Midgerator

An off-skates journey with CrossFit DeCO [www.crossfitdeco.com]

[midgewilhelm]

I forgot to post this huge hit!

This is a GIF I made from the State Wars Roller derby tournament in Daytona. It was the Championship game, Team Colorado versus Team Texas. I get a huge hit taken on me as I went to jump to get out of the way. I have never flown this high before.

Here’s the full video cued to the beginning of the jam if you want to see the hit in real time.

[midgewilhelm]

2015?!?!

The first week of 2015 has commenced! I’m somewhat overwhelmed thinking about all the goals I want to accomplish this year: learn new skating skills, perfect current skating skills, build all the muscle possible, perfect my olympic lifting form…and this doesn’t include a few side projects I’ve got going (league tracking system, MongoDB class, super secret derby project).

Yup, it feels like a lot. Fortunately, they are all attainable goals, so long as I stay balanced. I sometimes have a hard time balancing all the things (like remembering to write this blog when I’ve been sick and not had a set schedule for a few weeks). But, in the end, I have to make sure I have my priorities straight.

The tricky part is when these priorities conflict. For example, I had a roller derby meeting at 10am followed by spending the day with a friend from out of town. I spent the previous evening with a friend that turned into a late night. I had to prioritize if I would go to an 8:30am WOD or spend that time sleeping. I decided that since I’m still on antibiotics for a sinus infection and I didn’t see any chance at napping during the day, I would skip the 8:30 WOD and sleep instead. Did I feel grumpy that I missed working out for the day? Yeah, a bit. But I could have chosen the evening before to not stay out as late. Or I could be OK with my decision to skip the workout knowing that tomorrow is another day.

So, I’m going to be OK with the fact that I didn’t workout today and enjoy time with friends. Tonight I will go to bed at a reasonable hour, and wake up refreshed and ready to push myself at the open gym session tomorrow. Because, you guys, I increased my clean and jerk to 120# (from 95#) and my snatch to 85# (from 75#)! Now I just have to meet my 500# back squat goal and I’ll never fit in another pair of pants again! JK

2015, come at me!

[midgewilhelm]

The soft-season

Roller derby Champs are over. We came out in the top 8, winning our first game against the Philly Roller Girls and losing by less than 40 to the B.A.Y. Area All-Stars. Our team is so full of talent which makes you fight that much harder to get a roster spot and feel defeated that much more when you don't. Coming into to the weekend, I wasn't expecting to play both games but I was fortunate to have done so. I received only one penalty the entire weekend, an unavoidable low block that was redeemed with 10 seconds left in the jam and me receiving all 5 points by twisting my hips and coming in hot. What a rush.

The regular season is over, both a relief and a bit of a bummer. Two or more practices a week from February through October practicing things I know and trying to get better at things all the while helping your teammates get better. In two weeks, Team Colorado goes to Florida with the possibility of playing up to 7 full-length games (one hour each) in 3 days. And then, regular season resumes in January. So, what am I doing between now and then?

My plan is to go to CrossFit three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday (afternoons for the days I can't talk myself out of bed at 6am). Wednesdays I'll attend scrimmages and probably one or two league practices. In this time, I'd like to start increasing my weight now that I seem to have most of the form down and building as much muscle as possible. Already I've seen a change in my body from minimal CrossFit and maximum roller derby practices. I was also able to feel on the track the time and energy I've put into building muscle, albeit minimal so far.

If you haven't checked out a CrossFit gym or are scared of it because of the stereotypes but are interested in putting on muscle, I urge you to do a little research and check one out. And if you live in the Denver area, check out crossfitdeco.com to have all your stereotypes blown out the window and be encouraged all the way.

How I've come to know so many great people and have these great opportunities, I'm not sure, but I'm thankful for all of them. Here's to becoming GIANT in 2015.

[midgewilhelm]

When working out can't be your work

The past few weeks I've been struggling with my schedule. The project I'm on for work (I'm a software developer) is demanding much more of my time as a project deadline is closing in. 3 weeks until a demo has to be complete, working nights and weekends, and all I can think is "What would my life be like if working out and playing roller derby was my job?" Let me be clear, I absolutely love my job. I'm a tech nerd and love learning new things, especially when it comes to programming. But sometimes staring at a screen all day everyday just gets tiring. I'm also not really good at taking breaks when I should.

My other downfall is that I love to sleep. And being active makes you need more sleep. And, right now is THE best sleeping weather. Crack a window at night, get me under a thick comforter: all of my willpower to do anything is completely gone. Then comes along my 6am alarm blaring in my ear to make sure I get to the 6:30am CrossFit class. The sun is just rising and my body is still recovering from a late roller derby practice. I can always, always find an excuse to stay in bed. "That extra hour of sleep will do me good!" my groggy mind thinks. And then only half fall back asleep only to wake up grumpy to my second alarm making a terrible sound reminding me that I don't have as much will power as I thought.

