GOALS!

This was actually taken last month. It's even better now 🙂

I’m six months into my goal setting year. The last month and a half I’ve been working really hard and I’m seeing and feeling results. In fact, I can cross a few things off my list as definitely accomplished! I’m posting pictures which is extreme goading on my part. But I figured I can toot my own horn every once in a while. 🙂

Running

It’s a lifestyle for me now and my fitness has increased by leaps and bounds as a result. Plus myself and bunch of other derby peeps are eyeing a 10k in August. Epp!

Core strength

Check! Two months ago I couldn’t hold a side plank on my left side. My stability has greatly increased and I feel my overall skating ability due to my increased core strength has improved.

I still can't win an arm wrestling contest. Maybe one day

Arm strength

Check! I have a long ways to go. But when I look at pictures of me from last August, I’m surprised my arms didn’t break like toothpicks.

As a side note, my entire body shape has changed as a result of derby. It’s a pretty fascinating transformation, actually. I wish I had taken a before picture back in December.

Toestop running

Check! This photo was taken of me at our fundraising bout. I can still push harder, but this form is a big accomplishment for me!

Now I just have to lengthen my run and jump a little higher!

Be a more aggressive jammer

I feel I’m much less timid compared to January and I’m pretty sure most of it is from the extra confidence from the extra training I’m doing.

Knock a bitch down

There is always room for improvement, but it’s happening!

Backwards crossovers

Check! I am not used to skating backwards fast, but I can do some good clean crossovers!

Fast tomahawks

Getting there! Oh so close!

Diet

Water consumption has increased and I’m making good choices about what I’m eating, while not denying myself either. Breakfast is still eluding me, but I’m getting a little better.

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A with the list of accomplishments, I still have some things I want to work on

• Jump the apex
• Stronger personal head game
• Stronger strategy game
• Gain weight (in muscle)

So that’s my training update! I have made a promise to myself to get back into blogging (it’s hard when the weather is nice) and to get back to topics I’ve promised myself I would write about. So hopefully you’ll be seeing more of me soon! Plus I have much to share about the last two games I played in. It’s been a good derby-filled summer so far!

🙂

The importance of cross-training

Back when I was a young fresh meat skater attending the CWRDA bootcamp in Edmonton, I remember hearing the words of skater Hisset Fit who spoke, prior to a training session with a Calgary speedskating coach, how important cross-training was in roller derby. She then stated as proof, that her right leg was larger from the left as a result of not focusing enough on other parts of her body.

Well, my friends… it has happened.

A right of passage, perhaps? Or a signal to get busy?

This is my scientific measurement of my thighs. Without a proper flexible measuring tape, I opted to use my belt. Sitting, while placing my feet firmly on the ground and an even distance apart, I wrapped my belt around each thigh and marked the distance. I was careful to ensure that I was taking measurement from the same height above the knee of both legs and a consistent tension of the belt.

The result is 1-1/8 inches of difference between my thighs. (Sounds kinda dirty hahahaha) While some would see it as a great increase in strength on one side, I now see it as definitive weakness on the other, as my derby wife pointed out. So I will be altering my off-skate activities to focus a bit more on my left side as I will always have roller derby practice to focus continued strength-training on the right.

Have any of you measured your thighs lately? I’d love to hear your size difference, if any. 🙂

Other tidbits:

• I will be playing with the Gas City Rollers next weekend in Calgary against the B-52 Bellas! Come out for awesome double-header action! May 14, 2011, doors open at 5 p.m., first bout at 6 p.m. Triwood Arena, 2244 Chicoutimi Drive Northwest. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
• Our coach has been spending portions of practice working fundamentals. I feel it’s really paying off! My transitions are smoother, my tomahawks are more confident at higher speeds and I feel much more powerful on my starts. I’m excited to continue working on my footwork to reap even more benefits in my general skating.
• I’m changing gyms soon and moving to a more intense regime. Wish me luck!
• Mother’s Day is coming! Happy Mother’s Day to all my momish readers!