I was not committed at first but in the time since my first practice I've really grown to love derby. I love the workout. I love the different ladies that come out and practice. The atmosphere is supportive. I push myself. I feel apart of something bigger than myself while being able to see that I am a vital piece. I call it the Sisterhood of Sweat and that is exactly what it feels like. It is a sisterhood. Everyone pushing each other and supporting each other and working together.
So far I have bought myself some pretty elemental gear. Derby is more expensive than running for sure but I don't think I realized how much I missed being on a team. Running is solo work; derby is teamwork. I have a new to me pair of Riddle R3s, which are starter speed skates. I hope to upgrade in a few months. I just upgraded to a Sisu mouthguard! I'm very excited! I have Triple 8 wrist guards. I'm using Shawn White elbow and knee pads; these I need to upgrade next! The knee pads don't fit at all. I can barely keep them on. So all in all I've spent just under $200 in gear and I'm looking at dropping another $100 or so in the near future for better pads and new wheels.
Our rec league is affiliated with the East Texas Bombers and we are lucky to have two bombers run our practice, SoHo and MC2. I think part of the appeal of derby for me is that for once I'm not alone in believe I can do this. It honestly feels like each lady that comes out believes that we can all do this derby thing. When SoHo yells at me to push just a bit harder or that I got this, I believe she means it. I got this. I can see where each lady fits. I can see where I fit. I belong and I fit in. I love derby!
Anyways, I have no derby name yet. I'm playing around with a few. I think I'm going to have people vote on my derby name on Facebook just to see what happens. Since this goes out to the whole world I won't be posting all the details of practice and such but dropping me an email or look us up on Facebook for more details and come out and play derby with us!
