan.

First Derbylife has posted a like Black Friday list of shops that are having some great deals for the biggest shopping season of the year. The nice thing for those of you who are like me, tend to hide in your house until the December 26th these shops are on-line and you don't have to fight with mean old ladies for the last shirt. So check out Black Friday Derby Sales via Derbylife and feel free to send this to your loved ones as to hints of where they can shop for you.

Next let's go to etsy. If you haven't heard about this site, it's AMAZING. It's like amazon for handmade items. If you have an interest in something more than likely someone who has an amazing craft talent has made it and put it up on etsy. It's a site you want to avoid unless you have lots of money because there is some amazing stuff on there. If you just type in roller derby in the search tab you get over 3,000 items. This is stuff that is tagged roller derby. Here are just a few of my favorite items.

Roller Derby Cookbook
This looks really cute! I don't have it so I don't know how good the recipes are, but it seems like a great way to support a derby team. It's $15

Tattoo Inspired Roller Derby Print
I am sure you might have seen this image floating around the internet. Well if you really want a print for your wall you can buy it here for $15

Roller Derby Shirt
Let everyone know you are a derby bitch with this shirt. $27.09

Calendars are something we all need, and sometimes you forget to buy one and get stuck with some lame landscape or puppy dog calendar. So there are some derby leagues and others that have roller derby calendars with beautiful derby chicks that will make the year seem so much brighter. Here's some of the ones I love!!

Photographer Joe Schwartz aka Joe Rollerfan has put together this calendar of the 25 top flat track and banked track teams, including my league AZDD. I have seen this on multiple sites, but here's the link over at WICKED Skatewear. The calendar costs about $15.

Derby Girl Blog is probably one of the coolest derby networking site out there. I remember there contest to appear in this calendar and here it is. Pretty cool looking. You can see the pictures HERE on Flickr and buy it HERE.

I have to say that this league has a kick ass name, but you name your league or team after a mafia organization I already think you are bad ass. This looks amazing and you can get it on etsy for $25.

Gear is something every derby girl and wanna be derby girl needs. It's expensive and needed to practice and kick ass on the track. I am sure I could list hundreds of items, but since I am not a skater (at least not yet) I don't know if this gear is really the best of does, what it says. So these few items are things I want that I think others might as well.

If your derby girl is a rookie or wants to start roller derby, a fast way to her heart is buying her a rookie package. Just about every roller derby skate shop has them and the prices vary from $199-$500. Here's some places to look for rookie packages. Roller Girl Skates Sin City Skates

We all know that one of the biggest appeals to roller derby is the outfits. Here's a bunch of shirts, socks, hot pants and other items your derby girl is going to want to rip off her clothes right then and there and try them on.

Wicked Skatewear, SourPuss, Broken Cherry, and Lucky 13 have some amazing apparel for both roller derby and non roller derby.

Well that's it for my shopping guide for derby girls. I am sure I have missed a lot of things so feel free to comment for things I missed that you want to share.

Roller Derby World Cup US Roster

2011-08-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

In case you live in a hole or just do not follow derby news there's going to be a world cup for roller derby and just the other day the roster was announced for Team USA. Looking at the list some of my favorite skaters made the team.

Amanda Jamitinya (Rocky Mountain)
Atomatrix (Oly)
Bonnie Thunders (Gotham)
Claire D. Way (Boston)
DeRanged (Rocky Mountain)
Donna Matrix (Gotham)
Fisti Cuffs (Gotham)
Frida Beater (Rocky Mountain)
Joy Collision (Charm City)
Juke Boxx (Minnesota)
Juska (Denver)
Little A (Tampa Bay)
Medusa (Minnesota)
Psycho Babble (Rocky Mountain)
Sassy (Oly)
Sexy Slaydie (Gotham)
Shenita Stretcher (Philly)
Smarty Pants (Texas)
Snot Rocket Science (Steel City)
Soulfearic Acid (Rose City)
Suzy Hotrod (Gotham)
Tannibal Lector (Oly)
Teflon Donna (Philly)
Tracy Akers (Denver)
Urkin Jerkin (Rocky Mountain)
V Diva (Dutchland)
Varla Vendetta (Windy City)
White Flight (Rose City)

Six alternates have also been announced: Jamsterella of Fort Myers, Stella Italiana of Oly / Des Moines, Racer McChaseher of Detroit, Addy Rawl from Queen City, Wildberry Punch from Madison and Carmen Getsome from Rat City.