Remembering your ultimate goals in the midst of feeling weak, tired and rundown is really hard. And yet while it takes time to see the results of all the hard work you put in (which is sometimes years), there is still instant gratification once you've finished a good workout. Sure, you may not be able to move your legs or arms, or anything, but it's a feeling that you can't replace except with doing it again. And again. And again.

So, I guess, in the midst of these crazy next few weeks (that I'm crossing my fingers doesn't turn into months), I will go workout and give it my all. And I will probably be grumpy about it in the beginning sometimes, but I am pretty positive that I will always be glad about it in the end.

[midgewilhelm]

Training is strenuous [listen to your body]

Turns out that training is a bit strenuous on your body. The Monday following my insanely week-long packed schedule of miscellaneous training, I went to a CrossFit class. It felt great, though I was still reluctant to put on the suggested weight to ensure proper technique, and Playoffs were in the back of my mind. To cause any injury now all for trying to be as big as Hulk Hogan would be really frustrating. Probably embarrassing as well.

Meanwhile, the real world decided to represent in a big way, which resulted in my missing both a Tuesday MHC practice and Wednesday scrimmage against our town rivals, RMRG. I love roller derby, a lot. As much as I get my butt kicked, I really dislike missing practices. Luckily, there was another MHC practice scheduled for Thursday and a game scheduled Saturday night against the Bridgetown Menace dudes. Thursday I went to practice, warmed up with some sprints, followed by footwork drills including hockey stops and power slides. Then we started on wall drills and immediately the back of my right shoulder began to hurt. It wasn't a sore feeling or an over-stretched feeling; it felt tight, to the point that I couldn't lift my arm even to shoulder height. I was already feeling grumpy from not having been active the two days prior (I might have an addiction?), and to have pain made it even worse. I found a HotPocket someone had left in the freezer since I couldn't find (see) any ice. It helped some, so I decided to try another wall drill. My shoulder was not having it and I had to watch the rest of the night. I went home, took some Ibuprofen, iced and stretched it out.

The next morning it felt almost completely better, which was strange and more obnoxious. I had planned to attend a CrossFit class that afternoon, but decided against it so as not to risk not being able to play against Bridgetown the next evening. So I skipped class. I went for a brief run Saturday morning followed by some one-legged squats because...why not? My legs were fine and at this point I had to do something. My mood felt much better and I felt excited to skate that evening. While my shoulder did feel a little tender, I was able to skate really well and was even voted MVP Jammer by the dudes. I felt really honored.

Monday rolled around and I had against planned to attend a CrossFit class. But, this being the week of WFTDA Playoffs in Sacramento, I decided against it and just to do some light leg exercises since we had a team MHC practice the next day, scrimmage on Wednesday and our first Playoff game on Friday. In the moment I wanted to push myself, but I again had to prioritize and be able to see the long-run impact and important in my choice. And I'm glad I did. We won our first two games at Playoffs, allowing us to play the game for first and second place and guaranteeing a spot at Champs with the 11 other top roller derby teams in the world. And while we lost to the 50+ game winning streak team Gotham, we gave them a fight like they haven't had in a while and showed the potential of our team in just a short amount of time training and adjustments. Oh, and we got a silver medal. YES!

I arrived back in Colorado today with a little bit of soreness and a whole lot of excitement to prepare myself for Champs. I was reminded by the importance of being able to listen to your body when it needs a rest and how sometimes, it's better that way. If you're constantly tearing your body down, at some point it will break unless you give it some rest. I'm glad I did. Now I'm ready to tear it down for the next 7 weeks before Champs.

Week Schedule: Mon. 08.25 - CrossFit [Day 3] @ 4:30pm Tue.  08.26 - n/a Wed. 08.27 - n/a Thur. 08.28 - MHC @ 6:30pm (skating only) Fri.    08.29 - n/a Sat.   08.30 - MHC vs Bridgetown @ 7pm Sun.  08.31 - Bike ride

Mon. 09.01 - leg/core resistance exercises Tue.  09.02 - MHC @ 8:30pm Wed. 09.03 - Scrimmage Thur. 09.04 - rest up Fri.    09.05 - MHC vs Santa Cruz Derby Girls Sat.   09.06 - MHC vs Minnesota RollerGirls Sun.  09.07 - MHC vs Gotham Girls Roller Derby

[midgewilhelm]

Watch out for CROSSFIT STACIE!!!

