That's the censored version of my reaction walking into raw meat training last night.
I was a little bit rushed to get there, soaking wet from the rain, and rather flustered by the time I walked in the door, but to see a long white line of nervous freshy virgins awaiting instruction was an almighty sight to behold. 100 in total and so pristine in their new gear looking like a bunch of penguin's (I'd forgotten what that was like!). You could smell the anticipation in the air unlike a league training session where the smell is usually our stanky pads!Barrelhouse Bessy and Rebelicious! were the trainers for the evening, and did an almighty job in wrangling so many new and anxious participants. They started the evening with a warm up and get to know you game. Everyone skated around and when Bessy called out a number we had to form groups of that number.
Next up was weaving drills with cones, nice big ones, then a bit tighter, figure 8's and if you were game backwards weaving.
After that everyone split into about 10 smaller groups to get some more personal instruction on stopping. T'stops and snow ploughs for now..... lot's of practice on those, and finally Reb's gave everyone a demonstration of how to ride the track, as an introduction to crossovers. Again split into smaller groups and helped the freshies hone their skills in this department.
So many memories came flooding back to me, it's been a year now since I was in this situation, funny how you recognise yourself in other people, but also great to be able to reassure them that yes, you WILL get better... Just keep practicing!!!
Time flew and the next thing I knew we were in a huddle ready to do our "end of training" cheer, feeling very proud of our new tribe, and relieved I didn't injur myself after loaning my wrist guards to a needy freshy.... that is until I got kicked in the shins in the huddle by a falling freshy lol, Take this as a reminder, it's not a question of IF you'll get injured, but more so a question of WHEN!!!
Mouldy advice:
Blow Up Betty: "Aftercare tips: Stretching! Cause those thighs are gonna be burning today!"
Ivanna Shoverova: "Practise throughout the week wherever and whenever they can...maybe let them know how stoked we are with all of them? They're all so lovely!"
Freshy testimony:
Gemma Vendetta: "I felt that the vibe was nervous, yet ultra excited, and all the girls I met were awesome! The derby girls (and gentlemen) were so kind, caring and supportive, I felt like I was MEANT to be there! ♥"
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