Here's the link to the article: http://derbynewsnetwork.com/2011/08/team_usa_announces_28_skater_roster

2011-07-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am hoping for a full-time job, or a more stable job where I can afford insurance so I can practice skating. I'm afraid that if I buy my gear and that I don't have insurance that I will either bruise my tailbone or break a limb. Those are not fun injuries to begin with and then you add no insurance it's really a problem.

List To Do

2011-07-27T21:15:00.001-07:00

These are things I need so I can do roller derby,

Health Insurance
Buy Gear
Learn/ Practice Skating
Get In Shape
Try-out

A Letter from the Bay Area Derby Girls

2011-07-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

Saturday, July 9, was an evening of mixed blessings for the B.A.D. Girls. After a successful Championship event at the Craneway Pavilion on the Richmond Harbor, league members who were transporting the money raised from the event were robbed at gunpoint. Thankfully our league members were not injured. However the robbery was not only a shock to our community, but it took our entire financial reserve and profit for the event, totaling thousands of dollars that would have gone towards both future events and our practice venue. The B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls is a 501(c)(3) and has been entirely volunteer-run since inception. To be robbed of badly needed funds is devastating; to have our league members’ lives threatened is irreparable. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot release further details on the case but we have absolute confidence in the San Francisco Police Department to bring us justice. While the SFPD works on the investigation, the B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls are in dire need of fundraising. We have always depended on the kindness of our fans and our community. In this time of need, we are reaching out for your generosity once again. Like the strongest jammers, we do not fall after one hit, and we have no intention of allowing thieves who would steal from a non-profit organization to stop us from rolling. If you can please donate to the B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls to recoup some of these financial losses, we would greatly appreciate any amount. Your donation will be fully tax-deductible. In addition, if you can donate items for us to raffle or venue space for us to hold a fundraiser, we promise to make it worth your while and continue to bring you the best roller derby in the Bay Area. Like the community that we all practice and play in, we are strong. We have always been a league of extraordinary women who are undaunted by obstacles. Roller derby is a sport that embraces challenges, enables resiliency, and celebrates the spirit of the best in humanity. We intend in honoring that spirit and moving forward from this crime toward a much brighter future with all of you. Thank you again for your support. It means more to us now than it ever has before. To support the B.A.D. Girls, please donate by clicking the “Donate” button on our home page at http://www.bayareaderbygirls.com/. Your donation is tax deductible. You can also support us by attending our upcoming Golden Bowl tournament, Aug. 12-14 at the Oakland Convention Center. http://www.bayareaderbygirls.com/aug-12-14-the-golden-bowl-3-day-roller-derby-tournament To donate a product or venue space, please email pr@bayareaderbygirls.com For press inquiries, please contact katy@bethechangepr.com By: B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls

Joining a League

2011-07-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

So I had a thought and wondered if anyone else has done this or thought about this. I would love to play for AZDD, but I don't think I will every be ready for banked track anytime soon. I'm not ready to play, but I was wondering if anyone joined a flat track league to build their skills and then switched. I know that if I join I might not have this thought, but I was just curious. I know that my dream is to play for AZDD, but I don't think I have the time, skills or the ability to do that now. would joining a league, (there's a few that let anyone willing to learn and play on without tryouts) and once I have done what I have wanted move to another.

I know this might piss some people off since it would be unfair or something. I know that I enjoy banked track more as a spectator, but I don't think I could do it yet. It's just a thought, no need to get crazy on me.

Bout July 23

2011-07-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another AZDD bout! Sometimes I feel bad, that we only go to AZDD bouts, when there are two other leagues here in Phoenix. During the second bout we had some girls from the Arizona Desert Dolls sit next to us. Maybe we'll go see, we don't because we don't watch flat track, but maybe we should.

So last night's bout was hot!! I don't mean the girls and all I mean the temperature. There was a scheduling conflict at the venue so the league was nice enough to use another building. The issue was this building is smaller so less seats and no A/C. I am not sure how it's still possible for any place in Phoenix not to have A/C, but I guess there are some. I am not sure how the skaters felt, but everyone was hot. Luckily I am use to it. I work outside all day and have to deal. They have swamp coolers all over the place, but there was just no way to get them to reach everyone. So it was hot and I think some people were uncomfortable.

The first bout was the Bombshells vs the Runaway Brides. I love the bombshells, but there are players on the brides that I think are amazing skaters. So I was cheering on the bombshells, but there were times I was cheering on for the brides. There was some hard hits and the bombshells won. It was a close game, even though the people behind us didn't think the brides to close or pass the 10 point lead the bombshells had. This game was to determine who would be second in the league.

