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!