Sk8 Heaven bootcamp

As part of my World Cup preparations, I spent last weekend in Northampton at Sk8 Heaven advanced roller derby bootcamp. We had over 100 skaters, famous coaches from Canada, the US and the world, and two full days of roller derby action. I joined the camp's All-Star level with other World Cup skaters from Team Scotland, Team England and even Team Brazil!

 

My classes started with one hour endurance drill coached by Pia Mess. It didn't end up in puking despite her reputation "Pain is just weakness leaving your body". I think she was going soft on us.

Bonnie D. Stroir

Bonnie D. Stroir's lectures were inspiring, giving food for thought about the mental game, setting your goals as a sportsperson and using visualisation as a part of your training regime (I'd bee already doing this!). Being in control of your emotions and the mental game is very important in the heat of a bout - roller derby is a fast and aggressive sport and being able to stay clam and perform is vital.

Pitchit

Pitchit brought us default strategy, crystallising the game into four situations and the four default actions against them. Following the presentation, the strategies were practiced on the track. 

Isabelle Ringer

Isabelle Ringer made us sweat off-skates with a combination of warming up, plyometric, core and balance exercises. This was a real feel-good session - she says it has direct derby specific benefits and people attending the session were excited about making it part of their training routines (so am I!).

And there was so much more... Blocking and hitting classes, gear workshop, more entertaining lectures, scrimmage and only one broken ankle (get well soon!).

It was a great weekend with 7am breakfast starts, doing derby till 5pm, followed by relaxation in the hotel's saunas and pool, and without forgetting the crazy after party... which my league, Bristol Roller Derby, brought with mad costumes and madder dance moves!



DIY Wobble board

I'm adding core, balance and agility in my workouts. Balance (or wobble) boards sounded fun and simple and so I decided to give it a go making one myself. Wobbling on the board activates muscles and I get to work on balance that's so important in derby.




I found this board on the floor - it's a perfect size and shape for my Wobble.




I have to attach a wobbly bit to the bottom and its size will affect the lean of the Wobble. More lean means more challenge. I settled somewhere between 18 and 14 degrees.

I found a saw on the floor and some material too to make the round bit for the Wobble. I later found out the piece of wood was actually one of our floorboards and very important. Oh well. Now it'll help me to get to the World Cup!

Once I had sawn the round bits, I marked where they should go and screw them to the bottom of the board.

And that was it! I have a WOBBLE! It's fun and a great workout.

Jammer, here is your penalty

It's so cool this got captured (thanks Juha Halmu Photography)! I remember this well and it was one of the best moments (and best jams). I blocked Team Sweden jammer out of bounds and unfortunate for her, she entered front of me sending her to the box. This was a fine jam for our Kata Strofi!

Must focus when about to attack

Another lovely shot from the Leeds vs Helsinki bout in September - this one is by R. Nicholson. Those wanting to hear about Team Finland vs Team Sweden bout on Saturday, bear with me as I gather my memories...

Praise for Juke 2.0

Uniform preview

What my bottom will wear on Saturday... 

Must stretch before a battle

This is such a nice photo! Taken by Jason Ruffell at Leeds B vs Helsinki Roller Derby. I guest skated for Helsinki. It was a really great game (yes, we won!). Leeds girls were so lovely. And the merby match was incredible... loved it...