The second bout was the Schoolyard Scrappers vs The Brutal Beauties. Neither team has won so this was a big game. We left before the game because Mike wasn't feel well and he was trying to stay as long as possible. So we missed half of that bout, but from what we saw it was a good one. I checked when we got home and the Beauties won. Congrats girls!! I know they have been working hard.

The next bout is August 20th and it's going to be different. It's called Punk Rock'n Roller Derby. There's going to be bands playing between the bouts, so it sounds like how roller derby started. The bands that will be there are Authority Zero, Unwritten Law and The Earps. Should be an interesting event.

Skater Intro

2011-04-28T03:52:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to find video of the different intro I have seen, but all I could find was one that showed what I wanted. This one shows one of the 3 ways I have seen skaters being introduced. If there is more please let me know.

1) The skaters skate in a group and stand up and wave when their name is being called

2) The skaters stand at the rail and do a lap when their name is called

3) The skaters stand at the rail and water when their name is called

Now I personally like number 2 because for me I can see better who each skater is. I feel like if a skater is not a jammer I may not know who she is. So this way I get a nice introduction to who she is and what she looks like. I personally have trouble reading the number and names on the back and shoulders of the girl. I feel that this also gives each girl her own chance in the spotlight.

When it comes to the other two introductions, I love that they skate as a time and all, but I feel like sometimes I have trouble picking the skater out when she is skating during the bout because sometimes she does not wave quick enough after her name is called. I have seen at times when two skaters are waving at the same time. So for me I think that this method can be a bit confusing for spectators.

Now it's your turn to tell me which way you like to see skaters introduced. If you have videos to share even better. I would like to see what the consensus is for intro. It doesn't matter if it's flat track or banked track.

Maybe Something Different

2011-04-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

I have been talking to a few people about gear and a few people told me that the pads that come with the rookie package over at rollergirlskates.com are not very good, especially the knee pads. So I was looking at at Sin City Skates there upgrades or a deluxe package that comes with outdoor wheels, the proper pads and all that I need. I check at Rocky Mountain because they are the ones the league I want buys there stuff and individually for the skates, helmet, pads and outdoor wheels it's like $275, but that includes shipping. Sin City charges like $30 for shipping and rollergirlskates does not charge for shipping. I thought I knew where I was going to get my stuff, but now I am at a lost. Money is an issue, but also is getting the proper gear that will protect me.

Gear Look Okay?

2011-04-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the list of what the rookie package I want comes with. Does any of this look like it is not the best or is there a better option that will protect me better?

Riedell R3 Quad Speed Skates
Triple-Eight KP-PRO Knee Pads
187 Fly Elbow Pads
Triple-Eight Wristsavers
Triple Eight Helmet
Shock Dr Gel Max Mouthguard
Reflex Utilitool
Toesavers
Bones Speed Cream

My Plans

2011-04-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

I asked a question a tumblr site called the whip about whether leagues required their skaters to have health insurance or not. What answers I got back was that some leagues do and others do not. The WDFTA has insurance, but my league is not apart of this organization since it's banked track and not flat track. I am not sure if their insurance goes for all derby leagues or just the ones that are apart of this association. So I have e-mailed someone in the league to see what the requirements were, but believe me I know better than to play any sport without insurance because it's not if you get hurt, but when you get hurt and how.

I am sure it's required, but now I have to find insurance I can afford. The problem is the deductible that I would have to pay. If I include my son then it's like $3,500 per year and I am not sure I can reach that number in a year. The other problem is whatever I have to pay per month I may not be able to afford it. I cannot get a full-time job right now because of school and I could get a second part-time job at school, but there's not guarantee that I can still afford it. So this puts a damper on my plans on playing roller derby.

I am hoping to still buy skates and gear when I have the money to get it. I think this summer I will work enough and can justify it. I hope to practice skating at the park across the street from my old high school. Since the area hasn't gone to shit I hope I don't have to worry about any unsavory characters being there. I want to practice without being bothered so no fishnets or hot pants when I practice for sure. I also have ankle weights so I can get back into doing the Roller Derby Workout DVD. I would like to do the workout three times a week unless a new challenge pops up. I also would hope to practice my skating at least once a week, but more if possible. I know some people recommend going to open skate at a skate rink, but the areas of the skate rinks are really bad and I know they are not places I want to be in. Lots of shooting and gangs. I am not joking.

