I struggled, and took off most of Q4 2012 to think about a few things and work out where I was going, and returned in 2013 with a new laid back attitude to the role of derby in my life.
I enjoyed training so much more, and so started to achieve small successes and improvements. These lead me to realise that what I really wanted was to find out how much I could achieve if I really committed, and so following a holiday, that’s what I did. These are a few things that have happened since:
Return to training from trip to NZ
TBB B vs Liverpool – blocker//played 21% jams//-0.83 VTAR Avg*//1 penalty minute
I commit to improving my fitness as a means to advancing my game, and start going to the gym
TBB establish a relationship with Aspire Fitness in Cardiff and attend regular strength and conditioning slots
TBB B vs Croydon – blocker/pivot//played 20% jams//2.27 VTAR Avg//1 penalty minute
Attend a scrimmage with TBB, Crime City Rollers and LRG Brawl Saints
TBB B vs Leeds B (no stats)
Chartered for TBB A team Q4
Georgia W. Tush (Montreal Roller Derby) guest coaches for TBB
I cut my long hair off primarily because I don’t have time or inclination to look after it any more what with all the sweating
TBB B vs Helsinki B – jammer (5.5 PPJ**)/pivot//played 40% jams//-1.47 VTAR Avg//4 penalty minutes//Awarded Best Jammer
After thinking it over and initially missing out due to indecision and self-doubt, I apply for and attend Team Wales try-outs when some spaces open up at the last minute.
TBB B vs Dolly Rockits – jammer (3 PPJ)/pivot/blocker//played43% jams//0.13 VTAR Avg/2 penalty minutes
TBB A play top European ranked team London Brawling on my birthday. I’m disappointed not to be rostered but have an awesome weekend watching them, hugging them, drinking wine, eating cake and wearing glittery unicorn transfers.
Play Sur5al Heroes (Co-ed) – I was on a team with some fantastic skaters and learned so much in one day
Invited to attend the second round of try-outs and chartered for Team Wales
Demanda Riot (B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls) guest coaches for TBB
Rostered for A team Scotland trip to play Glasgow and ARRG – my first A team bouts since my return to skating (just under 12 months ago)
TBB B vs Newcastle – jammer (4.09 PPJ)/pivot/blocker//45% jams//3.28 VTAR Avg//0 penalty minutes//Awarded MVP(!)
Rostered for TBB A team USA tour including ECDX tournament
Team Wales training, fundraising and planning begins
Attend Anarchy in the UK for the first time and take part in scrimmage, having soaked up a whole load of inspiring derby and saying hey to RockyMountain
Rogue Runner (London Rollergirls) guest coaches for TBB
I’m just going to say it: I’m really proud of myself. I’m not done yet though, and I’m pretty excited to find out what else I can achieve!
Photo from croatoandesign (thanks!)
*VTAR Avg: This is one of the many stats produced by the wonderful clipboard holders at bouts. VTAR stands for Versus Team Average Rating, these ratings allow you to see a player's performance compared to the other skaters on their team, regardless of whether the team won or lost. The VTAR Average is the average number of VTAR points scored for (positive number) or against (negative number) the team when this player was on the track, so positive is better and negative is not so good.
**PPJ: Points Per Jam (scored)
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