but oh my GOD was it like putting on your favorite old pair of jeans when I put those 80a's in

feels so smooth and comfortable just PERFECT digging into my edges
(for now hehe see you in a couple months when I get used to these and decide I want even more dramatic action)

the second practice was with the vets - was paired up with a coach for a one on one blocking drill. it was intimidating but i feel like i understand things a little better than before. needs a lot of work! so does my hitting! got to figure the timing out, but i'll get there

These are things that are quite difficult for me to recognize and remind myself of in every day life. So it's beautiful and uplifting to be in a space where not only am I supported going through these challenges, but encouraged as well. And the fellowship and camaraderie is something of its own 💖

This is exactly why joining the roller derby league has changed my life. Every time I get on skates, I prove to myself that I'm resilient, that I have grit, that I'm not too old to learn, that my body is powerful, and that failure is a step on the journey rather than the end.

The feedback that I received and the demonstrations and explanations really helped me understand mechanically what I was doing incorrectly. It's not like I'm suddenly amazing but there is finally definite, clear progress on two skills that I was allowing to defeat me.

Anyway, it's okay. I'm going to commit to giving more on my practice the rest of the week. Time on skates is time on skates or whatever 🙂

But my head was not in it this morning when we started. I was distracted by things that don't usually bother me. My skates felt "off". Couldn't find my groove. And that sucks, because my coaches planned in time for the skill I'm missing, and I feel like I didn't make the most of it. That's on me.