New Hair Cut & Color

2011-04-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

I go through this phase where I want to do something different with my hair. I loved the hair on Hayley Williams that was on the current issue of Cosmo's cover. So that's what I went with. The only thing is her hair is styled and mine well isn't. I am so bad at that, but maybe if I try I will find a way to do it. Right now I am just straightening it, which it doesn't look like I did in the picture, but it's cut... chunky I guess you would say so it's layered like crazy and it's hard to tell. I most of the time I do something short and different I at first hate it or just don't like it to love it once I have slept on it and it has grown a bit I start to like it. Some of the time.

The one nice thing about this haircut is it's short so when summer comes here to Phoenix I won't have to be dying with long hair.

What does this have to do with roller derby.... nothing.

Derby Derby Derby

2011-04-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Another AMAZING night at the Coliseum with AZDD on Saturday. Mike and I got there early because the county fair was happening at the same venue, not inside the Coliseum, but the parking lot is turned into the fair grounds. There was no mentioned of it on the leagues website and we only knew about it because we had the new one the other night and they were talking about all the fry food at the fair. We thought we might as well not only get there early, but also eat at the bar and grill inside. It’s always advertized, but when we went in they told us they were serving just drinks. Now I am not sure if this was only for that one night or if someone has been lying. We figured that food was better than the concession stands. They have food just sitting out and we got hot dogs the first ever bout and the buns were hard and the dogs weren’t even that good. This time we got chicken tenders and they were okay. Over done, but it was something too keeping us full until the bouts were over.

The night thing about arriving early we were able to get great seats. Though somehow we always get those idiots who either make fun of the whole thing of derby or those who don’t get that people want to just watch and not hear about which girls they want to “do”. At the last 5 minutes of the last bout we had a guy who was like the dad who yells at his sons team what to do. The other nice thing was that I got to watch the girls run some drills. Usually we just get to see them warm-up, which is usually just laps or doing crossovers up and down the slant of the track. Some of the drills I know I will not be able to do right now. I don’t have the strength in my thighs to do it. At least not yet.

The first bout was our travel team, the Hot Shots vs Seattle’s Tilted Thunder Rail Birds. I think the announcers want to say Tilted Kilt, because that is a chain of pubs we have out there. I guess this league is very knew, this was their fourth bout ever. Also about four or five of AZDD players were filling in. As they were warming up I only counted 6 girls and I knew that was very low and that they would be extremely tired by the time the 1st quarter was over. Though I think, many people didn’t hear the announcement because our girls were given different names for playing on their team.

The first game was good. The Hot Shots won, but the Rail Birds did a good job. As usual Elle Mayhem was amazing!!! She was finding holes, leaping through the pack and other crazy moves to get lead jam and score points. Goody Goody Blooddrop and Mizz Nashty also did great jobs at jamming for the Hot Shots.

The second bout was hard for me, I love both teams equally, yeah I know how could I be like that, but I am. I only had a Bombshell shirt and so I wore that to cheer them on, but man I was still clapping for the Coffin Draggers. They were so good and I was impressed. Mike likes the Coffin Draggers and kept telling me, I was going to loose. I just laughed at him because since I like both teams I didn’t loose. I was amazed with Craven Cadavers, but I always same. She’s impressive and you could tell that she was having such a great time out there. Both Mike and Myself did notice that the Coffin Draggers were very spread out in the pack. Two or three of their blockers would be far ahead of the pack while the Bombshells were keeping the pivot and the jammer from getting through. I am not sure what their strategy was, but luckily, it did not cost them the game. It was a close game throughout. It was about 9 points different the entire time.

I was thinking about my derby name, I know every girl who either is in derby; about to join or wish she were a derby girl obsesses over the name. I actually think I thought of a better one than Fallen Bettie or Irish Whiskey. I’m going to keep it to myself for now, but it is after my favorite video game. I already checked the registry, it’s not taken, and nothing is close to it.

I’m thinking that when I actually have money, I will buy the rookie package I have wanted to get, practice at either my local park or the one by my old high school that was a trail around the lake, which is kind of like a track. It’s roundish, but not an oval. I also want to get health and dental insurance so I can be covered when I get hurt. I think the next group of tryout will be in October or September and if I have the money and the time, I might tryout.

I need to get back into doing the Roller Derby DVD. Not sure when there will be another challenge, but I need to loose some more weight. I don’t know how much I weigh, but I started drinking diet soda and I feel like I have lost some of the weight. My jeans fit a bit looser and my belt notch is higher than it has been. So maybe with skating and doing the workout on top of the few changes I have made to what I eat and drink maybe I’ll be back to my old self.

The most important thing in trying to do this is I need something for myself. Work, school, my son and my friends are important, but there’s always been something missing. I miss doing something fun and being with people who share my passion. I’m not getting any younger and I feel like if I don’t do this then I will burn out and start to irrational things.