The sport of roller derby is becoming increasingly more athletic. Even since playing with Denver's Mile High Club for one and a half years, I've noticed a difference in athleticism from last year to this year. It has been incredible to watch and play against skaters who are noticeably stronger by doing some sort of cross-training in conjunction with their regular roller derby practices. I am fairly new to playing sports, roller derby being the second sport I have ever played (so long as jump roping counts as a sport), and continuously inspired to be the best all around player I can be.

Unfortunately, like the majority of those who play roller derby, funding travel, gear and dues is a feat in and of itself, let alone having the extra monetary resources to cover a gym membership. I've also realized I thrive in a structured environment. While I have the discipline to go workout on my own, I don't have the drive to push myself as hard as I could with other people. I decided to look into some of the gyms and respective classes that Denver has to offer and ask if they would let me train with them for trade. I contacted a CrossFit gym and received a response from the owner, Leslie Friedman and am STOKED to be attending two classes a week.

I can read your mind now that you've seen the word "CrossFit" and I get it. Typically when you hear the word CrossFit, the burned image of a steroid pumping, weight lifting maniac resurfaces in your mind. Maybe because that's what the media often portrays or maybe because you've seen it for yourself first hand. Just last night I was reading a post from someone who went to a CrossFit gym for the first time and saw written on the wall something to the affect of "even if you're puking or bleeding, just don't quit." Despite all the negative feedback that I've read about CrossFit, I also know there is benefit to it, just like any sort of excercise where you are willing to push yourself.

Form is everything. If you don't have proper form, the results will lack tremendously. This is something I am having to remind myself. I tend to jump into things and just figure it out as I go because I want to be the strongest and fastest and best RIGHT NOW. But the truth is, that only comes with time. As well, because of the nature of CrossFit, increasing weight too quickly without proper form can result in injury, sometimes permanently. That's been enough incentive for me to ease into it as I start working with Leslie and the rest of the trainers at CrossFit DeCO.

All that being said, this blog is dedicated to my progress. I'm going to be keep track of each day's exercises along with their weight, as well as all the practices and on-skates activities. I know that my ultimate goal of being the best at roller derby is going to take time, especially with the sport ever changing. But I'm OK with that, because I'll be able to look back and see where I started and how far I've come. LET'S DO THIS!

The first week consisted of "Fundamentals" classes. They were able to consolidate them for me from four class to two 90-minute classes. We went over different lifts: dead lifts, push press, and all the others that I can't remember the names of right now. I'll admit, it was a little overwhelming trying to remember the proper technique for each, but they sort of build on each other which made it less daunting. We also reviewed proper form for pullups and learned how to do "double unders" with a jump rope. I was glad that my two years of jump roping came into play here (though I prefer my jump ropes; there, I said it). Both classes ended with a 10 minute workout and while we didn't work with any weight, I was sore the next day.

Day 1: I must say, I was a bit nervous going to the first class. Even though I went to the Fundamentals classes, I still wasn't sure what to expect: pace, expected weight, scary vein-popping humans.

Once I arrived at the gym and realized the other people in the 4:30 class weren't muscle bulging yelling lunatics, my mind was put to ease. I looked around and saw a few others stretching a little before class started, so I went right into the dynamic stretches we do for derby.

Haven, the trainer for the day, was super helpful in explaining each piece of each exercise, the goal, and the expectancy if not able to meet the goals within the time limitations. I kept the weight lower than what was on the board to ensure my form was correct. Plus, only a few weeks before Playoffs, so no need to injure myself.

Day 2 Today I was feeling less intimidated and excited to go pump some iron, as Arnold would say. I read through the board as I did my few dynamic stretches and understood about half of what was written, which maybe helped me not feel one way or another about the day's workout plan. It was the first time since...I'm not sure when...that I did some rope climbs. Haven taught me the proper way to shimmy the rope up around your foot as you climb, and the proper way to leverage it for coming back down. I decided to only go halfway up the rope in the case that I would fall in trying to adjust the rope correctly. And at that, I only lasted a few. Maybe I'd have less reservations if it wasn't so far into the roller derby season, or maybe that was my way of making it OK in my head.

Week Schedule: Mon. 08.18 - MHC @ 6:30pm Tue.  08.19 - CrossFit [Day 1] @ 4:30pm, Bruising @ 6:30pm Wed. 08.20 - Scrimmage! Thur. 08.21 - Home Team @ 6:30pm, MHC vs GC scrimmage @ 8:30pm Fri.    08.22 - CrossFit [Day 2] @ 4:30pm Sat.   08.23 - Home Team Champs @ 7pm Sun.  08.24 - Rest/pajamas