Other Derby Leagues

2011-02-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I was home by myself so I was able to watch the end of the LADD VS Gotham bout. Now this is pretty cook to watch because Gotham plays flat track and LA plays banked track. So for a team to play on a track they are not used to play on is pretty impressive to watch.

I was looking around LA's website and I saw that they have a fitness sessions for women and men who either want to play roller derby, or just do it to loose weight. I was that and wished my local leagues had something like that. I would love to learn to skate and everything related to derby for fitness and then be able to try out. I only have a local skating rink that's in a run down area of town that has learn to skate classes. I rather be taught by derby girls and not in a class with 8 year olds.

I also noticed that some other leagues have boot camps or just several days of derby training. Now I know I would defiantly benefited from this.

I know that once I get my skates and gear I hope to start practicing the basics like how to fall, stop and crossovers. I just remembered that the park across the street from my high school has a concrete path around the lake. I think if I go at the right time I can avoid the high school kids who might hang there. It would help simulate the track. Well it's not exactly oval, but still good for endurance training.

Book Review: Going in Circles

2011-02-24T23:50:00.000-08:00

I read this book a while ago on my kindle. I wasn't sure what to think at first about it, but I was curious to see what it was like.

The synopsis of the book is about a woman who is separated from her husband and feels trapped in her job. She get involved in roller derby, when a co-worker introduces her in order to get her out of her depression. Derby helps her figure out what she wants to do with her life and make the changes she needs to be happy.

I really like this book. I felt that I can relate to the main character. I am not getting a divorce, but the reasons why she like derby is the same reason. I think this book is defiantly a book for any woman who is thinking about joining roller derby, but not sure if you want to do it or not.

Now I do not play roller derby yet, so I am not sure how accurate the book is, but from what I can tell it was pretty good.

Roller Derby Updates

2011-02-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to the Arizona Derby Dames second bout of the season. This time our travel team was playing LA's travel team and the Brutal Beauties vs Runaway Brides. It was a fun night!! We went with 4 of our friends, one of them had been to roller derby and the rest had not. Two of the guys that came with, were not impressed, but the other guy was and wanted to come back. So it wasn't a total bummer to be around people who don't get the sport.

The first bout was the two travel teams. Boy LA did a might fine job. Our jammers has issues getting out of the pack. Craven Cadaers who was amazing last game seem to have trouble. I don't know if LA was better at not giving her holes to squeeze through or what was going on. Our team just wasn't scoring, but the ladies were trying their hardest to win. The second bout was the Brutal Beauties vs Runaway Brides. Elle Mayhem was captain of both games and played through both games. She hardly got a break and was playing wonderfully. I was surprised she could keep that stamina up like that.

Last night they were trying to raise money for Celeste, she us to play for the league and was just recently in a motorcycle accident and is in a coma. So they were selling ribbons because she wore ribbons in her hair and had donation jars to help with her medical bills. Mike bought me one in the Bombshells colors. I wore it today at work, but have to seal the ends because it's already fraying.

Also thank you to everyone who has commented. It means a lot to know I have others who are following along and giving me so much needed advise.

~*~ Fallen Bettie ~*~

Off the Wagon Already

2011-02-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

Geez it's only the first week I have already not kept up with the workouts... the meal plans as well. I have no good reason other than I have had other things on my mind. When I realize I haven't don the exercises well it's like 3 am and I am trying to fall asleep. I've also been the only one home with my son and he's been a bit fussy since he's teething again and taking steps to start walking. So things haven't gone to plan. Also, tomorrow I have a long day, I have a meeting to go about a new degree program I might want to enroll in and then I have studying to do. I say I can do it when everyone is asleep, but that is usually when I have time to get my homework done. I just need to find a time I can fit exercise in.

I have the DVD sitting next to me on my desk and that has not help me remember that I need to do my exercises. Maybe pictures on my wall by my desk of derby girls and what not might help. Any suggestions to help be me to at least work out?

Intro to Challenge

2011-02-07T02:17:00.000-08:00

Which Skates?

2011-02-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

When I get my tax return, which won't be a while since I haven't done my taxes yet I want to buy my skates and gear. My options is go either buy the Riedell R3 rookie package from http://www.rollergirlskates.com or buy the gear separately from Sports Authority who only has skates I've never head of. I am not sure what to go with. Any help or suggestions?

Obviously the whole package for like $225 is a good deal and the skates sound like they are good quality. The others are probably going to fall apart with the beating they will get from me practicing all that I will need in order to feel confident when I do try out.